planetarium interior

Travel through space and time in the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Indiana’s most technologically advanced digital theater.

Explore our universe and beyond with one of our many free planetarium shows.

Upcoming Shows

The Brown Planetarium Staff will unfortunately be cancelling all public planetarium programs scheduled from Thursday, March 12 to April 30, 2020 in response to COVID-19. We were excited to share our line-up of programs with everyone, but we must do what is best for the safety of our community guests. Thank you for your enthusiasm and support for our programs.”
View Online Calendar
View Print Calendar (PDF)

activity station in Planetarium

Arrive Early to Explore Even More!

Along with each show we have a hands-on activity station where you can explore various space science topics before the show.

Plan Your Visit

Getting Here

Planetarium programs are free of charge.

The planetarium is open to the public only during advertised showtimes and for scheduled groups. Please see our planetarium calendar for our upcoming public events.

Group Visits

Looking to schedule a school or group program? Learn more.

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University is on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, located along Riverside Avenue at:

2111 W. Riverside Ave.
Cooper Science Complex
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

Get Directions

For public programs on Friday and Saturday evenings, parking is allowed in the lot directly west of the planetarium (lot R11), free of charge.

Daytime Parking

Daytime parking is located at:

McKinley Avenue Parking Garage
Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306
(You must pay at the beginning of your stay in the parking garage.)

Metered parking is available off Riverside Avenue, west of the planetarium. This parking is not managed by Ball State University.

Visitor Permits

You may also purchase a visitor parking permit online if you are a member of the general public or not affiliated with Ball State. A permit costs $5 per day and may be purchased online by setting up a guest account with a valid email address. Parking is permitted only in the yellow and green marked lots on campus and does not allow for parking at a meter or in the paid areas of the garages.

Buy Permit

Parking Map

The Ball State Parking Map has a complete list of parking areas and restrictions for parking on campus after 5 p.m. The Cooper Science Complex is building CL located at G4 on the print map.

View Map (PDF)

Questions?

For additional information on parking, contact Parking Services.

Please remember the following policies during your visit to the Charles W. Brown Planetarium:

  • Planetarium shows are free of charge. We appreciate your support to make this possible.
  • No tickets or reservations are required for public planetarium shows, but plan to arrive early as seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • We do our best to open doors 30 minutes before show time unless advertised otherwise.
  • Food, drinks, gum or candy are not permitted in the planetarium.
  • Children 17 years and under should be accompanied by an adult.
  • Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be turned off at the start of all programs.
  • Please refrain from wearing light-up shoes to any planetarium programs.
  • Please do not touch any of the planetarium equipment.
  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Ball State University campus.

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium has barrier-free access on the south side of the building.

Headsets are available for the hearing impaired. Please request a headset when you arrive or call 765-285-8963 ahead of your visit.

For more information, please call 765-285-8963 or email us. Please note that when calling you may have to leave a voice message. If you leave your contact information we will return your call as soon as possible.

Questions? Want to Learn More?

For more information, please call or email us.

Contact Us