We welcome groups of all kinds to join us for educational planetarium programs and combined field trip options at Ball State University. Consider bringing your school or community groups to the planetarium for free during most parts of the year. Choose from live shows presented by a trained presenter and adapted to fit your needs, or pre-recorded programs that are designed specifically for planetariums that include a short live presentation. There’s always time for questions and requests after any of our programs.

Please note: Most dates are fully booked through the end of May 2026. There are limited openings available on May 12, 14, 19, and 21. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

While most of our private show options are free of charge, we require payment for group visits June 1 - August 20 as well as for any visits outside typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and for repeat visits in an academic semester. See the Paid Visits tab below for more information. Note that Ball State, Burris, and Indiana Academy class visits to the planetarium are free of charge all year round. 

View Show Library
Visit Request Form
General Info
  • Request forms are required for all school and group visits. The planetarium is opened specifically for your group visit during your reserved time slot only. We do our best to open doors 10 minutes before your scheduled visit. 
  • All shows run 45-60 minutes, though this may vary if your group is late. Please arrive on time—if your group arrives more than 15 minutes late, your visit may be cancelled.
  • A minimum of 25* guests is required for all group shows. The planetarium seats 152 guests with four additional spots for wheelchairs.
  • Cash and check donations are accepted at the door. We appreciate your support to make our free programing possible.
  • The planetarium is located next to college classrooms and offices and guests are expected to be respectful of this when visiting.
  • Lunch space requests may be made when requesting a visit, although options are limited. Classroom space can typically be reserved prior to your visit for groups bringing sack lunches. 
  • If you have questions about scheduling a private group visit, please email us or call (765) 285-8963.

*We are occasionally able to accommodate groups that do not meet the required 25-guest minimum. We will consider requests on a case-by-case basis and will be flexible where possible.

Private planetarium group visits require payment June 1 - August 20 as well as for any visits outside of typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Payment is also required for any repeat visits by the same group in an academic semester as well as double features. Payment is required at booking, after an initial request form has been filled out, and you are prompted by planetarium staff.

Paid Private Planetarium Group Visits 
(applicable June 1 - August 20, outside typical hours of operation, or for repeat visits by the same group in an academic semester)

  • $50 non-refundable private visit for up to 50 guests
  • $100 non-refundable private visit for up to 100 guests
  • $150 non-refundable private visit for up to 152 guests
    *Additional charges and setup fees may apply for special events and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Question: When do I have to pay for a private show at the planetarium?
Answer: Private planetarium group visits require payment June 1 – August 20 as well as any visits outside of typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Payment is also required for any repeat visits by the same group in an academic semester. This includes double features. Payment is required at booking, after an initial request form has been filled out.

Question: Our group is funded by, ran, or in some way affiliated with Ball State, but is not a class. Do we still have to pay a fee?
Answer: Yes, all group visits to the planetarium that are not a part of a Ball State class, regardless of their affiliation with Ball State, require payment from June 1 - August 20 and for any visits outside of typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Payment is also required for any repeat visits in an academic semester, including double features. This includes summer camps, clubs, organizations, and other activities run or funded by Ball State. We do accept JV payments.

Question: How long are private shows at the planetarium?
Answer: All private shows are 45-60 minutes long; however, this time may vary if your group arrives late.

Question: What if I have to cancel my private paid show?
Answer: Your payment is non-refundable if you choose to cancel your private show. In the unlikely situation that the Brown Planetarium staff has to cancel your show due to building maintenance or per government regulations, you will receive a refund.

Question: What if I want to reschedule my private paid show?
Answer: If you need to reschedule your private show, your initial payment is transferable one time only. If you need to reschedule more than once, you will need to repeat the payment process.

Question: What if my group is a Ball State, Burris, or Indiana Academy class?
Answer: Ball State, Burris, and Indiana Academy class visits to the planetarium are free of charge all year round.

Location

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

map markerView directions via Google maps.

Parking

There is no free parking* on campus Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. The lot directly west of the planetarium (lot R11) is restricted 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays. The lot is open to the public Saturday – Sunday.

Planetarium Parking Image*If you are visiting the planetarium Monday-Thursday from 7am-7pm or on a Friday from 7am-5:30pm, you may request a free permit for one of two parking spaces reserved for the planetarium in lot R11. Permits may be reserved ahead of time or they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the visit. Contact us to inquire about availability and to secure a reservation. The parking spaces are located in lot R11, just west of the planetarium. You are required to display a paper parking permit in order to park in these spaces, which you can obtain from a planetarium staff member upon arrival.