Got to visit for a special one of a kind experience here. The only planetarium in NY state hosting limited timed laser light shows for Phoebe Bridgers new album "Lost Weekend". Super easy process to check in and put my phone in a yondr pouch; as this was a phone free event. I loved that pre show while waiting in our seats they had Phoebe Bridgers music playing. The laser light show was exclusively made for the album. I really enjoyed getting my first listen with visuals which enhanced the experience. The RMSC staff were very kind and helped to keep the exciting energy going for the event. Really glad I was able to go as the shows kept selling out. read more

I've been going to the Strasenburgh since early childhood. It's an incredible local gem of interest that's been around for ages, a wonderful spot for those so inclined towards space, science and the stars. Great shows, a wonderful experience. If ever you are at the museum this is a great place to visit. It's a time capsule of knowledge, and a wonderfully nostalgic generational experience that has somehow both stayed fresh, even as it stays as it has been since I was six. read more

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Not what it was. I was a member and a huge fan of the Strasenburgh Planetarium back in 1972, so returning after more than 50 years was a nostalgic experience. Back then, the planetarium felt truly special. I remember attending concerts where the band performed behind the dome. With the lights off, they were completely hidden while the stars were projected overhead, creating a unique effect that was unforgettable. The theater also had comfortable reclining seats, and the star projector itself was the centerpiece. For its time, the projected night sky was remarkably realistic and made every show memorable. On this visit, I was disappointed by how much had changed. The original star projector has been retired from regular use and now serves mainly as a display piece, although I understand it is occasionally operated for special programs. The current digital projection system didn't provide the same crisp, realistic view of the night sky that I remembered. I also found the replacement seating far less comfortable than the original reclining chairs as mentioned in the review below. I understand that maintaining a facility like this is expensive and that upgrades require funding. Even so, I left feeling that some of the planetarium's original charm and sense of wonder had been lost. I hope future renovations will improve both the seating and the presentation while preserving the history that made this place so memorable. read more

Show was great and informative. The exhibits they have, while not many, are fun. Was disappointed to find the gift shop was closed after the 11a show leaving us no option to buy anything. read more

We arrived about 30-40 minutes early for the show. There were several displays located in the building, some were interactive and they also had very interesting information in each one. It took us around 20-25 minutes to walk around then it was time to get on line for the show. We had purchased our tickets ahead of time. They have senior and military discounts with ID. The "Night Sky" show lasted about 45 minutes, it was extremely interesting and well narrated live by one of the employees. There were several children there of all ages but they were so quiet and totally absorbed with the show. I would definitely visit again and see another show. Parking was right next to the building and was free. read more

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Haven't been here in years, we came for a traveling show. I'd skip it next time and do a musical lazer light show instead.

Took my young friend visiting from FL to the Planet Show. It was nice to see familial names of Planets, Stars, Constellations, and learn about new discoveries(Galaxies, Moons, etc). An announcement of monthly telescope observations will keep me checking often their activity calendar. Educational and fascinating to see the sky. I will visit often. read more

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You can go to learn about history and space. They also do shows for outer space but they also do laser shows. Definitely go and enjoy with family and fr read more

This planetarium is top tier in my opinion.... Reclining chairs , great visual and sound effects , friendly staff . I attended the Stranger Things laser show this past Saturday for $12 - it sold out ! I can understand why - fun family event with fun 80s music and lasers paying tribute to the popular tv show . I enjoyed the experience and would go to future shows as well . read more

I'll be frank I reviewed this place with the Space Museum. I love an idea of a Planetarium but maybe I'm biased as I use to go to the one in Chicago. It seems that they have better seating and it's a cool place to rent out for events. It's a cool space but due to Covid things are different and check the webpage for info. It was fun to see Carl and finally check out this place but it needs another endowment or something. The share a parking lot. read more

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - Rochester, New York

A little get away over the weekend! Since my son is into science and tends to always talk about the planets; I decided to take us to the planetarium. It was well worth the drive and we ended up watching "Dinosaurs Dusk".. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket window when you get there. There are different shows going on right now; so it's best to view the schedule before going. Pricing was reasonable and there's a mini walk tour of the area with everything space/solar system related exhibited there. Overall, we had a great visit and there's a little area for buying souvenirs for the little ones. Also a penny machine for making your own souvenirs. My son definitely liked doing that. read more

