BLUF: Might not be worthwhile. The primary experience of the Hayden Planetarium is "Encounters in the Milky Way", a 20-something minute movie narrated by Pedro Pascal about how our planet fits into the solar system, how our solar system fits into our galaxy, and how our galaxy fits into the universe. "Encounters in the Milky Way" is good, but might not be worth the extra cost of admission these days, as there are any number of Netflix shows, YouTube videos, etc., that explain the same material with equally impressive visuals. Admission to the movie isn't included for Pay-As-You-Wish customers. For these customers, the total price paid jumps from whatever one chooses to pay, say $1 per person, to a minimum of regular admission plus the ticket for the movie -- at least $30 per adult. For those who decide to pay for the movie, choose a seat in the back, along the walls if possible. Those seated in lower rows will have to crank their necks to get everything into view, because the seats don't recline. It is possible to visit the supplemental exhibits that surround the planetarium (the movie theatre itself) without paying for the movie, but then that experience might feel a little incomplete. read more

I truly love the Hayden Planetarium,it sort of magical to me with a true realistic how planet works The Hayden Planetarium, located in New York City's adjacent American Museum of Natural History, was founded in 1935 The exhibits are fabulous with breakthrough astronomical studies inspiring for all to go to enjoy read more

Hayden Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

The Planetarium is an excellent place to visit, but the posted hours are 5:30 on Sundays and we were yelled at multiple times starting at 5:15 that we needed to leave the area. I've been to plenty of museums near closing and don't remember being told I have to *leave* that early. If security is going to get people out 15 minutes before closing, then the hours should be adjusted. I also agree with others that for a separate, ticketed movie, 20 minutes is a bit short. But love having Pedro Pascal narrate! read more

A great side trip when visiting the American Museum of Natural History. Great, informative shows and displays. Looking forward to the next trip! read more

Really was a let down. Specifically the show. I don't know if this was different when I was a kid but going back 20 years later. Was it always just a small room with forward facing chairs (not ones that are reclined that point you up to the ceiling) ? Maybe as a kid with all the imagination it's better. The show was nothing more than watching a documentary on YouTube. Would have rather spent my time seeing more of the awesome museum. read more

Part of the history museum entrance or it seems. $39 for each adult for every possible part of the museum experience. May be worth it if you have several hours to spend here. $28 per adult for the basic entry. The Big Bang theory was interesting. The African animals was also nice to look at the displays. The layout of this museum is all over the place, hard to get a good flow and see as much as possible. read more

See all

A little costly but worth it. I wish the planet show went a little long and the seats reclined more. Overall it was nice to feel like a kid again. Afterwards, I went to see the butterfly's and it was just magical. read more

I have been coming to the Hayden Planetarium since I was a child. When I have been to many planetariums over the years, none is comparable to Hayden Planetarium. It is the best. read more

Hayden Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

The Hayden Planetarium is just a theater that is located inside the Museum of Natural History and is basically just an add on. A general admission ticket is $25.00, but to see the 30 minute show inside the planetarium, it is an additional $5.00. I first came here during an elementary school school trip. The space shows themselves are nothing special and are meant more for children. read more

I've been to the Hayden Planetarium about three times over the past two years and as result have seen the "Dark Universe" film 2x and the soon to open "Worlds Beyond Earth" show once in a preview. I've enjoyed it each time that I've gone and was fortunate to not have screaming children around me like some other Yelper pointed out but honestly if this is the case during any show the staff should be enforcing more quiet and perhaps they need to set aside a certain showing where younger children can attend and be themselves. I can agree that the seats are in need of being adjusted to look up a little easier but I was not overly uncomfortable during my screenings. I enjoyed both films and the exploration of the region just outside the Planetarium afterward. Sure you are going to find yourself exiting through the gift shop but I don't think anything avoids that nowadays. You are always able to say no and if you have tons of kids with you who will want to purchase something just be that adult that says "no" and shoo them out. Maybe distract them with the dinosaurs exhibits to get them to move along. Good luck. read more

Hayden Planetarium - The Planetarium. - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

Pretty good. The shows are better than the guided stories. Small but nice for families

We thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits that the planetarium had to offer. The "Worlds Beyond Earth" was a great program, being an astronomy nerd, there wasn't much new information covered that i wasn't aware of. My companion however was enthralled with the experience. My favorite part of the planetarium was the timeline of the universe, that provided details that was easy to grasp. The food in the cafeteria was probably my least favorite, but you don't really go to the museum for the food. read more

