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    Hayden Planetarium

    3.9 (97 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Hayden Planetarium Photos

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    Nicole E.

    Part of the history museum entrance or it seems. $39 for each adult for every possible part of the museum experience. May be worth it if you have several hours to spend here. $28 per adult for the basic entry. The Big Bang theory was interesting. The African animals was also nice to look at the displays. The layout of this museum is all over the place, hard to get a good flow and see as much as possible.

    Frank A.

    I have been coming to the Hayden Planetarium since I was a child. When I have been to many planetariums over the years, none is comparable to Hayden Planetarium. It is the best.

    The Planetarium.
    Ken P.

    I've been to the Hayden Planetarium about three times over the past two years and as result have seen the "Dark Universe" film 2x and the soon to open "Worlds Beyond Earth" show once in a preview. I've enjoyed it each time that I've gone and was fortunate to not have screaming children around me like some other Yelper pointed out but honestly if this is the case during any show the staff should be enforcing more quiet and perhaps they need to set aside a certain showing where younger children can attend and be themselves. I can agree that the seats are in need of being adjusted to look up a little easier but I was not overly uncomfortable during my screenings. I enjoyed both films and the exploration of the region just outside the Planetarium afterward. Sure you are going to find yourself exiting through the gift shop but I don't think anything avoids that nowadays. You are always able to say no and if you have tons of kids with you who will want to purchase something just be that adult that says "no" and shoo them out. Maybe distract them with the dinosaurs exhibits to get them to move along. Good luck.

    Entry into the planetarium
    Marqus R.

    How or why this page is on Yelp I don't know as the main site for Hayden Planetarium is: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hayden-planetarium-new-york-2 Worse yet, the planetarium is located off 81st Street not at 81 West Central Drive. Or, you may enter through the American Museum of Natural History which is at 200 Central Park West. I'm really out of step with the consensus of my fellow Yelpers with regards to the Hayden Planetarium. In going, I was so sure I would love this place but for me it proved to be nothing but a big letdown. First off, the Hayden Planetarium is located in the AMNH Rose Center off 81st Street without any visible signs indicating exactly what it is or where it is. It appears to be little more than a backroom afterthought of the American Museum of Natural History. When you enter, you may enter through some revolving doors that hide the name, Hayden Planetarium, from view. Turning to your right is a big row of electronic kiosks supposedly designed for ticket purchases though none of them are functional. Each is posted with a sign stating "Please See Representative," leaving you with the question of what representative and where. Once you procure your ticket you're herded up a floor to some dark area to see a little hardly visible flat screen to hear some inaudible words of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, then herded onward into the big round globe of a planetarium. Pretty soon an overhead movie comes on. Unfortunately the chairs are designed for you to view forward, not up, so plan on possibly getting a good crick in your neck before it is over. The movie itself is pretty good but the nonsense of vibrating your seats for no apparent reason seems silly, unnecessary and overly gimmicky. Once you've seen the movie you can go out into the hallways which at best resembles little more than a second hand Lower East Side flea containing all kinds of souvenirs, t-shirts, children's books and the like. Or if you like you can bore (at least it was soooo boring to me) yourself looking around at a bunch of rock like exhibits or snap shot like pictures of space. To me, Hayden doesn't amount to much. It's more of an afterthought attachment than a well-defined standalone destination and way too gimmicky.

    Tangier D.

    My boyfriend and I went to the planetarium for a quick visit during a trip to NY. It was our first time going and as huge Neil deGrasse Tyson fans (and space fans in general!), we were super excited. We didn't get to see any shows, as it was a quick visit, but we still had an amazing experience. There was a lot to see, a lot to learn and wonder about. It was beautiful and interesting. The gift shop was the real fun, and that's one of the reasons I'm taking the time to write the review. I bought my boyfriend a gift and he got me one, we left like kids coming from a candy store, really excited. However, we get home (to Michigan) and find out that his gift was defective. Obviously we are too far for a direct exchange, so I emailed the museum explaining what happened. They responded pretty immediately asking what the product was and offered to replace it for free, no worries about sending back the defective item! I responded happily and I just got the product today, a few days later! Not only did they send the product, they also sent really beautiful post cards with it. I would highly recommend checking the museum and planetarium out, and I am really thankful for their great customer service!

    Views from the elevator on our way to the Exotic Skies showing.
    Victoria T.

    My friend and I got tickets to Exotic Skies at the planetarium and were very excited to go since we haven't visited a planetarium in a long time. This was our first time going to this specific planetarium, so we didn't know what to expect. Getting into the planetarium was pretty easy. The employees were very nice and directed us the whole way to our seats. The show started a little after 7 and was pretty decent for a planetarium show. My only complaint was that the presenters could've been a little more exciting, some parts were boring. I would definitely go back if I was confident that the next show I was seeing was by good presenters.

