Museums

Located at the heart of the University of Arizona campus the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium explores our universe from earth to space and everything in-between, bringing science alive for young and life-long learners alike. Changing exhibits through the year focus on biology, energy, optics and more, weaving in ground-breaking UA research and revealing the world of science careers for budding scientists.

Sit back, relax and tour the universe in southern Arizona¿s only Planetarium Theater. Our star projector can project more than 8,000 stars, perfectly recreating the visible objects of the night sky hour by hour. On family days, students from the UA College of Science lead Science Discovery activities in physics, marine biology and other areas. 

We also operate the only weekly, free, public astronomy program in Arizona. Stop by the Flandrau observatory and let our volunteer astronomers show you Saturn's rings, the cloud belts of Jupiter, the Andromeda galaxy and other stunning and beautiful images that will forever transform the way you see our own world.

The University of Arizona Mineral Museum on the lower level of Flandrau houses one of the top-5 gem and mineral collections of the world. With a core collection dating back to 1892, the Mineral Museum now holds more than 26,000 specimens. The Mineral Museum's permanent exhibit of over 2,000 specimens includes stunning minerals and meteorites from Arizona, Mexico and around the world.

Flandrau also offers Science Camp-ins, Star Parties, Portable Planetarium shows, Science Cafés, and Laser Light Shows.

Our History

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium got its start with a 1972 bequest from the estate of Grace H. Flandrau, noted author and frequent winter visitor to Tucson. The University decided to use the generous gift to fund a facility that would increase public understanding and appreciation of science.

Originally known as The Grace H. Flandrau Planetarium, the facility was part of the UA Department of Astronomy. Its location on campus, near the Astronomy Department, Optical Sciences Center, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and historic Steward Observatory, reflects its continuing connections to the research community.

The Planetarium was designed by Tucson architectural firm Blanton and Company and opened its door to the public in 1975.

Current Hours
Monday - Wednesday
10:00am to 3:00pm
Thursday - Friday 
10:00am to 3:00pm
6:00pm to 9:00pm
 Saturday
10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday
1:00pm to 4:00pm