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - Rochester, New York

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Decent planetarium. But the picture isn't very crisp. They said they used to have an old mechanical machine that was more crisp, but they moved to led or digital and now it's worse. read more

Went to see Beautifica. Loved it, but did not love the uncomfortable chairs they now use for shows. I feel like I could not recline and enjoy the show, anymore. I wish they had better seating. read more

Last time I was here I was in 2nd grade with my brownie troop back in the early '90s. Coming back with my little ones was super special. I remember how awe inspiring it was, so I wanted my kids to have a similar experience. We saw the plant spectacular on a recent Saturday. The showtimes on the website say the show is a half hour but total show time was a little over an hour. The seating is different from what I remember, they have extra large lounge chairs with pillows instead of typical theater chairs. They were super comfy. Lisa, the host was very knowledgeable and personable, the kids felt engaged. Overall everyone had a great time. The only negative I felt was the picture quality. Some of the current tvs on the market have such precise picture quality and when comparing, the show appeared a little dull. For $10 per kid and $12 per adult, we felt it was money well spent. We'd definitely come back for other shows. read more

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - Carl the projector - Planetarium Near Me - Rochester, New York

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We came here last night because one of our sons is a budding astronaut, and my husband is a Radiohead fan. The boys enjoyed the exhibits. There's not much, but that part is free. The shows are $7 for adults, and $6 for kids, but there's discounts available if you watch more than one. "The Sky at Night" was interesting and informative, with some history and mythology in addition to science. The only thing I didn't like is a painful transition at the end when they show some NASA and satellite footage against a much brighter backdrop than the night sky you were previously watching. The Radiohead laser show was underwhelming. There's some expected hits like "Creep" and "Paranoid Android" but disappointing omissions like "Karma Police." Also, a lot of the visuals are pretty meh. Like someone said, it's mostly like watching screen savers set to music, but the use of smoke effects with the lasers at the end was pretty cool. I just wish other songs had more than just swirling stars, geometric shapes and the rare dancing Thom Yorke silhouette to look at. The last time I saw a laser show is when I was a kid, and I remember it being a lot more visually stimulating so I had higher expectations a couple decades later. My husband was happy with it, but he would have made some changes to the song list himself. read more

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - Planetarium Near Me - Rochester, New York

Came with a school. 1st grade. Presenter followed a standard script way over the heads of the classes. Used vocabulary words that are not ready for. He had no charisma with little kids. Wore a mast so I could not hear well. Students disconnected from talk and poor quality visuals - talked and wiggled as expected. There are better visual available on Google Earth and NASA website. This place will never compare with the excitement, and fun I experienced at Griffith in Los Angeles. There problems are so obvious. Why are Leadership and Board members so afraid to look at quality? read more

I really enjoy coming to the planetarium. I brought my grandson to their presentation about Pluto the ninth Planet (title may be a bit differently worded) and we both enjoyed the show very much. The narrator did a great job and the show was very informative and held our interest. My grandson especially liked the large comfortable seating. They are spaced enough apart to stretch a bit too. We had a great evening EXCEPT for one thing. It was a very cold night outside and the doors opened late. Standing outside for 10 extra minutes and walking on the icy area at the front door was not pleasant at all. Those were my only real complaints but that cost them a 5 star rating. The actual show was great. I also wish they'd change a few displays. There is so much room for other items or displays that they should take advantage of that. Maybe a better selection of items to purchase also. I'm looking forward to going to another laser show also since those are fantastic to see and listen to. read more

RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium - Strasenburgh planetarium! - Planetarium Near Me - Rochester, New York

We took my stepkids to the exhibit; " planet spectacular" I think. We walked in, and sat for 10 minutes while this awful Bill Nye impostor calibrated his desktop using the massive cameras of the planetarium. Then he talked about how to use windows 11 to label things on the program he was using. *Wow!* Then he labeled the sun as though it was the two surrounding days at noon. Shockingly enough, this didn't captivate the kids, as you typically aren't surprised or left in awe at the sight of the sun in the middle of the day in the dead of summer. My stepson kept asking when the host would stop talking and show actual visual demonstrations. I was smiling through my teeth trying to convince the kids that it was interesting and to be patient. I can't honestly blame them for their frustration. Thank God the rest of the museum was great. read more

