Fleischmann Planetarium
4.4(176)google
3.5(61)yelp
PlanetariumEducationalFamily
Overview
The Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium was built in 1963 on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. It was the first planetarium in the United States to feature a 360-degree projector capable of providing horizon-to-horizon images and through time-lapse photography showing an entire day's weather in a few minutes. Currently it offers public star shows.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeSunny autumn or winter Saturday afternoons from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM are outstanding. Catch an early evening immersive full-dome star show, and step outside right at sunset to photograph the planetarium's historic mid-century modern hyperbolic paraboloid roofline reflecting the striking Sierra Nevada twilight sky.
Getting TherePerched on the northern edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Take RTC bus lines 7 or 15 directly to the N Virginia St & 15th St stop. For motorists, travel north from I-80 Exit 13; the university provides a limited cluster of dedicated complimentary parking permits directly in front of the planetarium building.
Travel Tips
- Located on the UNR campus, the facility is closed Mondays and Tuesdays; on-site visitor street parking is absent, forcing guests to utilize paid spaces inside the adjacent West Stadium Parking Complex.
- The 60-seat Full-Dome digital theater locks entrance security doors exactly 3 minutes prior to cosmic showtimes; tardy ticket holders face automated lockout parameters without refund options.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Exhibited deep-space meteorites are highly vulnerable to solar weathering; flash photography and infrared focus rays are barred property-wide, and campus laws enforce an absolute electronic vape ban.
Reviews
Positive
- A science landmark for stargazing! The hyper-parabolic retro capsule architecture delivers grand visual impact, and the digital dome planetarium is lifelike.
- The immersive dome films on black holes and northern lights offer peak educational engagement and fun, deeply inspiring cosmic buffs and young kids.
- Ticket prices are highly budget-friendly, and the main meteorite display room is free to enter, presenting stellar value on the scenic UNR campus.
- Management is scientific and strict with timed sessions. Equipped with flat accessible ramps, clean restrooms, and highly warm university volunteers.
Heads up
- The dome theater enforces strict total blackout conditions for immersion, which can cause minor psychological discomfort for claustrophobic patrons.
- Sitting directly on the busy university campus, the center completely lacks a private complimentary lot, making hunting for a student permit stall painful.
- Road trippers must use the pricey commercial multi-level university garage blocks away, followed by a 10-minute trek over confusing campus trails to get there.
- The space text descriptors and audio streams are exclusively in English, lacking multilingual media channels, which forms a minor gap for foreign guests.