We are excited to announce that our planetarium galleries will be undergoing renovations to refresh our exhibits and telescope room.
To allow for these improvements, Space Place will be closed from Monday 22 July to Wednesday 31 July. During this time there will be no gallery admissions, planetarium shows, or events.
Space Place will reopen partially on Thursday 1 August, with planetarium shows and events resuming but sections of the galleries remaining closed until Friday 6 September. During the partial opening period, visitors will receive discounted entry on planetarium shows. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and appreciate your understanding as we work to create an exciting new experience for our visitors. Find out more about the closure here.
At Space Place, we share the stories of our New Zealand skies through multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope and our digital, full-dome planetarium. Learn about planets, stars, constellations and galaxies and New Zealand’s contribution to astronomy and space sciences. Complete your trip through the galaxy, and look back in time to our history of exploration with the transit of Venus and Māori starlore.
Planetarium
Space Place’s stunning digital, full-dome planetarium screen has a range of shows for all ages, selected from the best available nationally and internationally. From adorable Ngā Tautangata and spectacular images of the planets to the wonders and exploration through te tuarangi, each show includes a live presentation of the night sky over Aotearoa.
See our list of shows and times here.
Interactive Galleries
Explore our galleries including a do-it-yourself Black Hole and asteroids you can pick up. You’ll find a real marama rock, learn about the historic Apollo missions of the late 1960s and experience a rocket blast-off. In the Tūhura Space Module, you can experience what it feels like to be inside a spaceship.
Visit the Matariki theatre and listen to stories explaining how Māori navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using the ngā whetū, and learn the importance of Matariki, the astronomical event that marks the Māori New Year.
Telescope Viewings
On a clear pō, you can look through one of our telescopes and roam the spectacular southern skies. It’s star-gazing at its finest. Every Rātū, Rāmere, and Rāhoroi, starting approx 1 hour after sunset and depending on the weather. Contact Space Place if uncertain.
See our Space Place events, courses and more.
Monday: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday: 10am to 11pm
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 11pm
Saturday: 10am to 11pm
Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Last entry 30 mins before close
The last planetarium show at night starts at 9pm.
Space Place will be closed from Monday 22 July, to Wednesday 31 July. Reopening partially Thursday 1 August. Find out more here.
Adult: $16
Gold Card Holder / NZ Student (NZ ID required): $14
Child (4-16 years): $10
Preschool Child (0-3 years): Free
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): $49
Friends of Museums Wellington: Free
Please note that children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Bookings are essential for all school groups and tour groups.
Gallery only tickets available to purchase on arrival at Space Place.
Admission fees have changed. Learn more.
Wilson parking is available at 1 Upland Road. There are limited parking spaces outside Space Place reserved especially for mobility permit holders.
T: +64 4 910 3140
E: [email protected]
40 Salamanca Rd, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
Located at the top of the Cable Car, just a short stroll from the terminus.