Hayden Planetarium, New York

When first entering the premises of New York's American Museum of Natural History, make sure to obtain a timed ticket for a show at the Hayden Planetarium, whose purpose is to offer the public a vibrant and genuine understanding of the vastness of the universe and the incredible phenomena that occur within it.

Located within the Rose Center for Earth and Space, the planetarium is housed in a striking glass box that stands 120 feet tall. Inside, you'll find a massive sphere that serves as a virtual reality theater. Originally established in 1935, the planetarium was primarily funded by Charles Hayden, a wealthy banker, which led to its name. However, in 1997, the original structure was demolished and replaced with a new one, which opened its doors in the year 2000.

The upper portion of the planetarium features a customized Zeiss Mark IX projector along with a digital dome projector system. This advanced setup displays a three-dimensional representation of the universe using real-time images transmitted by a Silicon Graphics Supercomputer. In the lower half, visitors can embark on the Harriet and Robert Heilbrunn cosmic pathway, where they can learn about the origins of time and space by experiencing the Big Bang and other stages of the universe's evolution through captivating multisensory special effects.

This remarkable family attraction offers both educational and entertaining experiences, making it a must-visit destination for everyone. General admission grants access to the permanent exhibits, while a Super Saver ticket provides entry to all special exhibits, giant screen 3D and 2D films, and the Hayden Planetarium space show.