Planetarium Shows

Visit the planets, travel to a black hole, observe spinning galaxies or study the Earth from space in the Virginia Living Museum’s 71-seat Abbitt Planetarium Theater. Using our state-of-the-art digital full-screen projection system, we can recreate the many wonders of the universe, including the stars and constellations of the sky for any season of the year – all from the comfort of an armchair.

All daytime programs cost $4 plus Museum admission. VLM members are admitted free to day-time programs. Tickets are available at the front desk.

The Abbitt Planetarium is open:

Memorial Day through Labor Day: Daily

October through May: Wednesdays through Sundays and select holiday Mondays

List of Shows

Summer #ThrowbackThursday Laser Shows - 5:30 pm

August 16: Laser Pop – A mix of pop music from the 60s, 80s, and 90s. Ages 6 and up. Family-friendly.

August 23: Laser Retro – A mix of music from the 80s. Ages 6 and up. Family-friendly.

August 30: Laser Spirit – A mix of inspirational and patriotic music. Ages 6 and up. Family-friendly.

Journey to Mars

Ongoing: days and times vary. Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Prepare for a close approach of Mars in summer 2018, and explore NASA’s plans for getting humans to Mars in this century.

The Zula Patrol: Down to Earth

Ongoing. Days and times vary. Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

The Zula Patrol try to stop Deleria from polluting the Earth of the past while learning about the structure and history of the planet.

Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs?

Ongoing. Days and times vary. Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

An exploration of the death of the dinosaurs and if it would really be possible for an asteroid impact to be involved.

Virginia Skies

Ongoing. Days and times vary. Check the calendar.

Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.

Explore the evening skies above Virginia in this classic planetarium presentation. A staff astronomer will discuss seasonal constellations as well as any planets visible. Additional topics may be explored depending on celestial happenings around the time of your visit.