Mueller Planetarium is located inside Morrill Hall. Shows are available to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the exception of home football gamedays. Tickets may be purchased on site at Morrill Hall.
Planetarium Ticket Prices
Planetarium ticket prices do not include Morrill Hall admission. Museum admission is required for planetarium access. Please note that planetarium ticket sales end 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the show. Admission to the planetarium will not be allowed once the show has begun.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Adults (ages 19+)* | $6.00 plus tax |
| Children (ages 3-18)* | $5.00 plus tax |
*Members receive $1.50 off general admission price
Group Visit Options
The museum offers discounts for large group visits. Groups must book at least 2 weeks in advance, and payment must be submitted in one installment via one payment method. Group visit rates include admission to Morrill Hall. Groups may select the planetarium show they wish to watch.
This month's shows
Beyond the Sun: In Search of New Earth
Saturday: 11am
Ages 6+ | Runtime 25 minutes
Enjoy a journey through the Universe with young Celeste and the moon to discover what exoplanets are and how they can be detected.
Mysteries of your Brain
Saturday 1pm | Sunday 1pm
Ages 8+ | Runtime 22 minutes
Explore what makes the human brain so special. Zoom along the paths of neurons, find out how human and animal brains differ, and experience illusions on a grand scale.
Unveiling the Invisible Universe
Friday 3pm | Saturday 3pm | Sunday 3pm
Ages 14+ | Runtime 28 minutes
For thousands of years humans watched the night sky with their eyes, until Galileo’s telescope in the 17th century revolutionized our view of the Universe, and 20th-century rockets and detectors of X-rays, gamma rays, neutrinos, cosmic rays, and gravitational waves opened thrilling new ways to explore the cosmos.
Planetarium FAQs
What is a Planetarium?
A planetarium is a domed theater. Instead of a rectangular screen in front of you, as in a regular movie theater, the dome overhead is the screen. Our seats tilt you back so you may comfortably view the show or presentation. A planetarium offers a unique and immersive experience you cannot get at just any movie theater venue.
Why do you charge separate admission?
Planetarium admission is separate from regular museum admission. This policy has been in place since the planetarium's beginning. Planetarium revenue from ticket sales goes towards maintenance costs, equipment upgrades, and new content for your enjoyment!
What is your age policy?
We recommend children be at least 4 years old to attend a show due to the nature of the theater and the content of presentation(s). However, we do have some shows that could be enjoyed by younger children ages 2-3.
Why can't I come into the planetarium after a scheduled show begins? Why can't I get back in if I leave during the show?
This is for your safety. The planetarium is different from a regular movie theater, with motion presented overhead and around you. This makes for a more immersive and unique experience. However, this motion is enough to make you dizzy or disoriented. Additionally, your eyes will not adjust to the sudden change in lighting between the lobby and theater. If you plan on attending one of our shows, please give yourself ample time to find parking, visit the restroom, etc., before the show begins. Theater doors open 10 minutes prior to show time and close promptly at scheduled time.
Why can't I visit the planetarium when there's not a show happening?
When there is no show or presentation taking place in the planetarium, there's not much to see except a dark room.
Why aren't public shows available during the week?
During the fall, winter, & spring seasons the planetarium is used as an educational component providing shows and learning resources for school groups. There are occasions when public shows are available during the week, including the summer season. Those will be clearly shared on the museum's website when available.
What is your refund policy?
You may receive a refund on a planetarium show ticket before show time. If you purchase tickets and are late to a show, however, you may not enter the theater (as explained above) and will not receive a refund. You may exchange your ticket for another show that day only, but a refund will not be issued.
Mueller Planetarium History
In 1958, thanks to the generosity of UNL alumnus Ralph S. Mueller (for whom UNSM's planetarium is named), the museum opened a "theater among the stars" at Morrill Hall. Mueller Planetarium was the first planetarium to open in Nebraska, coinciding with Space Race just getting underway and public interest growing in space exploration and the stars. The original SkyView shows were popular with scout groups, school groups, and museum visitors from nebraska and neighboring states. Visitors reported feeling like they were alongside astronauts in space while keeping their feet on the ground.
In 1977 Mueller Planetarium brought the first laser light shows to Nebraska. It was also the first facility to bring fulldome technology in 2007.
Today the planetarium continues to explore cutting edge technologies and serves as a portal transporting visitors from their seats to far away galaxies, the depths of the ocean, or other locations on earth. We hope you'll consider a visit the next time your in Morrill Hall.