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MMSD Planetarium Tickets

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The venue

About MMSD Planetarium

Welcome to MMSD Planetarium, a compact yet immersive theater located on the campus of Vel Phillips Memorial High School at 201 South Gammon Road, Madison, WI. With a 30-foot dome, a Spitz A3P star projector, and a three-screen Digistar video system, this venue brings big-sky science to a cozy space. Public programs run monthly during the school year, featuring classic astronomy topics and engaging full-dome productions like Mesmerica and Pink Floyd. Whether you’re a local stargazer or planning a group visit, we’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby lodging and dining. Secure your seats through our easy, no-fuss process—we’re here to help you catch the next show.

Note: The planetarium operates on-site within Vel Phillips Memorial High School (formerly James Madison Memorial High School). Seating is general admission for most shows, and public pages do not publish a fixed seating chart. Parking is limited during school days; for daytime groups, arrivals via Gammon Road are encouraged, with off-hours parking available in the large lot on the Mineral Point Road side. Madison Metro provides bus service to the school, with group drop-off guidance available on the planetarium site. For visitors planning a stay, we’ve highlighted nearby hotels and restaurants with affiliate options to simplify your trip. If you’re coordinating a club visit (e.g., Girl Scouts Under the Dome Day) or a special full-dome presentation, this venue offers a memorable, educational experience in a welcoming campus setting.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location: Vel Phillips Memorial High School, 201 South Gammon Road, Madison, WI 53717 (formerly James Madison Memorial High School).
  • Venue type and tech: Planetarium theater with a 30-foot dome, Spitz A3P star projector, and a three-screen Digistar video system.
  • Seating capacity: about 60 seats (some MMSD pages list 67 seats).
  • Seating chart: public pages indicate seating is first-come, first-served for shows; no published seating chart.
  • Parking: parking is very limited for school-day groups; off-hours parking available in the large lot on the Mineral Point Rd side; arrivals via Gammon Rd are advised for daytime groups.
  • Transit: Madison Metro bus routes serve the school; group drop-off and access guidance provided on the planetarium site.
  • Public programs: monthly evening public shows during the school year; events can include standard astronomy topics as well as full-dome productions (e.g., Mesmerica, Pink Floyd).
  • Notable events hosted: Girl Scouts Under the Dome Day; public shows such as The Stars of Autumn and Aurora Lights of Wonder; specialized full-dome productions.
  • Renamed/notable change: the hosting school was renamed to Vel Phillips Memorial High School (from James Madison Memorial High School) while the planetarium continues to operate on site.