How or why this page is on Yelp I don't know as the main site for Hayden Planetarium is: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hayden-planetarium-new-york-2 Worse yet, the planetarium is located off 81st Street not at 81 West Central Drive. Or, you may enter through the American Museum of Natural History which is at 200 Central Park West. I'm really out of step with the consensus of my fellow Yelpers with regards to the Hayden Planetarium. In going, I was so sure I would love this place but for me it proved to be nothing but a big letdown. First off, the Hayden Planetarium is located in the AMNH Rose Center off 81st Street without any visible signs indicating exactly what it is or where it is. It appears to be little more than a backroom afterthought of the American Museum of Natural History. When you enter, you may enter through some revolving doors that hide the name, Hayden Planetarium, from view. Turning to your right is a big row of electronic kiosks supposedly designed for ticket purchases though none of them are functional. Each is posted with a sign stating "Please See Representative," leaving you with the question of what representative and where. Once you procure your ticket you're herded up a floor to some dark area to see a little hardly visible flat screen to hear some inaudible words of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, then herded onward into the big round globe of a planetarium. Pretty soon an overhead movie comes on. Unfortunately the chairs are designed for you to view forward, not up, so plan on possibly getting a good crick in your neck before it is over. The movie itself is pretty good but the nonsense of vibrating your seats for no apparent reason seems silly, unnecessary and overly gimmicky. Once you've seen the movie you can go out into the hallways which at best resembles little more than a second hand Lower East Side flea containing all kinds of souvenirs, t-shirts, children's books and the like. Or if you like you can bore (at least it was soooo boring to me) yourself looking around at a bunch of rock like exhibits or snap shot like pictures of space. To me, Hayden doesn't amount to much. It's more of an afterthought attachment than a well-defined standalone destination and way too gimmicky. read more

Hayden Planetarium - Entry into the planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

See all

On your "list of things to do" before you depart from the living is visit the Hayden Planetarium. The Planetarium has been renovated and I'm talking my grandkids this summer. You could spend the whole day there, if it rains you'd can eat at the Planetarium. Entrance is FREE for those living in the Tristate area. read more

My boyfriend and I went to the planetarium for a quick visit during a trip to NY. It was our first time going and as huge Neil deGrasse Tyson fans (and space fans in general!), we were super excited. We didn't get to see any shows, as it was a quick visit, but we still had an amazing experience. There was a lot to see, a lot to learn and wonder about. It was beautiful and interesting. The gift shop was the real fun, and that's one of the reasons I'm taking the time to write the review. I bought my boyfriend a gift and he got me one, we left like kids coming from a candy store, really excited. However, we get home (to Michigan) and find out that his gift was defective. Obviously we are too far for a direct exchange, so I emailed the museum explaining what happened. They responded pretty immediately asking what the product was and offered to replace it for free, no worries about sending back the defective item! I responded happily and I just got the product today, a few days later! Not only did they send the product, they also sent really beautiful post cards with it. I would highly recommend checking the museum and planetarium out, and I am really thankful for their great customer service! read more

Hayden Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

My family and I were here to enjoy a day at the Museum ,after Christmas the line was around the block 2 times ... After waiting 1 hr in the cold , to get in and be told the show has been canceled and we have to wait on another line for 40 minutes for a refund the person who was working behind the window Seems to have no knowledge of how to properly handle the issue. A suppose to be happy trip to the museum , Turned out to be a nightmare at The museum , With over 2 hrs of wait time on line not to mention. The crowds . Felt like New Years in Times Square . The capacity of the place is 1774 and there is way more people than that here which is a hazard on top of delays and unnecessary long lines . There only priority is to take the $$ and good luck , if there is any issues. read more

My friend and I got tickets to Exotic Skies at the planetarium and were very excited to go since we haven't visited a planetarium in a long time. This was our first time going to this specific planetarium, so we didn't know what to expect. Getting into the planetarium was pretty easy. The employees were very nice and directed us the whole way to our seats. The show started a little after 7 and was pretty decent for a planetarium show. My only complaint was that the presenters could've been a little more exciting, some parts were boring. I would definitely go back if I was confident that the next show I was seeing was by good presenters. read more

Hayden Planetarium - Views from the elevator on our way to the Exotic Skies showing. - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

House music under the stars. There are not many things in life that beats this... It is a great venue for a DJ set and whoever thought this idea up is a pure genius. Where else can you geek out to the planets while listening and jamming to some good house music? Galaxies, constellations, planets, stars, space shows. It was magical, fantastical, and out of this world. They do serve alcohol, but choices are limited to wine and beer. There is also a coat check. Buy your tickets early as this show always sells out. This might a be monthly regular when I feel the need to escape Earth... read more

