Visit

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.

FALL/WINTER SHOWTIMES:
Tuesday-Friday: 3PM
Saturday: 11AM, 1:30 & 3PM

Tuesday-Friday:
3PM - Educator Lead Show
Run Time: 30 minutes

Saturday: 
11:00AM - Skywatch: Look Up, Stay Current
Go on a journey through the latest discoveries, missions, and breakthroughs shaping our understanding of the universe. With fresh content added throughout the year, every visit offers something new—making each show a chance to explore what's happening in space right now.

1:30PM - Educator Lead Show
Run Time: 30 minutes
Explore the wonders of the universe during a live, educator-led journey through the planetarium sky. Each interactive show is unique, offering opportunities to ask questions while discovering the stars, planets, constellations, and celestial events visible overhead.

3:00PM - Voices of Iowa D-Day
Experience D-Day through the firsthand accounts of Iowa veterans who witnessed one of the defining moments of World War II. Presented across the planetarium dome, Voices of Iowa: D-Day combines powerful personal stories and historic imagery to honor the courage, sacrifice, and lasting legacy of those who served.

COST:

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

Planetarium Only: $8 Adults & Children, $5 Veterans, Members 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. 

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ABOUT the PLANETARIUM

Spitz machine - 1967

The early Spitz machine (first photo) was the type used through approx. 1976. At that point, the Grout Museum used capital funds to buy a newer planetarium globe. Pictured with the globe is former Director Phillip Pollock.

Planetarium prior to the start of the 2021 renovation.

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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. 

First part of the renovation process, which involved removing the existing bench seating.

Freshly painted dome and new carpet installed.

Finished renovation.