I had some time to kill on a Saturday afternoon, so I decided to go with a good friend here for Grand Canyon Adventure. The planetarium is not bad, but don't expect too much. I guess compared to the grandeur of the theaters back home, this place is homey, but limited. The visuals reminded me of the '80s when I first started watching IMAX at the Museum of Science in Boston for school field trips (yes, I am old). The movie itself was interesting, though it was just a glorified PSA to conserve water and to consider dams as dam environmental travesties. I wish they had more epic visuals of the Canyon itself. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about water conservation (newer toilet, newer shower head are proofs), but I was expecting something different. The semi-mellow music of the Dave Matthews Band brought back the days when every Caucasian student in my high school loved the group. There are some small exhibits outside of the planetarium that are of some interest. Don't forget to pee before you enter your show or else it's going to be a rather painful dilemma in deciding whether to hold it or forfeit your ticket. read more

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We took her granddaughter to the Taylor Swift laser light show. She really enjoyed the show so I gave it 4 stars. However, the chairs are very uncomfortable. Not good for adults or children. I am on the shorter side and my head didn't even reach the pillow. It was like sitting in a lawnchair. The chairs need to be rethought. read more

Came for the holiday lazer light show. People of all ages in attendance. Really appreciate the new flexible seating! They are super sturdy XL folding chairs that recline and have an optional neck pillow. I also saw bean bags on the floor for kids and standard chairs are available as well. VERY accommodating for special needs, treated us like VIP's and went way above and beyond to get my elderly friend in the theatre and seated without having to wait in line. The only downside was that the projections did trigger a bit of vertigo for me so if you have that issue you may want to steer clear. read more

We had a great time! Never been before and really enjoyed the show....40 mins was perfect timing and learned a lot. I would go back again.

Major upgrades are needed to this facility. Major lack of seating due to Covid. Changes could be made like plexiglass seating areas to increase safe seating capacity. Not many people can fit into the room for one show. I currently would not recommend people do this is you have to buy tickets a week in advance and it's average at best. read more

Good fun for the kids to keep them occupied on February break for an hour. We saw the planets show, which had some good video footage, although pretty dated. At the end of the show we had a gentleman point out some constellations in the sky, but it would have been helpful for the kids if the constellations were outlined, vs someone just pointing at a cluster of stars. There is a couple cute little activities for the kids to do that might entertain them for a few minutes, don't get there too early! We will come back for a laser show sometime soon! read more

This kills me, but it's two stars. This has been one of my favorite places on earth since I started coming here, oh... maybe 40 years ago? I fell in love with the place, and with Carl. The space tunnel, the giant 3d moon, even the cautionary video they show before each show, every part special to me. So obviously I was pumped out of my mind to see the newly renovated version. I was hoping they upgraded the seating, since it got a big downgrade during their last renovation. The old seats swiveled, were deeply cushioned, and had speakers right in the headrest. Just awesome! First off, all of the exhibits outside the theater are exactly the same, no upgrades at all. So far, I'm cool, I loved it before and love it still. I was hoping for *something* new or different, but I figured all of the renovation money went into the main event. Well. The chairs have been MASSIVELY downgraded. There are no real theater seats, just... OFFICE CHAIRS. "Wait," you're asking me, "you mean like someone would sit in if they worked at the DMV or something?" EXACTLY. Just stupid desk chairs. Not only do they not recline, but there is no head support at all, for a place where the main event occurs on the CEILING. Sorry I'm shouting, it's just like I say, I really love this place, and this is such a monumentally stupid thing to do. There are a few folding deck chairs that do recline, but only eight or so. If you're further back in the line than 8, you're screwed. You'll either end up missing the show or having a bad neck ache. I guess it's because they want to clear out the chairs so they can cater events in there. Great for them, but it's a giant middle finger to people who actually enjoy planetarium programming. The kids get beanbag chairs, and they liked that. I think the adults would have liked that better than what was presented. I mean, just a bunch of desk chairs thrown into a room. Sorry to belabor the point but it's just. so. dumb. The new projection system is better, really impressive. If the seats were at all suited to planetarium viewing, this review would be a five. But, as it stands, it's a like a restaurant serving delicious soup that only gives you forks to eat with. read more

