We welcome groups of all kinds to join us for educational planetarium programs and combined field trip options at Ball State University. Consider bringing your school or community groups to the planetarium for free during most parts of the year. Choose from live shows presented by a trained presenter and adapted to fit your needs, or pre-recorded programs that are designed specifically for planetariums that include a short live presentation. There’s always time for questions and requests after any of our programs.

2025 Update: When making your request, please note that April 8, 17, 18, & 24 as well as May 1 are unavailable due to prior requests.

While most of our private show options are free of charge, we do require payment for group visits June 1 - August 20 as well as for any visits outside typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and repeat visits in an academic semester. See the Paid Visits tab below for more information. Note that Ball State, Burris, and Indiana Academy class visits to the planetarium are free of charge all year round. 

View Show Library
Request a Show
General Info
  • Request forms are required for all school and group visits. The planetarium is opened specifically for your group visit during your reserved time slot only. We do our best to open doors 10 minutes before your scheduled visit. 
  • All shows are 45-60 minutes long; however, this time may vary if your group arrives late.
  • A minimum of 25* guests is required for all group shows. The planetarium seats 152 guests with four additional spots for wheelchairs.
  • Cash and check donations are accepted at the door. We appreciate your support to make our free programing possible.
  • The planetarium is located next to college classrooms and offices and guests are expected to be respectful of this when visiting.
  • Lunch space requests may be made when requesting a visit, although options are limited. Classroom space can typically be reserved prior to your visit for groups bringing sack lunches. 
  • If you have questions about scheduling a private group visit, please email us or call (765) 285-8816.

*We are occasionally able to accommodate groups that do not meet the required 25-guest minimum. We will consider requests on a case-by-case basis and will be flexible where possible.

Private planetarium group visits require payment June 1 – August 20 as well as for any visits outside of typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Payment is also required for any repeat visits by the same group in an academic semester as well as double features. Payment is required at booking, after an initial request form has been filled out, and you are prompted by planetarium staff.

Paid Private Planetarium Group Visits 
(applicable June 1 – August 20, outside typical hours of operation, or for repeat visits by the same group in an academic semester)

  • $50 non-refundable private visit for up to 50 guests
  • $100 non-refundable private visit for up to 100 guests
  • $150 non-refundable private visit for up to 152 guests
  • $50 non-refundable guest add-on
    *a small service fee will be added to payments

Question: When do I have to pay for a private show at the planetarium?
Answer: Private planetarium group visits require payment June 1 – August 20 as well as any visits outside of typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Payment is also required for any repeat visits by the same group in an academic semester. This includes double features. Payment is required at booking, after an initial request form has been filled out.

Question: Our group is funded by, ran, or in some way affiliated with Ball State, but is not a class. Do we still have to pay a fee?
Answer: : Yes, all group visits to the planetarium that are not a part of a Ball State class, regardless of their affiliation with Ball State, require payment from June 1 – August 20 and for any visits outside of typical hours of operation (Tuesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Payment is also required for any repeat visits in an academic semester, including double features. This includes summer camps, clubs, organizations, and other activities run or funded by Ball State. We do accept JV payments.

Question: How long are private shows at the planetarium?
Answer: All private shows are 45-60 minutes long; however, this time may vary if your group arrives late.

Question: What if I have to cancel my private paid show?
Answer: Your payment is non-refundable if you choose to cancel your private show. In the unlikely situation that the Brown Planetarium staff has to cancel your show due to building maintenance or per government regulations, you will receive a refund.

Question: What if I want to reschedule my private paid show?
Answer: If you need to reschedule your private show, your initial payment is transferable one time only. If you need to reschedule more than once, you will need to repeat the payment process.

Question: What if my group is a Ball State, Burris, or Indiana Academy class?
Answer: Ball State, Burris, and Indiana Academy class visits to the planetarium are free of charge all year round.

Explore Other Campus Attractions

There are other options on campus to explore like the Museum of Art and Orchid Greenhouse. 

COMBINED FIELD TRIP OPTIONS

Explore all of our programs in our Show Library. You’ll be asked for a program title and learning objectives when you submit the request form.

If you need assistance selecting a program that best meets your group’s learning needs and interests, please contact us.

Make your reservation request by filling out the online form for group visits.

Plan ahead and make your reservation at least two weeks in advance. If you do not receive a confirmation email within three business days, please contact us.

If you have any students with special needs, please communicate those needs on your online request form to help us make the appropriate accommodations.

Service Animal Policy

Service animals are welcome at Ball State University. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are dogs trained to do work or perform specific tasks for a guest with a disability. 

Barrier Free Access

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium has barrier-free access on the south side of the building. This doorway is push-button automated.

Assistive Listening System

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium is equipped with an assistive listening system to aid visitors with hearing loss by amplifying the sound of the presentations. Visitors can borrow a receiver and earphone by requesting a set from the planetarium staff in the lobby before the show. Additionally, you may bring your own headphones to use with the receiver if the earphone we provide does not suit your needs. 