Watched Worlds Beyond Earth. I was entertained, educated, and impressed. Haven't been to a planetarium in years, and the technology has improved markedly. Learned a lot about asteroids, moons, and the importance of magnetic fields to life. read more

I haven't been to a planetarium in over a decade. I remember going for elementary school field trips & then in high school for a different kind of trip... Anyways, fast forward to 2009, I'm all grown up & all mature & actually want to go to learn something *gasp, snort* (i know, even as I write this, I am in disbelief at how different I am from my teenage self.) My mom & I walk in, grab a seat (there is no "bad" seat in a planetarium) & look up. The room goes dark & a voice that can only belong to one Miss Whoopi Goldberg narrates the scientific magic playing out on the dome. "Journey to the Stars" was phenomenal & captivating. I can't believe how incredible our universe is! A must see if you are anywhere in the vicinity of the American Museum of Natural History. read more

It doesn't take much to amuse me. A simple formula of 3f + 4w + 1b* usually yields a good time had by all. But recent events suggest that it's time to diversify the old review portfolio. I.e., Yelp included a snippet of one of my reviews in its weekly Metro newspaper ad. Right above my picture, it read: "Category: Drinks." Color me typecast! So here's an explicitly non-alcoholic review. We've all heard of or gone to a showing of "The Wizard of Oz" accompanied by Pink Floyd, right? The SonicVision show is kinda like that, but the Galaxy stands in for Dorothy and a Moby mix replaces Pink Floyd. So if you've been on the hunt for a place that lets you listen to U2 while you watch eyeballs bouncing around planets, your search is over! "Flight of the Conchords" fans will also chuckle when Bowie comes on during another space scene ("This is Bowie to Bowie..."). As I've already said, this is a substance-free review, so I can't comment on how other variables may heighten the experience. But you can probably guess. In addition to the sounds and sights, the chairs shake at times in sync with the soundtrack. Unfortunately, I found this uncomfortable and jolting. Also, if the show is going on above you, they should really make the seats recline a bit more. My neck was feeling it by the end of the 40 minute screening. And in all seriousness, I wouldn't recommend the show to anyone who is epileptic, drunk or sensitive to motion sickness. Seizures and / or *reversals of fortune* are no one's idea of a good time. Regardless, this was definitely one of the most unique dates I've been on in awhile. I should also mention that if you get the tix from Goldstar (one of those free newsletters with discount offers), they're $7.50 a piece. Which is great, because in addition to being all the rage this season, "cultured and cost-conscious" will really never go out of style. *Where f=friends, w=well-made cocktail and b=bartender with yummy accent read more

Hayden Planetarium - Photo courtesy of Goldstar.com - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

The Journey to the Stars was very nice. Moving chairs, bright graphics. However, it's extremely unfortunate they do not set minimum age requirements. A toddler was screaming and crying the entire time. The parents did not have common courtesy to take out the child. The kid was screaming, I want to get off, it's scary! The room goes completely pitch dark, and assuming kids have night lights, this isn't catered to toddlers! Seriously! Everyone in the room was upset, a fun time ruined. It's also so inconvenient to explore the planetarium b/c you have to see a mini film for 6-7 minutes to go down the spiral. How can they not have direct access to downstairs? The whole museum needs a better map and accessible routes!!! read more

See all

Such a mind blowing experience, I was upset prior to going into the journey to the stars exhibit because my friend wussed out due to his fear of being in enclosed spaces..although come on...it's spacious in there and it's just like a movie theater with the screen on the ceiling..no biggie. After seeing the show, I completely forgot I was annoyed because it was just so beautiful. It felt like you were sitting under the stars but at such a close range. It was also educational without making you feel like you are in an astronomy class. At the end I just felt sorry that my friend missed out on such a great experience. read more

Love this addition to the Natural History Museum. Everything was so new and informational. We bought the special ticket to watch the Dark Universe and I thought it was really worth it. The show was amazing and the seats were comfy (maybe it would've been a tad better if the seats were able to be leaned back more so we didn't have to bend our necks to get the full visual). read more

Hayden Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

Awesome! The Hayden Planetarium is in the AMNH Rose Center. In the Star Theater, check out the "space shows," including the Zeiss Star Projector system replicating the night sky. Also, check out the the Big Bang Theater, which depicts the birth of the universe to Liam Neeson narrating. There's also some great lectures and talks here. read more

Hayden Planetarium - Gorgeous view on a clear night - Planetarium Near Me - New York, New York

