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William M. Staerkel Planetarium Tickets

Location
Champaign, IL

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The venue

About William M. Staerkel Planetarium

Located on the Parkland College campus in Champaign, Illinois, the William M. Staerkel Planetarium is a trusted venue for science education, public lectures, and occasional live performances. With a 50-foot dome and a comfortable seating capacity, it’s a favorite for students, families, and community members seeking engaging, astronomy- and science-focused programming.

Whether you’re planning a public show, a private rental, or a branded science event, we’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby lodging and dining options to simplify your visit.

Park in the M-1 lot north of the planetarium for the easiest access, or use the C-4 lot and Miner Theatre entrance for alternate routes. The venue is well-served by Champaign-Urbana’s public transit (MTD), with routes servicing Parkland College for convenient arrivals. Nearby hotels like Residence Inn Champaign (Market Place area) and Hampton Inn Champaign Southwest offer comfortable stays within easy reach, and both list Staerkel Planetarium as a nearby attraction. The planetarium hosts notable programs such as the Kaler Lecture Series and World of Science lectures, and has historically welcomed occasional live performances.

Browse event listings, secure your seats, and plan your trip with confidence—we’ve got you covered with all the essential details for a smooth, no-fuss visit to the Staerkel Planetarium.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 2400 West Bradley Avenue, Champaign, IL 61821 (Parkland College campus).
  • Venue type: Planetarium (William M. Staerkel Planetarium) attached to Parkland College.
  • Dome size: 50-foot dome.
  • Seating: 128 seats (public capacity per external sources); 95 seats for private/show rentals per Parkland Rentals page.
  • Parking: Park in the M-1 lot north of the planetarium; alternative access via C-4 lot and Miner Theatre entrance.
  • Transit: Served by Champaign-Urbana public transit (MTD) with nearby bus routes to Parkland College.
  • Nearby hotels: Residence Inn Champaign (near Market Place) and Hampton Inn Champaign Southwest are convenient options; both list Staerkel Planetarium as a nearby attraction.
  • Notable events hosted: Kaler Lecture Series, World of Science lectures, and occasional live performances (e.g., Stars of the Lid; referenced in venue history).
  • Renamed/demolished: No record of demolition or renaming; still listed as William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College.