Norris Corson Family Planetarium

Please plan ahead and allow yourself and or your group enough time to check in and be seated for the show (We recommend 15 minutes prior). Seating is limited. Once a show has started, admittance is no longer allowed. Thank you for understanding! Your consideration helps Museum staff keep things running smoothly.

SHOWTIMES:

AUGUST-MAY: Weekday Shows at 3PM, Saturdays at 11AM, 1:30 & 3PM

JUNE 1-AUGUST: Tuesday-Saturday at 11AM, 1:30 & 3PM

June 4-August 31 "Paleo Earth" will play in the Norris Corson Family Planetarium at 3PM.
Journey back to the Earth that the dinosaurs roamed! Discover how earth, air, water, and fire forged a wondrous and sometimes dangerous world. Includes loud sounds and flashing lights. Run time approx. 30 minutes.

COST:

General Museum Admission w/ Planetarium: $20 Adults, $13 Veterans and Children, $3 Museums for All, Museum Members are Free

BECOME A MEMBER FOR FREE ACCESS!

Ticket pre-purchase is only available over the phone or at the Museum Store EXCEPT during Spring Break week.

ABOUT the PLANETARIUM

1967

Planetarium prior to the start of the 2021 renovation.

1 of only 3 Public Planetariums in the State of Iowa with public programming

The Planetarium has been part of the Grout Museum of History & Science since it opened in 1956

The old projector was installed in 1976 and was no longer operational

The Museum holds over 500 shows per year serving over 4,500 visitors

2021 RENOVATION

After nearly 50 years in service, the planetarium at the Grout Museum District has undergone a much-needed facelift. This work was made possible through the generosity of Barbara Corson, Black Hawk County Gaming Association, Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust, R.J. McElroy Trust, Cathy Livingston Fund (Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa,) The Leighty Fund, Sandra Rada-Aleff, Sally Darragh, Kathy Breckunitch, Frederick W. Mast Family Fund and Greg & Lynette Harter.

The project is a nearly-complete renovation of the planetarium; only the original dome remains (with a fresh coat of paint of course). New elements include comfortable seating, 4k projector, upgraded lighting, electrical, sound system and carpet. Most of the work was completed by Bowen Technologies of Indianapolis.