Where To See the Stars Indoors: Planetariums in Atlanta

Atlanta does have planetariums—just not in the way some people expect. Instead of one big, standalone “Atlanta Planetarium,” the city offers several planetarium and astronomy experiences spread across local universities, schools, and nearby suburbs.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and wondering where you can see stars, constellations, and space shows under a dome, here’s how it works locally.

Does Atlanta Have a Planetarium?

Yes—Atlanta has multiple planetariums, but most are:

• Located at universities or schools
• Primarily used for education
• Open to the public only on certain days or for special programs

You’ll mostly find planetariums:

• In-town at universities and cultural centers
• In nearby suburbs like Decatur and Suwanee
• As part of field trips, scout nights, and special events

For a visitor or local resident, that means:

• You can see a planetarium show in the Atlanta area.
• You’ll usually need to plan around scheduled show times and sometimes reserve in advance.
• Checking the latest hours and policies is important, since many spaces are on school campuses.

Quick Comparison: Planetarium Options Around Atlanta

All of these are within a reasonable drive from most parts of the Atlanta metro area, though only GSU is directly in the city core and Fernbank is just outside Atlanta’s eastern edge.

Fernbank Science Center Planetarium (Decatur)

Closest “classic” planetarium experience to Atlanta

• Location: 156 Heaton Park Dr, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Decatur area)
• Operated by: DeKalb County School District

What to Expect

Fernbank Science Center features a traditional dome-style planetarium that many locals know from school field trips. It typically offers:

• Public planetarium shows on selected days
• Student programs and field trips during the school year
• Themed shows about night skies, planets, and space exploration

The atmosphere is more educational than touristy, which works well for families, students, and anyone who wants a straightforward introduction to astronomy.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• From Downtown / Midtown: Drive east via Ponce de Leon Ave or DeKalb Ave, then into the Druid Hills / Decatur area.
• From I-285 Eastside: Use the Memorial Dr or Lavista Rd exits and cut in toward Decatur.

Parking is normally on-site. Because it’s on school district property, it’s smart to double-check hours before you go—public schedules can shift around holidays and the academic calendar.

Georgia State University Planetarium (Downtown Atlanta)

In-city planetarium option for scheduled shows

• Location: Near Hurt Park in Downtown Atlanta (GSU campus)
• Operated by: Georgia State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy

What to Expect

GSU runs a small but sophisticated planetarium used for:

• University classes and labs
• Public shows on certain Fridays or specific dates
• Occasional special events like observing nights or themed presentations

Shows are usually:

• Free or low-cost, but may require a reservation
• Focused on topics like the current night sky, black holes, or the solar system
• Geared toward a mix of adults, students, and older kids

Getting There and Getting In

Because it’s on a downtown campus:

• Expect city traffic and paid parking in nearby decks or lots
• MARTA (rail or bus) can be a practical option if you’re already in-town

Most people:

• Reserve online or by phone when reservations are offered
• Arrive a bit early, since seating is limited and shows often start right on time

If you’re staying downtown or meeting friends at GSU, this is likely the most convenient planetarium experience actually inside Atlanta city limits.

Tellus Science Museum Planetarium (Cartersville)

Day trip from Atlanta with a full museum plus planetarium

• Location: 100 Tellus Dr, Cartersville, GA 30120
• Distance: Roughly 40–50 minutes northwest of Atlanta via I-75 (depending on traffic)

Tellus Science Museum is not in Atlanta proper, but many metro residents treat it as a go-to destination for science outings. Its modern planetarium offers:

• Multiple shows daily (typically included with or added to museum admission)
• A large, immersive dome with sharp visuals and sound
• Programming covering space, Earth science, and more

If you:

• Want a full-day trip with hands-on science exhibits
• Don’t mind a drive up I-75
• Prefer flexible showtimes instead of a once-a-week public program

…Tellus is one of the most user-friendly planetarium experiences for Atlanta-area families and visitors.

Other Nearby Planetarium Options

While not in Atlanta itself, there are regional options people sometimes combine with road trips:

• Museum of Arts and Sciences Planetarium – Macon, GA
  • About 1.5 hours south of Atlanta via I-75
  • Small museum with a rotating schedule of astronomy shows
• School and College Planetariums (various suburbs)
  • Some Atlanta-area high schools and colleges have small domes
  • Access is typically limited to students and school groups, with only occasional public nights

If you’re in the metro area long-term and very interested in astronomy, it can be worth checking local colleges or community event calendars for special “star nights” or open houses.

How to Choose the Best Planetarium Experience for You

When deciding where to go, think about:

1. How Far You Want to Travel

• Stay in the city:
  • Georgia State University Planetarium (Downtown)
• Short drive from in-town neighborhoods:
  • Fernbank Science Center (Decatur area)
• Willing to drive further for more exhibits:
  • Tellus Science Museum (Cartersville)
  • Museum of Arts and Sciences (Macon)

2. Who You’re Going With

• Families with younger kids:
  • Fernbank Science Center
  • Tellus Science Museum
• Adults, teens, or science enthusiasts:
  • GSU Planetarium’s themed shows
  • Tellus for a full-day experience

3. Your Schedule

Public access often depends on specific show times, especially at:

• University-based planetariums
• School district facilities

To avoid a wasted trip:

• Confirm days and times of public shows
• Check whether you need advance reservations
• Look for special event nights if you want a more in-depth or unique program

Tips for Visiting Planetariums in and Around Atlanta

Use these quick pointers to make your visit smoother:

• 🕒 Check the schedule first: Many Atlanta-area planetariums are not open daily for walk-in public shows.
• 🚗 Plan for parking:
  • Downtown (GSU): expect paid decks or lots.
  • Fernbank and Tellus: typically have on-site parking, but it may be limited during busy times.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Match the show to your group: Some shows are best for older kids and adults; others are designed with younger children in mind.
• 🪑 Arrive early: Dome seating is usually first-come, first-served; once the doors close and the lights go down, late entry is often not allowed.
• 🌙 Combine with stargazing: Some programs pair indoor shows with telescope viewing outside, weather permitting—worth asking about if you’re into astronomy.

If You’re Just Looking for Space-Themed Things to Do in Atlanta

If a scheduled dome show doesn’t fit your plans, you still have space-related options in and near Atlanta:

• Science centers and museums often have space exhibits even without a permanent planetarium.
• Community groups and local astronomy clubs sometimes host public star parties at parks or school fields in the metro area.

These can be good alternatives if you:

• Want a more flexible schedule
• Prefer hands-on activities over a seated show
• Are exploring Atlanta with kids and mixing indoor and outdoor activities

In short, yes, Atlanta does have planetariums, but they’re woven into university campuses, school centers, and nearby museums rather than housed in one central city facility. With a bit of planning around location and schedule, you can absolutely enjoy a full dome-view of the night sky without leaving the Atlanta region.