Welcome to one of the largest, most technologically advanced planetariums in the United States. In 1997, the Planetarium opened its doors and over two million guests have visited. Arizona Science Center's Dorrance Planetarium features a NanoSeam design. The dome is the world's first of its kind at a science center or museum.
Shows subject to change without notice.
When should you visit? On weekday mornings, you'll likely encounter lots of adorable, happy young faces of kids from across the valley on field trips. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, we suggest grabbing lunch and then coming to the Center after 1 p.m.
Generously supported by Dorrance Family Foundation and Richard F. Caris Foundation
Lasers and Liquor Shows - Bigger...Brighter...Bolder!
Experience our NEW state-of-the-art laser system with 14 mind-blowing special effects at our Lasers & Liquor nights! Sit back, look up and rock out! NEW this year, listen to music from Queen, Beyoncé, Beastie Boys and Michael Jackson while being dazzled by the multicolored laser light show on the Dorrance Planetarium dome.
The Dorrance Planetarium in Phoenix, Arizona is the second planetarium in the world to have this laser system which has the largest variety of laser special effects.
For more details and tickets, click here.
What's Playing?
Click on any of the date tabs below to see what's playing that day.
Stars of the Pharaohs
- 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Explore the role of the heavens in this ancient society, from the whimsical to the scientific. Learn how the stars tell tales of the gods, and how they were integral to the development of the Egyptians most impressive feats of science including the pyramids – monuments that are now recognized as the hallmark of Egyptian civilization.
Grand Tour of the Solar System
- 11:30 AM
- 1:30 PM
From Mars to Pluto, Dorrance Planetarium's Grand Tour of the Solar System takes you on a voyage through our spectacular solar system. In this cosmic presentation, you will visit each planet, explore, and compare their features. Discover what's out there in this unique and immersive experience under the dome with us today!
Dynamic Earth | Dorrance Planetarium
- 10:30 AM
- 3:30 PM
Dynamic Earth is an ultra high-resolution full-dome production, narrated by actor Liam Neeson. The show explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Please arrive 15 minutes before show time. Strollers not allowed inside the planetarium.
Stars of the Pharaohs
- 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Explore the role of the heavens in this ancient society, from the whimsical to the scientific. Learn how the stars tell tales of the gods, and how they were integral to the development of the Egyptians most impressive feats of science including the pyramids – monuments that are now recognized as the hallmark of Egyptian civilization.
Grand Tour of the Solar System
- 11:30 AM
- 1:30 PM
From Mars to Pluto, Dorrance Planetarium's Grand Tour of the Solar System takes you on a voyage through our spectacular solar system. In this cosmic presentation, you will visit each planet, explore, and compare their features. Discover what's out there in this unique and immersive experience under the dome with us today!
Dynamic Earth | Dorrance Planetarium
- 10:30 AM
- 3:30 PM
Dynamic Earth is an ultra high-resolution full-dome production, narrated by actor Liam Neeson. The show explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Please arrive 15 minutes before show time. Strollers not allowed inside the planetarium.
Stars of the Pharaohs
- 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Explore the role of the heavens in this ancient society, from the whimsical to the scientific. Learn how the stars tell tales of the gods, and how they were integral to the development of the Egyptians most impressive feats of science including the pyramids – monuments that are now recognized as the hallmark of Egyptian civilization.
Grand Tour of the Solar System
- 11:30 AM
- 1:30 PM
From Mars to Pluto, Dorrance Planetarium's Grand Tour of the Solar System takes you on a voyage through our spectacular solar system. In this cosmic presentation, you will visit each planet, explore, and compare their features. Discover what's out there in this unique and immersive experience under the dome with us today!
Dynamic Earth | Dorrance Planetarium
- 10:30 AM
- 3:30 PM
Dynamic Earth is an ultra high-resolution full-dome production, narrated by actor Liam Neeson. The show explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Please arrive 15 minutes before show time. Strollers not allowed inside the planetarium.
Stars of the Pharaohs
- 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Explore the role of the heavens in this ancient society, from the whimsical to the scientific. Learn how the stars tell tales of the gods, and how they were integral to the development of the Egyptians most impressive feats of science including the pyramids – monuments that are now recognized as the hallmark of Egyptian civilization.
Grand Tour of the Solar System
- 11:30 AM
- 1:30 PM
From Mars to Pluto, Dorrance Planetarium's Grand Tour of the Solar System takes you on a voyage through our spectacular solar system. In this cosmic presentation, you will visit each planet, explore, and compare their features. Discover what's out there in this unique and immersive experience under the dome with us today!
Dynamic Earth | Dorrance Planetarium
- 10:30 AM
- 3:30 PM
Dynamic Earth is an ultra high-resolution full-dome production, narrated by actor Liam Neeson. The show explores the inner workings of Earth’s climate system. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Please arrive 15 minutes before show time. Strollers not allowed inside the planetarium.
Check out all of our things to do in Phoenix, AZ today, we can't wait to see you at Arizona Science Center!