Oooo the graphics are awesome. And narrated by none other than Guinan her eternal self, also known as Whoopi. The waiting room to get in is kind of a bore. The TVs are all at weird angles and Neil putting on sunglasses on the video is just weird. There are not enough benches to go around and then there is a mad dash like people nearly getting trampled when the doors finally open to go inside. But once inside, sitting down and staring at the sky, all is well. read more

The Hayden Planetarium is currently holding hourly screenings of a film detailing the creation of our galaxy of stars. The fun and interesting movie is playfully narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, which makes the astronomy lesson entertaining and easy-to-follow. Weekend evening laser rock shows play to a jazzy, festive young crowd. The dome-shaped ceiling and unique take on a trip "to the cinema" provide an out-of-the-ordinary activity. Be warned, though, that the comfortable seating makes you fight to stay awake. read more

Hayden Planetarium is definitely something to visit while you are in New York City. The signs for the kiosk not being functional are still there, but the lines move rather quickly when you are purchasing tickets. I would suggest going when they open, so that you don't have to worry about long lines getting into the Planetarium or museum. There is also parking adjacent to the planetarium if you are traveling by car which is nice. I do agree some of the exhibits on the bottom floor could be revamped to be more interactive like I have seen in some of the visitor centers at NASA, but there were employees stationed at kiosks around the Hall of Universe that had interactive exhibits about space that you could see, so that was neat. Overall I came to see the Dark Universe show and left impressed and inspired. Will definitely come back to visit! read more

See all

Do you like screaming children? Do you enjoy paying $25.00 for a three year old 25 minute long movie? If that sounds fun than you will love the Hayden Planetarium. Do yourself a favor and skip this. It's a scam! read more

The Hayden Planetarium is located inside the American Museum of Natural History. It's most famous now for being the home and haunt of Neil Degrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and pop culture educator, but it also serves as a place where you can watch special films for a separate ticket from your regular admission price. They have a decent, Disney-like waiting area, with stuff to entertain you while you wait for the show. They also have a photograph opportunity, where you can have your picture taken, prom-style, for purchase later. We were a bit disappointed because for our group, there were technical difficulties, and we didn't get to even see our picture or purchase it. It's a comfortable planetarium, I didn't see that there were any bad seats. The show we watched was about the existence of dark matter, and was visually quite beautiful. I would say that, particularly if you can get a good deal on a ticket, this is worth seeing at least once. However, at about a dollar a minute for the show, it's sort of hard to justify. read more

SPAAAAACE. I got tickets for "Dark Universe" narrated by the forever amazing Neil deGrasse Tyson. You get your ticket, wait in line, they usher you in and you get your picture taken in space. Then you wait in the waiting room until everyone is in and you get a seat. I went to the earliest showing on a Thursday so there weren't too many people which was nice. Small gripe is that they say "every seat in the planetarium is a good seat." While I somewhat agree, the seats don't lean back so you can't really get the full experience as the movie is displayed over the entirety of the dome. Lots of weird neck positions to see what was going on all around me. The movie covers a lot of basic space and science concepts but great to watch nonetheless. Visuals were amazing. A must see. read more

First, don't be fooled into paying the full $27 upon entrance of the museum. It is a suggested donation. Give them whatever you want, THEN get the ticket for the planetarium inside for $13.50. Better getting on line again than being ripped off, specially because the $13 price is written in small lettering on the bottom of the pamphlet of attractions. That's honestly kinda scam-y in my museum fanatic's opinion. I've always wanted to go, so yesterday I brought my little sister along. I was surprised by Hayden Planetarium. The show (Dark Universe) was better than I expected. It was actually pretty cool. It was half an hour long and worth it. I would come back. Lots of little children, lots of them not have yet been taught to be quiet during a "movie." Random tourists taking pictures with flash and being reprehended for it. lol Lots of seating. Come here 5 minutes before the show starts - not for the preview (that no one watches) - but because parents seem to line up downstairs by the elevator with their kids wayyy before the show starts. You don't have to line up if you show up 5 min before it starts. read more

Well what can I say? This place is ok. The Adler in Chicago is way better than Hayden. This place is also still playing Dark Universe, which is several years old and outdated. Save your money and rent Dark Universe. read more

I feel bad about writing this, but I was disappointed. First of all, we went on a Saturday. I don't know if the exhibit portion of this museum is always closed on Saturdays or what the deal is, but we had to pay the same $27 per person to see a 30 minute film on stars (narrated by Whoopi Goldberg) but NOT get to see the exhibits. The film wasn't even that interesting, and considering it was about stars, it could have been stellar......pun intended. Why did we have to pay the same price AS IF we were going to the exhibits? We couldn't. We missed out on more than we saw, and the movie was boring. $27 wasted.......x 4 people. A lot of money to be disappointed over. I really wanted to like this place, too. read more