    Photo courtesy of Goldstar.com
    Kathleen R.

    It doesn't take much to amuse me. A simple formula of 3f + 4w + 1b* usually yields a good time had by all. But recent events suggest that it's time to diversify the old review portfolio. I.e., Yelp included a snippet of one of my reviews in its weekly Metro newspaper ad. Right above my picture, it read: "Category: Drinks." Color me typecast! So here's an explicitly non-alcoholic review. We've all heard of or gone to a showing of "The Wizard of Oz" accompanied by Pink Floyd, right? The SonicVision show is kinda like that, but the Galaxy stands in for Dorothy and a Moby mix replaces Pink Floyd. So if you've been on the hunt for a place that lets you listen to U2 while you watch eyeballs bouncing around planets, your search is over! "Flight of the Conchords" fans will also chuckle when Bowie comes on during another space scene ("This is Bowie to Bowie..."). As I've already said, this is a substance-free review, so I can't comment on how other variables may heighten the experience. But you can probably guess. In addition to the sounds and sights, the chairs shake at times in sync with the soundtrack. Unfortunately, I found this uncomfortable and jolting. Also, if the show is going on above you, they should really make the seats recline a bit more. My neck was feeling it by the end of the 40 minute screening. And in all seriousness, I wouldn't recommend the show to anyone who is epileptic, drunk or sensitive to motion sickness. Seizures and / or *reversals of fortune* are no one's idea of a good time. Regardless, this was definitely one of the most unique dates I've been on in awhile. I should also mention that if you get the tix from Goldstar (one of those free newsletters with discount offers), they're $7.50 a piece. Which is great, because in addition to being all the rage this season, "cultured and cost-conscious" will really never go out of style. *Where f=friends, w=well-made cocktail and b=bartender with yummy accent

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    Pretty good. The shows are better than the guided stories. Small but nice for families

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Hayden Planetarium

    Review Highlights - Hayden Planetarium

    We bought the special ticket to watch the Dark Universe and I thought it was really worth it.

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    Spyscape

    Spyscape

    4.3
    (497 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    Free WiFi
    Large group friendly

    I found Skyscape museum while walking in the area and trying to get out of heavy snow. I wasn't…read morefully sure what to expect but I left really happy we got to experience it. Skyscape is a really engaging and a well designed experience. Theres a lot to see and do, with interactive spy style missions that kept both me and my son entertained the entire time! My son was completely locked in the whole time and I was right there pretending I definitely understood the instructions on the first try. It's mostly a hands on experience, you're not just walking through exhibits, you're actually participating, solving challenges and learning as you go. Even better, it didn't feel crowded, which made it comfortable to move through at our own pace. We were able to go back and redo some of the exhibits we enjoyed, which made the experience even more fun the second (and third) time around. Overall, a great mix of entertainment and learning, especially for kids but enjoyable for adults too. 10/10. My son loved every second. I loved pretending I knew what was going on.

    This was such a fun and unique experience! I surprised my boyfriend with this for his birthday, and…read morehe absolutely loved it. The challenges, puzzles, and games really make you think--you definitely have to process the clues carefully! There are multiple levels to complete, and throughout the experience you're asked questions that determine what type of agent you are, which was a really cool touch. It was challenging, but in the best way. Now that I understand how everything works, I definitely want to go back and do it again to see if I can do even better! If you're looking for something interactive, different, and a lot of fun, I highly recommend checking this place out. We'll definitely be back!

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    Surveillance Challenge
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    American Museum of Natural History

    American Museum of Natural History

    4.1
    (2.6k reviews)
    0.0 mi

    From meteors and dinosaurs to modern animals - this museum has it all!!! I spent about 3+ hours in…read morethis museum and was totally blown away. I could have spent two days here. Showing exotic taxidermy animals in their natural habitat is not new as I have seen it elsewhere, but it is certainly well done. Dinosaurs exhibit is exhaustive. Again I have seen it elsewhere - but not this well done. Although I am not into rocks, the exhibit of minerals and rocks was the best I have seen. Showing elements in their natural state or variety of compounds with chemical formulas was amazing!!!! Frankly this place is now always on the list when visiting NYC !!!

    It's like a book that makes your feet hurt…read more Though the museum is undeniably thorough, the curation relies so heavily on dense, text-based presentation that it ultimately feels less like an impressive journey through history and more like an encyclopedic book that you read with your feet. There's some incredible stuff, like the blue whale model, dinosaur skeletons, popular culture items (like Jesse Owens' gold medal), giant geode, the animal scenes, and the impressive and hypnotic miniature dioramas, but is a college-educated, book reading, trivia absorbing teacher allowed to admit it's a little dull? Just a little. Probably because I much prefer art museums or Smithsonian types with pop culture, inventions, political history, etc. Dull might be too strong a word because I did spend over four hours there and didn't see everything. Let's say it's yawn-adjacent.

