Hayden Planetarium
4.6(579)4.6 out of 5 stars, 579 reviews New York, NY
About Hayden Planetarium
The Hayden Planetarium offers an excellent and often breathtaking planetarium show experience, particularly focusing on the solar system with impressive graphics and real science. It's lauded for its unique and inspirational architecture, making it an engaging place for learning by doing, listening, or watching, and a notable stop for NYC visitors interested in astronomy.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking an educational and awe-inspiring experience focused on astronomy and space science.NYC visitors looking for a unique and impressive learning destination.Individuals who appreciate innovative architecture and high-quality visual displays.Ideal for school-aged children and teens who are interested in astronomy, space, and science due to the 'real science' content and learning opportunities.Engaging for those who prefer to learn by doing, listening, or watching, suggesting a multi-sensory experience.
Why families love it
- Breathtaking planetarium shows, specifically a tour of the solar system with excellent graphics and real science content.
- Comfortable seating in the theatre for viewing shows.
- Unique and inspirational architecture of the building.
- Overall exhibition quality is highly praised as 'best I've ever seen' by some visitors.
- The theatre experience is described as 'amazing and bombastic'.
- Impressive displays, shows, and materials throughout the venue.
Insider tips
- Ensure you locate the correct entrance on Floor 3, as signage can be poor if you inadvertently arrive at Floor 2.
Good to know before you go
- If you prioritize cultural exhibits with comprehensive non-European perspectives, as the 'Peoples' exhibits have received criticism.
- If you have very high expectations for immersive planetarium shows based on experiences in highly rated New England venues.
- If you are seeking a museum experience comparable to top-tier international institutions like the Royal Museum in Toronto.
- If you are sensitive to the perceived value of entrance fees for experiences that might be considered 'mediocre' by some.
- Concerns about the 'Peoples' exhibits potentially overlooking non-European perspectives.
- Value
- The main space show within the Planetarium is included with general museum admission, providing added value. However, one reviewer felt the overall experience was not worth the entrance fee, suggesting value perception can vary based on individual expectations, especially regarding exhibit diversity and immersive show quality.
- Food
- No specific food and drink policies were mentioned in the reviews.
- Accessibility
- No specific accessibility features or accommodations were mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- No specific safety features were mentioned in the reviews.
What parents say
"My visit to the Haden Planetarium left me with a sense of disappointment and a desire for a refund. The "Peoples" exhibits, while attempting to showcase diverse cultures, seemed to fall short, often overlooking non-European perspectives. The standing planetarium show, unfortunately, paled in comparison to those I've experienced in New England, lacking the immersive quality one would expect. The museum's overall quality doesn't come close to the majestic Royal Museum in Toronto. The planetarium and its silly spiral exhibit felt mediocre, leaving me questioning the value of the entrance fee. In "
a year ago
"A fantastic planetarium. We've always seen great shows here. Today's was breathtaking, a tour of the planets of the solar system with excellent graphics and real science. Comfortable seats and friendly staff The only downside is poor signage to the entrance - if you end up at the other entrance on floor 2 there are no signs directing you to the right place. Make sure you go to floor 3."
2 years ago
"The Hayden Planetary is nothing else but excellent. The architecture: unique and inspirational. The exhibition: best I've ever seen. The theatre: amazing and bombastic. An excellent place to learn. To learn by doing, listening or just watching. The Hayden Planetary is embedded in a neighborhood of nice old buildings. A must for every NYC visitor!"
6 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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