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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
Laser U2
April 14, 15, 22, 28, 29
Recommended: ages 6 and above
Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.
The ultimate band from Ireland’s ultimate laser show! Featuring classic U2 hits like “Pride (In the Name of Love),” “New Year’s Day,” “October” and many, many more, this show will astound you with its awesome laser effects!
Oasis in Space
April 21
Recommended: ages 10 and above
Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.
Celebrate Earth Day by exploring our solar system in search for water – an indicator of a possible life-friendly environment.
Kaluoka'hina: The Enchanted Reef
Ongoing: days and times vary. Check the calendar.
Cost: VLM members free, non-members $4 plus Museum admission.
The vastness of our planet’s oceans guards unimaginable secrets. One of its most precious is “Kaluoka’hina”, the enchanted reef whose magic protects it against humans finding it. Kaluoka’hina’s colorful inhabitants have thus always lived in peace… until the volcano erupts, and the spell is broken.
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.
Special Thanks to the British Fulldome Institute for the use of planetarium shows and clips.