PLANETARIUM REOPENNING JUNE 13!
June 13 – 30: Daily
9:30am Sun, Moon, Planets (recommended for preschoolers): Join a staff astronomer as they take you on a guided tour of some of our solar system neighbors.
12:30pm The Sky Tonight (recommended for all ages): Join a staff astronomer as they show you what will be in your evening sky tonight. Recommended for all ages.
1:30pm Astronaut (recommended for ages 10 and up): Do you have the right stuff? Find out in this amazing full dome movie.
Upcoming Planetarium Schedules:
July 1 – 5: Daily
9:30am Sun, Moon, Planets (recommended for preschoolers)
12:30pm The Sky Tonight (recommended for all ages)
1:30pm Freedom (recommended for ages 6 and up)
July 6 – September 7: Daily
9:30am Sun, Moon, Planets (recommended for preschoolers)
12:30pm The Sky Tonight (recommended for all ages)
1:30pm Astronaut (recommended for ages 10 and up)
Upcoming Events:
Laser Nights & Stargazing at the Virginia Living Museum June 13, 2026
Eureka! Teen Science Cafe Events: Spaceport Sustainability June 27, 2026
July 4 Evening Laser Shows July 4, 2026
July Star Gazing and Laser Nights July 11, 2026
Abbitt Planetarium:
Travel the universe in the digital Abbitt Planetarium Theater. The 71-seat planetarium theater offers a fully digital simulation of the sky, allowing us to travel anywhere in our known universe at the touch of a button. It is able to project the sky as seen from anywhere on the Earth, at any time between 99,999 BC and 99,999 AD.
A SkyLase RGB LED laser system allows us to draw bright images on the dome in numerous formats.
The show schedule varies by season, and usually includes a live sky show and a companion program to a changing exhibit or a space science program.
The planetarium is open on a changing schedule (listed below). Day programs are $6 plus museum admission. VLM members are admitted free to day-time shows.
Star Party/Laser Nights are held on the second Saturday evening of every month. These include free stargazing and several shows: a planetarium show, family, hard rock and Pink Floyd laser shows. All shows are $5 for VLM members and $8 for non-members. See the calendar.
Special evening shows are presented for holidays, including Fourth of July and Christmas. All shows are $5 for VLM members and $8 for non-members. See the calendar.
Abbitt Observatory
See spectacular views of the sun from the Abbitt Observatory with a variety of instruments. We offer daytime observations of the Sun, as well as periodic nighttime views of the stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies and other celestial wonders. Daytime observatory viewing is dependent on weather and staff availability. Stargazing is held on the second Saturday evening of every month and is free.
Planetarium FAQ
What is the planetarium theater?
Our planetarium theater consists of a 30′ projection dome and a Spitz sciDome planetarium instrument. The theater seats 71. The seats are designed to provide a full view of the sky without neck strain. The dome does not open, as is common to observatories.
How many shows do you run a year?
Our show schedule changes based on numerous factors, most notably including our changing exhibit gallery. In general, on any given weekday, we have private programs reserved by various school groups. On weekends, we generally have public programs on a variety of topics, including live sky tours (Virginia Skies).
Reserve a program for your school group
See our current available:
January 17 – April 19
*Subject to change
Saturdays and Sundays only
11:30AM Virginia Skies
12:30PM Solar System Odyssey
Do you have evening programs?
On the second Saturday of every month we hold evening programs in the Abbitt Planetarium. At 6:00pm, we have Virginia Skies, and at 7:00, 8:30 and 10pm we have rock and roll laser shows. On the same night, we have our monthly star party at the Abbitt Observatory, where you can look through our many telescopes for free. We often run evening programs for special events, as well as July 4.
What kind of equipment do you use in the shows?
The planetarium is the device that projects the stars during the show. It is a fully digital simulation of the sky, allowing us to travel anywhere in our known universe at the touch of a button. It is able to project the sky as seen from anywhere on the Earth, at any time between 99,999BC and 99,999AD. In addition, we have a SkyLase RGB LED laser system which allows us to draw bright images on the dome in numerous formats. We cannot show IMAX films. That requires a different type of dome installation and a large format film projector. However, we can and do run full-immersion all-dome movies and video clips, which completely cover the dome’s projection surface. Much more intensive than IMAX, we can make you feel as if you’ve actually gone into space!
Can we bring snacks/drinks into the theater?
Sorry, but no eating, drinking or smoking is permitted in theater at any time. This helps us keep people food away from our animals and provides a clean environment for all of our shows.
Can I record the show or take flash pictures?
Sorry, but videotaping and the taking of flash pictures is prohibited at all times due to possible copyright infringement. Plus, flash pictures will result only in a picture of a white dome and will disturb other patrons.
Can I bring a small child to the show?
Yes! Many children enjoy the planetarium theater. We have no particular age restriction we enforce, however, we do list suggested ages for each program. We recommend that children who become noisy or disruptive during the show be taken out of the theater. Please place strollers away from seats and aisles. For their own safety, children must remain in seats or on an adult’s lap during the show. All aisles should be kept clear in case of emergency. Planetarium staff may be moving throughout the theater during the show – please be aware of your feet!
See our current available show listings
Can I operate the planetarium?
Well, yes and no. Due to the nature of the equipment and the high price of replacement, patrons are not permitted to touch the planetarium instrument or its controls. However, many of our volunteers are trained in show operation and run the theater frequently! For more information on volunteering at the Virginia Living Museum, please visit our Volunteer page.
Can visitors who are blind/deaf attend programs?
All guests are welcome to attend planetarium shows. Accommodations may be available for visitors who are deaf, heard-0f-hearing, blind or with low vision. Planetarium staff should be contacted as soon as possible to determine what materials are available, and to have those materials ready for guests who require them.
Can wheelchairs be brought into the planetarium?
There are three locations specifically designed for wheelchairs in the theater, which will allow you to fully enjoy the program.
Where is the best place to sit in the planetarium theater?
Anywhere! All the seats are good seats in our theater. Due to the nature of our projection equipment and the immersive environment, some equipment may block a small portion of your view from any seat.
Why is it so cold in the theater?
It takes numerous computers and projectors to operate our planetarium theater. They generate a lot of heat. We have to keep them happy by lowering the temperature. Bring your sweater!
Is there a special show for kids?
Many of our programs are appropriate for young children. Please see our current show listings as a guide, or contact us for more information.
See our current available show listings.
Does the theater actually move?
Fortunately no it does not, because we forgot to install seat belts. You may feel like you are moving during our shows, however! The darkness tricks your brain into thinking you are moving, when the only thing in our theater that can actually move is the laser projection head.
Need More Information? Contact Us!
For questions regarding astronomy, planetarium shows, events or programs, telescopes or the observatory, please contact:
Kelly Herbst, Astronomy Manager
757-595-1900 ext. 256
[email protected]
