Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Dome

Explore the cosmos or the most exotic places on Earth. Our theater is one of the most technologically advanced in the world!

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The Dome is the Largest Screen in Virginia

Whether you’re traveling deep into the Amazon rainforest, plunging into the ocean with great white sharks, hunting for dark matter at a particle physics laboratory or traveling to the cosmos in search of the new ninth planet, seeing an astronomy show or giant screen film in The Dome provides the ultimate “you are there” experience.

In addition, our theater provides a powerful, dynamic tool for our astronomers to use to help curious-minded guests of all ages connect to the world and beyond.

Dome features last approximately 45 minutes.

Don't Miss Out!
Add an astronomy show or giant screen film to your visit.
Pink, purple, orange, and blue colored space image in The Dome.

Now Playing in The Dome

Please check our hours and schedule to confirm availability prior to your visit.

Diver explores vibrant blue underwater cave system for the Giant Screen Film Ancient Caves
Ancient Caves
Image of planet earth when it was first forming in space
Birth of Planet Earth
Black background with planets throughout surrounded by different spheres of color for the Living Worlds Planetarium show.
Living Worlds
Animation of a T-Rex with its mouth open roaring towards the camera
Dinosaurs Alive

Today's Dome Shows

Buckle your seatbelt because it's time to explore our incredible Earth and the farthest reaches of the cosmos in The Dome! 

11 a.m.
Ancient Caves
12 p.m.
Ancient Caves
2 p.m.
Ancient Caves
3 p.m.
Ancient Caves
Learn More

Today's Live Science

Watch and engage with a Museum educator who demonstrates amazing scientific experiments.

10:30 a.m.
Science on a Sphere
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Member-Only Open Making
11:30 a.m.
Amazing Animals
12:30 p.m.
Science on a Sphere
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Member-Only Open Making
1:30 p.m.
Rat Basketball
2:30 p.m.
Science on a Sphere
3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Member-Only Open Making
3:30 p.m.
Amazing Animals
Learn More
A flamingo.
Giant Screen Films

Embark on an epic journey that will transport you to some of the most beautiful and elusive places on Earth. Whether you’re swimming with great white sharks or learning how to predict natural disasters, giant screen films will reveal the world with stunning clarity on a 76-foot screen.

Learn More
The sun and planets in the solar system.
Astronomy Shows

​Explore the stars like never before! Our astronomy shows will have you traveling the cosmos in no time. Using ultra-high definition projectors are ten times more powerful than your home theater system, these astronomer-led presentations put you at the helm for an interactive space adventure like no other!

Learn More

What Are People Saying?

"Very cool museum! Definitely a great spot for a date or just to bring your kids. You MUST watch one of the Dome shows because it is so worth the money and gives you an experience you can’t get anywhere else."

Elbars K., Google

"The movie about the oceans in The Dome was phenomenal. The only thing missing was our wet clothes!!!!"

Valerie M., Facebook

"Great experience for the kids and adults alike. Spent the extra few dollars to take in the Dome experience ... you won't regret it!"

Evan P., Google

"The Planet Nine show was EXTREMELY awesome!!! I went with friends (no children) and we enjoyed ourselves."

LaTanya H., Facebook

Very well laid out, interesting, informative and you can self-pace your age levels. Slow-walking grandmother up through high powered 8 year old and in between!

Roxanne S., Facebook

View All Dome Shows

See what else is playing on our big screen.

View All
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Rental Dome Domeinside front view.

What's On Today?

See today's daily schedule.

Hours & Schedule
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Jupiter shown on The Dome screen.