For over two decades, the Cranbrook planetarium has been known for its exciting and innovative Lasera shows. Combining laser images choreographed to music, these shows have thrilled countless Cranbrook visitors.

In summer 2006, entertainment programming in the planetarium took the next evolutionary step...immersive, full-color video! Combining the latest 3-D rendering techniques with groundbreaking projection technology, audiences of all ages did and will experience a feast for the senses.

Currently showing in the planetarium is Rock Around the Dome. Take an exciting sneak peak at this remarkable show!

Tickets are required for all programs, either entertainment shows or educational programs, in the planetarium in addition to museum admission. They can be purchased at the museum entrance desk. There is no late seating.

Ticket prices:
Ages two to adult: $4 per program plus museum admission
Institute members: $3 per program
Children under 2: $1 per program

Planetarium Schedule & Shows!

Planetarium programs run Friday evenings and daily through Labor Day.

11:30am Young Stargazers Sky Journey
12:30pm Bad Astronomy (Ages 5 & Up Only)
1:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight
2:30pm Two Small Pieces of Glass
3:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight (Ages 5 & Up Only)
7pm Bad Astronomy
Friday 8pm Michigan Sky Tonight
Friday 9pm Rock Around the Dome

Planetarium Schedule & Shows! (Beginning Nov. 25, 2009 - January 3, 2010)

Planetarium programs run Friday evenings and daily through Labor Day.

11:30am Young Stargazers Sky Journey
12:30pm Mystery of the Christmas Star (Ages 5 & Up Only)
1:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight
2:30pm Christmas Lights!
3:30pm Michigan Sky Tonight (Ages 5 & Up Only)
7pm Mystery of the Christmas Star
Friday 8pm Michigan Sky Tonight
Friday 9pm Rock Around the Dome

(Please note: Macromedia Flash is required to view this trailer. Click here to get the current Flash plugin.)

These shows are for general admission visitors. School groups and other groups may attend regularly scheduled public astronomy or entertainment shows, but are limited to 35 people per program. Private astronomy or entertainment shows for up to 75 people can be scheduled weekday mornings and afternoons throughout the school year. Further information is available on our Group Visits Web page.

VISITOR'S TIPS
  • Programs begin promptly. We suggest you arrive an hour before showtime. Always leave yourself enough time to park the car, purchase tickets, check your coats and strollers, visit the restrooms, etc.
  • Planetariums are not like movie theaters. Planetariums are too dark to allow audience members to come and go as they please (it is dangerous and disruptive). Latecomers will not be admitted.
  • Visit the restrooms before the program begins. Once the lights go down, visitors can leave, but are not permitted to reenter (see above).
  • Planetariums are great places for kids, but to recreate a nighttime environment the planetarium theater has to be dark. Note that strollers are not permitted.
  • Please turn off cell phones, beepers and other noisy electronic or light emitting devices while inside the theater.
  • Note: food and drink are not permitted in the planetarium.
Christmas Lights!

Amazing full-color abstracts and images are choreographed to favorite wintry tunes and Christmas music.

  • Weekdays Nov. 25, 27; Dec. 21-23 & 28-30 at 2:30pm
  • Weekends at 2:30pm.
  • Tickets required in addition to museum admission

Recommended for all ages.

Some of the music included in this award winning show are:

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - "Wizards in Winter"
Christopher Cross - "The Best Christmas"
Bill Haley & The Comets - "Jingle Bell Rock"
Lou Rawls - "The Christmas Song"
Tony Bennett - "Merry Little Christmas"
Gene Autry - "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer"
Dean Martin - "Winter Wonderland"
Boston Pops - "Frosty All The Way"
Rock Around the Dome

This intense and revolutionary entertainment show has been updated for 2008 and brings down the house with fulldome high-resolution computer animation. Based around a rock 'n roll theme, this show has wide appeal for people of any age!

Download the trailer.

(Please note: Macromedia Flash is required to view this trailer. Click here to get the current Flash plugin.)

  • This program is updated from time to time; the show title is the same, but the content changes.
  • Fridays at 9pm.
  • Tickets required in addition to museum admission

All ages are welcome - recommended for ages 8 and up.

The current song-list for this show is:

The Beatles - "Back in the USSR"
The Doors - "Break On Through"
Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Bad Moon Rising"
Jimi Hendrix - "Purple Haze"
Led Zeppelin - "Good Times Bad Times"
Rush- "Tom Sawyer"
Pink Floyd - "Another Brick in the Wall pt. 2"
Aerosmith - "Sweet Emotion"
Metallica - "Enter Sandman"


A sample image from the entertainment show Rock Around the Dome.