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    Don't play what's there; play what's not there. 
        --Miles Davis
    Don't play what's there; play what's not there. --Miles Davis
    "Beyond smart enough to think it, one must be brave enough to be it"
        --VerveBimly
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    "You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." 
               ― Jack London

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    Rose Center for Earth and Space

    Rose Center for Earth and Space

    4.0
    (35 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Great show on the origin of the universe. Interesting exhibit outside the planetarium showing where…read morehumans fit in with the beginning of the universe, but it's hard to fathom.

    Space...the Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the…read moreStarship, Enterprise. Its 5-year mission... To explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no man has gone before! Awwww-aw-awwww-awww-awww-aw! OK, enough with the Star Trek theme...I think the Rose Center is very cool for young and old alike, and I've been about three times since it opened in 2000. That's probably enough for an old curmudgeon like me who remembers staying up for those all-night TV broadcasts of the Gemini and Apollo missions. It's a great set-up that begins with the Big Bang Theater, where you're led into a dark room and a circular screen on the floor where Maya Angelou's voiceover explains how the universe was first formed. It used to be Jodie Foster's voice right after she did "Contact", but I guess even in space, contracts expire. Then you walk down the spiral walkway known as the Heilbrun Cosmic Pathway, an image-oriented timeline of the universe's history from the Big Bang to the present day. Lots of cool pictures taken from the Hubble to peruse, though watch out for impatient kids attempting to age you faster than you want. Most people pay the extra $14 for the 1/2-hour film in the Hayden Planetarium. They make a big ta-dah out of it by making you go up an elevator into a darkened waiting room and then into the rocketship-type seats in the planetarium. I remember the Tom Hanks-narrated one very well as it tracked a voyage from Earth to the outer reaches of the universe. I missed the Harrison Ford-narrated film which discussed extraterrestrials. However, I did just see the Robert Redford-narrated one where he shows how cosmic collisions formed the moon and the Milky Way. I just kept thinking how old and grizzly Bob is starting to sound. There is one shocking moment when a meteor hits Earth...like a gazillion years ago. Pretty soon, they'll run out of male menopausal American movie stars to narrate what's left to describe of the universe. I assume Barbra Streisand will be next singing "Somewhere" to an enraptured audience of Martians. My one complaint about the Rose Center is the poor coordination with the adjoining Museum of Natural History, in particular, how little direction you are given to buy the combination ticket that would save you money on the ticket for the planetarium show. We had to go back and ask for a refund in order to get the significant discount. What a pain. Oh well, there's a great gift shop...always the sign of a great museum, including my favorite item, a kit to show how farts happen. Gee, I think I have the perfect white elephant exchange gift for the office.

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    My opportunity to mash dash and splash a new view. Thanks for that.
    My opportunity to mash dash and splash a new view. Thanks for that.
    The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer
    -Ken Kesey
    The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer -Ken Kesey
    "Art is the funnel, as it were, through which spirit is poured into life"
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    Liberty Science Center

    Liberty Science Center

    3.7
    (464 reviews)
    6.6 mi

    My first visit to Liberty Science Center was a few weeks ago on Memorial Day. It was what I…read moreexpected - fun to explore, learned about current and new exhibits, and I felt like a kid again. We came here to see " Sue" the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The last day she was going to be in the exhibit was on Memorial Day. It was sweet to see families and all different kids go through this exhibit with awe and amazement. Our lil guy is in his dinosaur phase and was in love all around. Liberty Science Center was a good space to explore. We didn't have enough time to spend here, however we will return. The space was clean, employees were respectful and kind, and there are plenty of opportunities for anyone to check out different floors of interests. The only con is paying some parts to check out rather than an overall included ticket. Plenty of space to park; Will return soon!

    It was our first time visiting the Liberty Science Center. We didn't really know what to expect but…read morecame for the Dino exhibit that ended up being a bit lackluster. We came at 3:30 (5pm close) on a Saturday and expected it to be less busy. It was PACKED. A sea of strollers and kids and parents. Going up and down in the elevators was a nightmare. Besides the number of people, the exhibits themselves were pretty cool. Mostly for kids aged 4+ but they did have a toddler area named the Wobbly Room which was pretty fun. $64 for two adults, kids under 2 free. A season pass for 2 adults and up to 4 kids was $250 and seems worthwhile if you come at least a few times a year. We definitely need to come back (not on a Saturday?) and do more exploring. We totally missed the planetarium!

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    Liberty Science Center
    The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, is now open at LSC.
    The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, is now open at LSC.
    The Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, is now open at LSC.

