Carr-Fles Planetarium

West Michigan’s only free, public planetarium

Our planetarium is an IMAX-style theater that projects images of the stars, planets, and constellations on a domed ceiling for use in astronomy and cosmology classes. It has 44 theater seats plus an additional 5 spaces for those who use wheelchairs, and a library of 21 programs.

In addition to classroom use, we have an average of 4,000 community visitors a year for free shows.

2025-2026 Free Public Show Schedule

Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. More information below.

September 9 – October 30 “Supervolcanoes” Explores how supervolcanoes have affected Earth and other planets.  

PREVIEW

November 4 – December 11 “Mystery of the Christmas Star”  Discover events visible in the sky in the time of Jesus’ birth. (closed Nov 27 for Thanksgiving)  

January 13 – March 26 “Light Years from Andromeda” This new show is an epic journey across space and time. (closed Mar 3 & 5 for college spring break) 

March 31 – June 4 “Unseen Universe” Experience the distant universe far beyond our vision. (closed May 5-18 for semester break) 

INFORMATION:

• Show Times: Tuesday & Thursday evenings at 7:00pm. Doors open for seating by 6:45pm.
• Reservations: No reservations are needed. Public shows are walk-in only.
• Cost: All shows are free and around a half-hour long. A live demonstration on the planetarium dome is included.
• Also: If you arrive early before the public show, you can visit the John Bartley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium. The museum is free and is open until 7:00pm on Tues/Thurs. Allow about 20 minutes to explore this year’s exhibit, “Climate and Ecosystems.”
• Email List: To receive a reminder for the beginning date of each public show (4 emails a year), please contact planetarium@muskegoncc.edu to be put on the list.
• Book a private show: You can also make a reservation for a private group show, with day and evening times available, on Mon-Thurs. Minimum group size is 15, and we can arrange multiple shows for groups larger than 44. Private shows can select any of our 21 programs. For reservations, contact Tamera Owens, (231) 777-0289, planetarium@muskegoncc.edu.

The planetarium opened in 1972 and was named in honor of MCC Astronomy instructor Stan Carr, who was instrumental in its original design, and Dr. Robert Fles, who served on the first Board of Trustees. A 2012 renovation brought state-of-the-art digital projection, sound, and lighting systems, a new library of shows, and a completely updated theater environment.

In addition to classroom use, we also host an average of 4,000 community visitors a year for free shows. See below for available dates for walk-in public shows.

You can also make a reservation for a private group show, with day and evening times available, Mon-Thurs. Minimum group size is 15, and we can arrange multiple shows for groups larger than 44. Private shows can select any of our 19 programs. For reservations, contact Tamera Owens, (231) 777-0289, planetarium@muskegoncc.edu.