We saw the planets and our solar system show on winter break. There wasn't too many kids and it was very entertaining for everyone. Was very cool seeing the Rochester skyline with the stars behind it. Don't come too early there isn't too much to keep little minds occupied. Very limited parking and the parking that is there is absolute chaos. We need more educational places like this for our young minds to learn. We will be coming back. We're very excited for the laser shows coming up. read more

I haven't been here since I was a kid, I'm talking elementary school age. I don't really have many memories of this place except for the fact that it was pretty damn cool for an 8 yr old. So, I found out that they do laser night shows on the weekends for adults. Thought I would check it out after some dinner and lots of drinks with friends. We did the laser Beatles show. They also offer a 70's, 80's, 90's, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. I love the Beatles along with all these other themes. We showed up right when the show started, 9:30. They didn't even check our tickets and told us to go in so we wouldn't miss the show. The show itself was just ok, it had good moments and slow moments. Of course I loved the music but some of the images were a little corny. I also think that it depends on where you sit, we sat right in front (NOT my decision). My husband fell asleep and my other friend (male) called it a glorified screen saver, yet he was singing aloud to every single song....did I mention the drinks earlier? Anyways, overall I still think it was a fun and different experience. I will probably most likely go to another show, I'm thinking Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd and maybe leave the boys at home next time since us girls enjoyed it! read more

Have been to two shows in the last several months. Caught the Dark Matter show and one on the moon, sun and stars. Both were appropriate for all ages, interesting to this adult, graspable by the three kids with me. The equipment IS dated - its from 1969! But it still puts out a great display. This place hooked me hard on stargazing as a five year old, and the moment when the lights go totally black and the dome fills with the milky way and full of stars still gives me goosebumps. Planning to come back again in the spring! read more

Who knew that it was still 1985? But seriously... I know I'm dating myself here, but I frequented the Strasenburgh Planetarium as a child because I was on the studious side (read: total nerd). Hubs and I had some time to kill before our flight back to LA, so we stopped by RMSC and the planetarium thinking we'd have an old-school afternoon. I was shocked to walk in and discover that nothing had changed - except that the carpet was a little more worn and that snazzy eighties paneling didn't look as hip anymore. We even saw a movie from 1995 which looked... Well, terrible. They were holding a day camp here when we visited, probably the same one I was a part of back in the day. But the two counselors were largely absent, even letting the kids roam through the planetarium during the show. read more

I have a soft spot for the planetarium. I would probably give it five stars for nostalgia's sake, but I'm going to be realistic here. It hasn't changed one bit since I visited back in the 5th grade. Regardless, there are fun shows and it can be pretty cool to go to some of the laser light shows and test out the cool activities in the lobby-esque area. A couple years ago, I went to a concert here and it was probably the coolest show I've ever been to solely because it was at the planetarium. The band put together their own slideshows to play with each song along with the spinning stars. I think this is a sweet spot for future events at the venue so we'll see if they swing it again. Most recently, I went to the Beatles laser light show. At the start it reminded me of the old Windows 98 laser screensaver. Although it got a little cooler when they showed some photos and played recordings of fans and news segments on the insane popularity of the Beatles back in the day. Of course, the music was spectacular, but it's the Beatles. Definitely worth a visit for $7 bucks. read more

The Strasenburgh Planetarium is definitely a gem in Rochester. I think families tend to overlook this place in favor of RMSC (proper) and Strong Museum. There are a variety of shows available. In the past, my husband and I saw one about the Great Barrier Reef. It was spectacular. Today I took the kids while on school break, to see "Planet Spectacular". It was recommended for kids 5-8 years old, but in all seriousness, I learned some things!! We don't have an RMSC Membership, but if you have one, the Star Shows at the Planetarium are free/included, so I would definitely take advantage if you do! I'd love to give 5 stars, but while RMSC has grown and added new exhibits, the Planetarium is really kinda, well, let's just say there isn't much more than the shows. The interior is outdated, and while there are a few small "exhibits", it's really nothing you go to unless you are going to see a show. I'd love to see some renovations. It's still a fun trip with (or without) the kids, and very educational. read more

