Clark Planetarium is a science museum and immersive theater complex at 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, in downtown’s Gateway district. Opened in 2003 as the successor to the Hansen Planetarium, it combines three floors of free interactive exhibits with separately ticketed astronomy programs, giant-screen documentaries, and music-driven laser shows. Travelers come for hands-on space science, a genuine lunar sample, and two very different ways to experience the universe indoors.
What to Expect at Clark Planetarium
The permanent exhibits follow three themes: Earth, Near Earth, and Beyond. Begin with the processes shaping our planet, then explore objects and phenomena closer to Earth before moving into the wider solar system. Meteorites and a Moon rock give the displays a tangible connection to space exploration. Interactive stations make this more participatory than a traditional collection of objects behind glass; allow children time to experiment rather than rushing straight to a screening. The open, multilevel interior also contains Newton’s Daydream, a kinetic sculpture whose moving balls demonstrate physical principles.
The Hansen Dome Theatre surrounds viewers with a 55-foot-diameter projection surface, using accurate star fields, animation, and immersive imagery for astronomy programs and laser presentations. The Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre instead puts nature and science documentaries on a screen measuring 70 feet wide by 50 feet tall. These are separate experiences, so choose by subject rather than assuming every screening is a planetarium show. Music programming includes Dark Side of the Moon; check the current calendar for its available versions and dates. The Planet Fun Store adds science toys, space-themed gifts, and educational souvenirs.
- Free exhibit floors: Explore Earth, Near Earth, and Beyond without buying a theater ticket.
- Lunar sample and meteorites: Compare material from the Moon with other extraterrestrial rocks.
- Newton’s Daydream: Watch a kinetic sculpture turn motion and gravity into an absorbing demonstration.
- Hansen Dome Theatre: Experience astronomy and music beneath a 55-foot immersive dome.
- Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre: Watch science and nature filmmaking on a 70-by-50-foot screen.
Clark Planetarium at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 |
| Neighborhood / Area | The Gateway, western downtown |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Wednesday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–10:45 p.m.; Thursday closed. Check the official calendar for holiday changes and individual showtimes. |
| Admission / Price Range | Exhibits free; dome, IMAX, and laser shows separately ticketed. Budget tier: $. See official ticket listings for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours with one screening |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | UTA TRAX Blue Line, Planetarium station; paid parking in The Gateway garages, including the South Garage |
| Official Website & Phone | Clark Planetarium; +1 385-468-7827 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near opening for an exhibit-first visit, while remembering that weekday school groups can fill interactive areas. For a particular dome program or evening laser show, buy through the official website before traveling and arrive early enough to locate the theater. Keep exhibit exploration flexible around the screening time. Travel light: leave bulky luggage elsewhere, and ask staff about storage and photography restrictions before entering theaters. No guided tour is necessary to enjoy the interactive galleries.
The Blue Line’s Planetarium stop is beside the venue on 400 West; consult UTA for schedules. Drivers can use The Gateway’s paid garages; check posted rates and ask about any current planetarium validation before paying. Elevators connect the exhibit levels, but a posted notice announces a main-elevator outage beginning November 16 for approximately four days; check repair status if step-free access is essential. Allow roughly five minutes on foot to Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, or 10–15 minutes to either the historic Union Pacific Depot or Pioneer Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Clark Planetarium open, and when should I visit?
Listed hours begin at 10 a.m., with later closing on Fridays and Saturdays and Thursday listed as closed. Visit near opening for exhibits, or choose an evening tied to a specific laser-show reservation.
Are exhibits free, and do shows require tickets?
All three exhibit floors are free to explore. IMAX films, dome programs, and laser shows require separate tickets; check current prices and reserve popular screenings online.
How long should I spend here?
Allow 60–90 minutes for the exhibits, or 1.5–2.5 hours including one show. Families who repeat experiments or book two screenings should leave additional time.
Is it suitable for children and wheelchair users?
The interactive exhibits suit families, although dark theaters and loud soundtracks can overwhelm sensitive children. Elevators normally connect the floors; confirm elevator operation and accessible theater seating arrangements before visiting.
Travelers exploring Salt Lake City often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Discovery Gateway Children's Museum (0.1 km away) and Courtyard Salt Lake City Downtown (0.2 km away).
