Tucked away inside the Physics building on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus is a hidden gem for families around Milwaukee.
It’s one of three must-visit planetariums around the city.
The Manfred Olson Planetarium offers live, interactive programming for kids and families to learn more about the night sky and the cosmos.
It’s equipped with a Spitz A3P optomechanical projector that projects stars, planets, the Sun, and the Moon on the Planetarium’s 30-foot dome.
Four digital projectors and separate special projectors are also used for visual effects such a rotating Milky Way Galaxy and the Aurora Borealis.
The Observatory deck on the roof of the Physics building is used for stargazing sessions. The planetarium owns and operates a Meade 10″ LX200, Meade 226, Celestron-8, Astroscan, Unitron D102, and a 12-inch Meade reflector telescope.
You can book the planetarium for birthdays, school field trips, scout groups, and more. A staff member will lead the kids through an engaging and educational show in the planetarium, and you can have snacks and cake in a nearby classroom.
Popular programs include ‘Solar System Expedition’, ‘Moving to Mars’, and ‘Birth of the Universe’.
There are also affordable public events throughout the year such as Friday Night Shows, weekend matinees, and more.
Upcoming Events
Northern Lights
Fridays at 7:00 p.m. (January 20-February 24)
Enjoy the radiance of the night sky and a tour of the science behind one of nature’s most remarkable lights shows.
Under African Skies
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. (February 8-February 22)
Each Wednesday featured a different guest speak who will talk about their country, culture, and connections to the night sky.
Stars, Stories and Rhythms of Africa
Thursday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Black History Month under the stars. Join for a night of music, dancing, storytelling, and stargazing.
Cupid’s Constellations
Tuesday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone with stunning images of the cosmos and tales of love.
Space Night (Free!)
Thursday, March 9th at 7:00 p.m.
Dress in your favorite space attire for a night of free, space-themed fun at the planetarium with space trivia and yummy treats.
Spring Stars
Fridays at 7:00 p.m. (March 24 – April 28)
Explore spring constellations in the night sky and hear their stories, such as the feats of Hercules and the tale of Leo.
Spring Matinees
Saturdays at 2:00 p.m.: Feb. 4, Mar. 4, April 1
Perfect for kids, their Saturday matinees are perfect for learning about the solar systems, lunar exploration, and more.
Find out more about the Manfred Olson Planetarium.
mkewithkids
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place. In 2019, she published "Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids", a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids. She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6's 'Real Milwaukee', B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News. Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.