Maybe I've seen too many planetarium shows, but I was underwhelmed by my recent visit to the Hayden. First and last, it was TOO FREAKING HOT. This is elementary, and inexcusable. If you have hundreds of people in a dark room, sitting on top of each other, you've GOT to regulate the temperature. As it was, we began to doze off like a can of steamy, sleepy sardines. Plus, the film, which was about Dark Matter and which was narrated by science superstar Neil DeGrasse Tyson, was a bore. I think it's safe to say that if I'm sitting through a planetarium show about Dark Matter narrated by the current scientific media darling, and it's boring, you're doing something wrong. I think part of the problem is, we simply have little clue as to what Dark Matter is, so there's really not that much to say on the topic! I had a lot of trouble staying awake. Sorry, Neil. Sorry, Hayden Planetarium. But if you bore me to the point of sleep, you've failed at your mission statement. read more

Seriously, do I even need to post a review? GO. Take your time, and slowly (relatively speaking) travel through and appreciate the last 13.82 Billion years of our history. We went to the "Dark Universe" attraction. It was great, but what would you expect? Unfortunately we didn't do any of the other major attractions, but there's so much there to see and do it would take a couple of days to really appreciate all of it. One of my favorite experiences in NYC for sure. read more

The Hayden Planetarium is a very cool looking globe shaped Planetarium in the glass building (The Rose Center for Space and Earth) connected to the Natural History Museum. I went there yesterday for the Journey to the Stars show narrated by none other than Whoopi Goldberg. The show is about 30min long and costs $24 ($16 if you're still hanging onto your old college ID). I found that to be a little over priced but the show was very cool and extremely informative. The information in the show will absolutely blow your mind. Before the show you wait in a large dark room full of LCDs playing a pre show video about the sun and stars. It's interesting and I'm glad there was something to watch while we waited. The room soon filled up however and by the time the doors to the planetarium were about to open the room was so cramped with people standing up on each other I thought I was on the 7 train during rush hour. In hind sight I probably would have stood in the back of the room where the crowd was probably not as bad because there really isn't any bad seat in the house (just the seats next to people talking). I wished the seats reclined a bit more because you do have to bend your neck a bit to look up but since the show is only about 30min long you're probably not going to have a sore neck for long (if at all). All in all it's a cool Planetarium and I enjoyed the show. read more

I was kind of disappointed with the planetarium. I had visions of laying back and being transported into outer space, in total darkness, surrounded by bright, vibrant stars. Not quite. Regular movie theater style chairs arranged in a circle (I recommend sitting in the back, even though front row seats instinctively seem better, as it's hard to see the whole screen from the middle). Movie about the stars and Earth's sun narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. We didn't learn a lot of new things, but it would be better for children. Overall, for an extra $6 (using student ID's), it wasn't bad on top of museum admission. At the same time, if you are limited on time, I would recommend skipping the planetarium and spending more time in the exhibits, where there are too many things to see in one day as it is. read more

I was a huge space nerd when I was a kid...Space Camp, telescope and all. So naturally I had to check this place out and go see the Journey to the Stars show. Great narration by Whoopi Goldberg. I felt like I was sitting in 10-Forward getting a lesson from Guinan herself. Oh yea, little bit of a Trekkie too, but that comes with the territory I think. The show is definitely designed for a slightly younger audience I think, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Just be careful if you are epileptic, have vertigo, or become easily nauseous. It's a little trippy in the effects department. I'll have to admit though, I thought the show was a little over priced...we got discounted tickets for $22 each...blah..and it's only a 25 minute long show. Definitely worth seeing, but I think that pricetag is a bit steep. I don't think there are really good or bad seats in the place, but it seems like sitting near the outside of the dome rather than in the center would offer the best view without straining your neck too much. read more

You guys! I saw Simon Cowell here when I went to the show! What?!?!? Its a celebrity hot spot now! That's right, learning about Dark Matter from Neil deGrasse Tyson is the only thing you need to do this year. I loved going to the planetarium and so far has been the only interesting thing to do at this museum. I don't understand the fascination with stuffed animals and a bunch of fake trees? Ok the Dinos are cool but anyway. The only reason I took off a star is because its so expensive. Even with a student ID you get $2.00 off. The show is amazing and I suggest sitting towards the back for a better view and out of earshot of the little critters. read more