Sensory Concerns

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium strives to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. We understand that visitors with neurological conditions and/or sensory processing issues may find large amounts of sensory stimulation especially challenging. Planetarium shows do contain changing lighting, shifting images, and loud audio. To ensure an enjoyable visit, you may consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones if you are sensitive to loud audio. 

Planetarium staff can provide assistance with pre-visit planning, including information and suggestions tailored to an individual’s needs. If a member of your group has sensory concerns and you would like more information, please contact us.

We strive to make our facilities accessible, and work to eliminate barriers for our current and prospective employees, students, and visitors. Furthermore, we are committed to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions. We pursue inclusion of all voices, backgrounds, and perspectives. 

Make sure to discuss the planetarium's rules with your group:

  • The planetarium is opened specifically for your visit. We do our best to open doors 10 minutes before your scheduled show time.
  • The planetarium is located near offices and classrooms and we appreciate guests being respectful of this when visiting by keeping their voices low.
  • Food, drinks, gum or candy are not permitted in the planetarium.
  • Cellphones and any electronics that emit light must be silenced, put away or turned off at the start of all programs. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited during shows.
  • Planetarium equipment and exhibits may not be touched without permission.
  • Light-up shoes are not permitted in the planetarium. 
  • Children 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • We are located at Ball State University, a tobacco-free campus.

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University is on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, located along Riverside Avenue at:

2111 W. Riverside Ave.
Cooper Science Complex
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

GET DIRECTIONS

Make sure to review our location and parking information prior to your visit and share any important information with your group and drivers.

The planetarium is opened specifically for your group visit. We do our best to open planetarium doors 10 minutes before your scheduled visit. Plan to arrive early for students to use the restrooms before show time. 

When entering the building it is best to lead your group in a single-file line. You will be greeted inside the planetarium lobby by planetarium staff if you arrive within 10 minutes of your scheduled show time. The planetarium instructor will lead your group in and give specific instructions on where guests should sit.

Back in the classroom, you will find it helpful to lead a group discussion and/or plan an activity in any subject (art, history, writing, etc.) that is linked to the content covered. We also appreciate any feedback you may have. Please email us!

Location

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University is on the west end of the Cooper Science Complex, located along Riverside Avenue at:

2111 W. Riverside Ave.
Cooper Science Complex
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

map markerView directions via Google maps.

Parking

There is no free parking* on campus Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. The lot directly west of the planetarium (lot R11) is restricted 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays. The lot is open to the public Saturday – Sunday.

Planetarium Parking Image*If you are visiting the planetarium Monday-Thursday from 7am-7pm or on a Friday from 7am-5:30pm, you may request a free permit for one of two parking spaces reserved for the planetarium in lot R11. Permits may be reserved ahead of time or they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the visit. Contact us to inquire about availability and to secure a reservation. The parking spaces are located in lot R11, just west of the planetarium. You are required to display a paper parking permit in order to park in these spaces, which you can obtain from a planetarium staff member upon arrival.


Bus parking is available on campus. Arrangements should be made with planetarium staff prior to the day of the visit. 

For more information, please contact Parking Services.

Metered Parking

Parking Map

The Ball State Parking Map has a complete list of parking areas and restrictions for parking on campus. View map (PDF).

Daytime parking is located at:

McKinley Avenue Parking Garage

Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306

You must pay at the beginning of your stay in the parking garage. Spaces designated for visitors with disabilities are located near the entrances/exits of the parking garage.

Riverside Avenue

Metered parking is available off Riverside Avenue, west of the planetarium. This parking is not managed by Ball State University and there are no spaces designated for visitors with disabilities.

Visitor Permits

Planetarium Parking ImageIf you are visiting the planetarium Monday-Thursday from 7am-7pm or on a Friday from 7am-5:30pm, you may request a free permit for one of the two parking spaces reserved for the planetarium in lot R11 (depending on availability). Permits may be reserved ahead of time or they will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the visit. Contact us to inquire about availability and to secure a reservation. The parking spaces are located in lot R11, just west of the planetarium. You are required to display a paper parking permit in order to park in these spaces, which you can obtain from a planetarium staff member upon arrival.

More Information

For additional information on parking, contact Parking Services.

 

Warning

Refrain from blocking traffic on campus while dropping-off or picking up visitors.  

While farther away than the planetarium lot, school buses are encouraged to drop off students near the Riverside entrance to the Fine Arts Building and Museum of Art, east of the planetarium. For a closer option, drop-off and pickup is allowed at the Planetarium’s main entrance as long as the vehicle is not blocking traffic.

 

The Ball State University campus shuttle buses provide free, frequent service Sunday evening through Friday evening for students, employees, and visitors. The shuttles run about every 5-10 minutes along 3 different routes. You can track BSU shuttles online. 

Muncie Indiana Transit System or MITS is the city bus for Muncie, Indiana. It is free for any student with a BSU ID. MITS drivers are happy to stop at any BSU bus stop along their route. Riders can request the bus driver stop at the next bus stop by touching the yellow buttons inside the bus. To view the MITS bus schedule visit www.mitsbus.org/.  

For questions about transportation options, please contact Transportation Services.