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    H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

    2.7 (46 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Lexi B.

    We went here for a family day, and it was a great time with family even in a time where we are restricted. It felt so great to go out and do something together. We were lucky to have most of the space to ourselves as there is a limit on how many guests are aloud in at once. There is so much to read and learn about all the amazing things that have taken place over history within the adventures of exploring space. Within the tour you're able to look at a piece of the moon, see a real rocket, and also see a real space suit that was worn by an astronaut who sadly just past away. It is a great piece of history in science mixed in with some fun learning. I recommend this fun activity for anyone and especially to those interested in space! They had a Mars Rover hands on experiment that was great fun as it was a competition between teams. I won't spoil the fun and give it away what it was, but it was a good laugh for even us adults. Happy learning!

    Donut D.

    Visited during a short layover in Vancouver. This center is located just outside of the downtown area. $12 cab ride will get you here from the cruise dock. Spent $60 for the family ticket to this visit, quite disappointed for the money spent. The exhibition was small, though has some interesting information for the kids. Prior to the visit, all were excited about their dome theater but upon entered the whole show time was done by slides and live person narration. We were hoping the show is conducted by film or movie like. The live narration had lots of pauses which made the experience less exciting. On the day we visited, 2 school groups also visiting. We felt the staffs were giving all the attention to the groups only.

    Menstruation caught you by surprise?  No worries!  You can buy a tampoon for 25 cents!
    Jasmine A.

    The last time I went to the Planetarium (seriously, who calls it the HR MacMillan Space Centre? Everyone calls it the Planetarium) was three years ago, when I first got the Inspiration Pass. The last time I went before then was.... in the 80s when I was a child? Maybe I went once in the 90s, I don't know. (Wait, I just remembered, in the 90s, I caught a laser show set to rock music like the Smashing Pumpkins. LOL.) Anyway, my point is, I've only gone to the Planetarium a few times, so I decided to hit it up again as I could gain free admission with the Inspiration Pass (plus, it's in the same building as the Museum of Vancouver). When I went three years ago, I caught an evening show on a Saturday evening, but this time, due to my schedule, I went on a Monday afternoon. I realize that Monday afternoons are going to be much quieter compared to a Saturday evening, but the place was practically empty. It was sad. Because I had nothing better to do, I caught a science show on gravity, and while it was pretty cool and interesting, there were only six people, including myself, watching the show. Kind of depressing. I also watched a movie on black holes, and I nearly fell asleep. After the shows, I looked around the Planetarium, and unless I missed something, the Planetarium's exhibit consisted of just the one room. At $18 for an adult admission (children's admission is $13 to $15), it's pretty steep, considering there isn't much to see. I have no idea how it can financially keep afloat--perhaps it gets a lot of business from school groups? I really wanted to like the Planetarium and give it at least three stars, but I just can't. It was just sad, and I wouldn't recommend going, unless you can get a discounted rate.

    Front of museum~
    Edward L.

    This sounds kinda bad, but I almost burst out laughing when I stepped inside this museum. It's a LOT smaller than what I remember as a kid. Also, you know you're not in Houston or Cape Canaveral for sure. Pay parking is available in the giant lot out front, but why throw money away when you can park for free a block away? Admission here is pretty steep for what you get ($15 for an adult), and several of the exhibits are pretty dated. CRT screens still? Really? Fortunately, the few kids running around were oblivious to this fact. To give them credit, the models of the various satellites sent up over the years are pretty interesting to look at. And of course, there's that famous moon rock that you can actually touch - 1 of 5 touchable specimens in the world. I didn't know the moon was dark brown. If you've never been to a space museum, then this could whet your appetite, but if you've been to any of the NASA ones, then don't bother with this one.

    Sample of moon rock
    Connie W.

    We came here with two other families during spring break. The last time I was here was in the late 80's and it seems it hasn't changed much since. We walked through their small gallery filled with information about our solar system, touched a sample of moon rock and read about Apollo 5. My kid seemed to be quite intrigued and enjoyed the mini live show they had. For the adults, there wasn't really much to be excited about. We came during spring break and it was very busy. They offered an extra rocket building/launching activity for the kids in the atrium. The kids had the opportunity to build their own rockets from 2L pop bottles and added cardboard nose and fins. Then they took all the rockets outside and launched them with pressurized bike pumps two at a time. The kids seemed to have a lot of fun and relaunched several times until we had to go watch the solar system show in the planetarium. The solar system show was interesting but the commentator had a very very soothing story telling voice that put all the adults to sleep after 10 minutes. I think it's a great experience to take the kids for at least once. Bring your own food and snacks as there is no cafeteria there. Admission is $18 for adults (20% discount if you have an aquarium membership) and children 5 and younger are free.

    Crab with the fountain.
    Kristine H.

    I went here recently for the Vancouver Browncoats charity event for Can't Stop the Serenity. The facility was clean and the theatre was comfortable. The staff that I encountered were pleasant and helpful upon our arrival. I can't review their offerings because we were just there for an event but from what I saw, it looked interesting. The bathrooms were clean and so was the facility in general. My only dislike was the parking. It was plentiful but it was rather pricey. According to the staff there, they advised us to be mindful of the time change and ensure there was the proper amount paid. Around six o'clock, I saw several people dashing outside to be sure they had enough on their tickets so they wouldn't GET a ticket. By the way, there were two families of ducks in the fountain in the front. In the centre of the fountain, there was a massive metal sculpture which I loved. A stylised crab with its massive claws reaching upward toward the sky. It looked like some sort of beast one would best in order to gain the treasure in its grasp... what? I'm a gaming geek. Don't judge!

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    4 years ago

    Fun and very educational! Highly recommended. A bit of a walk from Granville Market, but very doable!

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    8 years ago

    After visiting Planetarium Space Theatre today I believe this the sole reason to visit this museum.

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    7 years ago

    Disapointing,all you get is 1 show that lasts 45 minutes,and some 20minutes science presentations,and is expensive for what you get.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Review Highlights - H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

    I can't express enough how much my family and I enjoy our visits to the HR MacMillan Space Centre.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    H.R. MacMillan Space Centre - planetarium - Updated May 2026

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