Student Groups
Each year, thousands of K-12 school children visit the planetarium during the school day for exciting programs that meet science standards. These programs are reserved and scheduled like other student programs at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center. We also conduct specialized programs for university classes. If you want to bring your university group to the planetarium, scroll down to learn more about our private shows.
Public Shows
The DuPont Planetarium is open for public showings every Saturday. All shows last one hour unless otherwise noted. Each show includes a live "sky tonight" portion. Take a look at our public show schedule to find out what's playing now, or read through descriptions of all our shows to plan something down the road. Weather permitting, the RPSEC Observatory, housing the Bechtel Telescope, will be open for viewing after each show.
Cost of Admission
General (Public) Shows
- $6.50 -- Adults
- $5.50 -- Senior Citizens
- $4.50 -- 4K-12 students
- $2.00 -- USC Aiken Students, Faculty, and Staff (with ID)
1/2-hour SEED Shows
- $3.00 -- Adults
- $2.00 -- Senior Citizens/4K-12 Students/USCA
Discounted Rates & Memberships
- 50% off ticket prices with college or military ID
- $50.00 -- Annual Membership Card
- $200.00 -- Private Showing for up to 57 people
Group Rates
USC Aiken Sponsored Groups - $125
- This rate is for showings sponsored by official USC Aiken entities.
USC Aiken Student Groups - Door cost: $50 minimum
- Any student club or organization acknowledged by the student activities office is eligible for this rate. The door cost is $2.00 per USC-Aiken student (with ID). The rates for guests of USC Aiken students fall under the normal price schedule for public planetarium shows.
USC Aiken Classes - no charge
- Faculty wishing to bring their classes to the planetarium as part of a course may do so at no charge. Scheduling arrangements must be made with the planetarium personnel.
Other Educational Entities - $145
- Groups from other universities or other educational associations.
Reservations
You are encouraged to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. You may make a reservation online, by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phone (803-641-3654). Please include your name, the total number of guests, the date and time you wish to attend, and your phone number. You can make a reservation for up to 20 guests. If you want to bring a larger group, we encourage you to learn more about our private shows. All unclaimed reservations are released 10 minutes before the show.
Please note:
For safety reasons and the consideration of other paying guests, children under four (4) years of age are not permitted in the planetarium.
ADA Statement
Please indicate if you need any special services, assistance, or accommodations to participate in our programs by contacting us in advance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 803-641-3313. For a visual or hearing impairment, please get in touch with us at least three business days prior to your visit.
Hands-On Fun
While you're waiting for your show, be sure to take a look around. We have a walk-in kaleidoscope, geology displays and even planet scales where you can see how much you would weigh throughout the solar system!
You can find out more about the planetarium before your visit.
Private Shows
We are the perfect place for your next event! Private shows are arranged for educational groups such as scouts, preschools, and colleges and for fun events such as birthday parties and company celebrations. To schedule a private showing for your group, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 803-641-3313.
Private Show Pricing
- $200.00 — Private Planetarium show (show usually lasts about an hour) (maximum of 57 people)
- $100.00 — Observatory private viewing – weather permitting (1 hour) ($50.00 with Planetarium show)
- $50.00 — Lunchroom usage (set-up time before show plus 1 ½ hours after show)
- $10.00/hr — House Manager (required outside of regular business hours)
Private Show for USC Aiken Faculty, Staff, or Students - $125
- This extends the USC Aiken discount to individuals working, or attending school, at USC Aiken who want to have a private party here. As a special bonus, this price includes the use of the lunchroom.
Reservations
Reservations are based on staff availability. We need 2-3 weeks' notice, but we prefer four weeks. A $50.00 deposit is required to hold your reservation. The balance is due upon your arrival. Please make checks payable to USCA. An event may be canceled more than 24 hours in advance for a refund of the deposit minus a $5 handling fee. In the event that no notice is given and no one shows up for an event, we will keep the $50.00 deposit.
Lunchroom
If you use the lunchroom, we prefer to present the show before refreshments. You are welcome to come and decorate before your program. There is a full fridge/freezer available for your use. You can bring cake and ice cream, but other foods should be ordered through the Campus Dining Services (641-3293). You are responsible for removing all items from the lunchroom before leaving. Trash cans will be available.
Annual Membership Card
The Annual Membership Card allows one person (named on the card) to attend unlimited shows at the DuPont Planetarium for one year from the date of purchase. The member may also bring up to 6 guests during this time. The member must accompany all guests. Reservations are recommended.