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    Museum of Sex

    Museum of Sex

    3.3
    (1.6k reviews)
    2.7 mi

    The museums was overall very interesting a good way. The only negative review I have is the…read moreoptional 4d theater experience. The worker thought it was funny that it was a little inappropriate for straight males.

    ‼IF YOU ARE NEURODIVERGENT READ THIS‼ I went with my husband…read moreon a Monday, and it was a lot of fun! We got the Lovers Tickets which was ~$145 for both of us together. This package included access to all of the shows and exhibits, along with a free go at each game which was actually really cool! Not to mention we each got a free cocktail and a gift bag with some sexy goodies to share. We really liked the history exhibit, and the art gallery. The games were pretty fun too! There IS a spinning stripper pole you can dance on in the bar, so if you wanna give it a go maybe wear shorts, because I wore a dress so I wasn't able to do a lot on it unfortunately but it was still fun! IT IS LOUD!! If you have sensory issues I recommend bringing ear plugs, I'm happy I had mine with me. The music is super loud and sometimes overlapping between rooms. There are also multiple exhibits with flashing lights. The Tunnel of Love is a "4D Orgy" that "nuts" on you - which is just some water mist that sprays on your face, feet and neck a few times. I personally did not like that part, but if you cover your lower face with your hands it blocks it. You don't get wet, it's just not my favorite sensory experience. The kissing game was interesting, this one has you and your partner grab some metal bars and you have to kiss for a minute straight to win a "coupon" that you get to use on each other later. FAIR WARNING - this game sends electricity between you as you kiss since you are both grabbing the bars, this doesn't hurt you and you don't feel it, but it makes your mouths taste like METAL. We were both so concerned that we had a health problem at first but thankfully my hubby is an electrician and connected the dots really quickly. Overall a super fun day! The Monday crowd was super chill and minimal. The only thing I think that would make it better is if the staff could do a better job explaining what sensory experience you might have during each game, because it was overwhelming and sometimes uncomfortable. But I think if you come prepared with ear plugs, hand sanitizer (they do have pumps but I bring my own), and shorts under your skirt/dress, then it will be a fantastic time! Be very open minded and enjoy!

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    Museum of Sex
    Gallery: ObjectXXX
    Gallery: ObjectXXX
    Installation: Jump for Joy

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    Installation: Jump for Joy
    Intrepid Museum

    Intrepid Museum

    4.1
    (597 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    an amazing and world class museum in nyc! it's not the easiest to get to, but manageable to walk…read moreto. you could easily spend several hours here learning about history and engineering. highlights definitely include the craft carrier with descriptions of various helicopters and planes, as well as the submarine Growler. I've been twice and learn something new each time! the staff is also friendly and incredibly knowledgeable

    To me, the Intrepid Museum had been always a curiosity more than a "need to see," especially given…read moreit typically costs something to go. Noted Bank of America offers free admission with their "Museums on Us" program so decided to take advantage of it... an opportunity I'd recommend. The museum offers an interesting range of U.S. naval and aeronautical history, telling many stories worth a look. That being said, so many components of the museum require a separate upcharge, as well it's structured with gift shops to exit through. So, if you're bringing along kids, the total cost may really add up. Therefore, I'd definitely suggest BoA customers enjoy their offer. NYC residents get a discount. U.S. active and retired military plus Vets can go for free. Another reco... arrange to go when the weather's great. The visit requires walking on the outside of the ship, so rain, snow, cold wind can make it more of a challenge to enjoy. My favorite portions of the Museum (those included in the basic admission): + U.S.S. Growler Submarine - An early cruise missile sub from that was a nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. + Space Shuttle Enterprise - Amazing to see it up close, but wasn't available to go inside. + Intrepid - Especially the hangar to understand how carriers work, seeing how aircraft are stored and transported to the flight deck. My least favorite: Noting their theater is named after Howard Lutnick. While I recognize he donated for the naming, the reality is going into a dark room named after him is just creepy. Would have liked to see inside the British Airways Concorde, but requires another upcharge. Btw, they also offer different events, like a free Astronomy Night at their Flight Deck and Space Shuttle Pavillion. (Confirm their schedule online.) On the whole, the Intrepid Museum is worth a visit, especially to the unusual opportunity to see both how people lived in these ships and subs, plus also the exhibited technology and some antiquated systems on view now frozen in time. Keep in mind the various opportunities to enjoy it at a discount.

    Photos
    Delightful, thought the messenger of hope and providence, as the swan's wing carved the air as the obedient liquid.
    --AndyWainwright
    Delightful, thought the messenger of hope and providence, as the swan's wing carved the air as the obedient liquid. --AndyWainwright
    Ticket queue
    Ticket queue
    Intrepid Museum - USS Intrepid Hangar

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    Intrepid Museum - USS Intrepid Hangar

    Hayden Planetarium - planetarium - Updated July 2026

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