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I can here recently with my husband to see a show. It was fun and something different to do. We saw the amazing journey's show and it was very interesting. You can tell the video is very old though and could use an update - really the whole place could use an update. There were some cool displays in the lobby and surrounding area but a lot of them weren't working. My husband and I want to go again to actually see a constellation film and for the laser light show. Maybe after I see those I will have a different feel for it but since I did not grow up in Rochester, I have no special place in my heart for the planetarium. I will come back for other shows but for something unique to do, this won't make it to the top of my list. read more

Really cute for dates or just to hang out with friends- HIGHLY recommend the led zepplin light show it was definitely a unique and amazing experience ! read more

Went for the pink floyd "lazer light show". Idk if the projector was on the fritz or what but there were no lazers, and barely any "show". There were loooooong periods of nothing but music. I found myself staring at the floor, a chair, the person next to me.... it was pretty damn boring. Sat through 4 songs before we packed up and left. read more

Go and see a 90s laser show and tour the planetarium beforehand! Afterwards, they have a giant telescope on the roof and you usually can spot a planet. Definitely not the best planetarium, but a nice gem to add to museum row in rochester read more

The only reason I gave it two stars is because of the staff. What were they thinking? The seating is just crazy. I have better chairs in my garage. They never should have changed it. read more

I love that the Planetarium transport me back to my childhood. Learning about space and stargazing while inside? Awesome! Another reason I'm transported back to my childhood is because nothing has changed there since then. Same exhibits, same laser lights show.... I went to the Pink Floyd themed laser show this past weekend. I had a vague recollection of doing this in my teens - and the vague recollection was confirmed when I saw the show. It was exactly the same - at least 10 years later (probably longer)! I do like when I'm able to reminisce about my childhood...but in this case I think the show could be stepped up a notch. The imagery is a bit dated. It is a nice alternative for $7 to the typical bar scene on the weekend, and if you've never seen the show then you might enjoy it (especially if you like looking at computer screen savers while listening to music...because that i essentially what the show looks like). But, it'll be at least another 10 years before I make it a priority to go back to the laser show. read more

We used the planetarium for our wedding ceremony, as my new husband and I wanted something out of the norm and memorable. The price was steep-1200. I tried to negotiate and it was a total no go. I was ready to walk away from it when my way too romantic husband was sooooo taken with the idea of a wedding under the stars that well....hello empty bank account. It ended up being the best money we spent during the wedding planning process. SO FREAKIN' WORTH IT. The staff there was incredible, prompt with communication- sometimes even flagging ME down when I was forgetting to do something!- and just genuinely happy to accommodate us in almost any way. My only complaints are that they wouldn't give us a 5pm start time for our Friday night wedding. We ended up having to start at 530 and that pushed the timing for the night. There are also no good places to take pictures in there and if you don't come with a plan, you won't get pictures. We planned to do some inside and it's a definite no- wayyyyy too dark. We ended up taking some outside, but since it was March, we didn't last long in the cold. Beyond that, it was perfection. I am as anti-wedding as it comes, but I would do the ceremony over and over again. Even the rehearsal was fun and SO WELL ORGANIZED! Thank you to AnitaJoan, Rosana and the rest of the staff whose names I have forgotten. You guys put on one hell of a show for us and we are so happy with the outcome!! read more

I was looking for something different to do with my family for my birthday weekend and decided on this. BIG Mistake! After all of the media hype about the renovation I was excited. I am not really sure what they spent the money on, but it certainly wasn't the chairs. They have downgraded to just basic office chairs which make it difficult to see the entire show without twisting and turning. The show itself would have been enjoyable if the narrator of the show didn't constantly bring up all the things that were broken on the 50 year old Carl. I came out with a cramp in my neck and $60 in the hole. Definitely do not recommend this. read more

Ok it's a bit outdated but Rochester is very lucky to even have a planetarium. Who that grew up here can not say they had a love for that place as a kid? You learned about outer space in such a cool way. My husband a and I feel like kids in there the same way we feel when we walk into Disney's magic kingdom, it transports you to your childhood. My kids both loved learning about the constellations there and we still try to find them on summer nights. Thank you strassenburg you are a piece of Rochester history that I hope remains unchanged for the next 45 years read more