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Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

4.5
·147 reviews·Providence, United States

Discover the wonders of the universe and the natural world at this affordable museum, featuring captivating planetarium shows and diverse exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, quieter experience

CrowdLow
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Museum exterior

Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, quieter experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the wonders of the universe and the natural world at this affordable museum, featuring captivating planetarium shows and diverse exhibits.

4.5
(147 reviews)

"Extremely cheap, only costs $2 but it is a wonderful museum with so many artifacts and taxidermied animals."

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TIP

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Tickets are very reasonably priced, often just $2-$5, making it a budget-friendly outing.

✨ Planetarium Experience

The planetarium shows are a highlight and highly recommended, though they may cost extra.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Planetarium Show

Planetarium Show

Planetarium Area

Experience captivating shows about space and the solar system. A must-see for all ages!

Taxidermy Collection

Taxidermy Collection

Natural History Exhibits

Marvel at impressive displays of taxidermied animals, including polar bears and other fascinating creatures.

Space Exhibition

Space Exhibition

Space Area

Explore the wonders of the cosmos with engaging displays that make learning about space fun.

Oceania/Moana Room

Oceania/Moana Room

Island Cultures Exhibit

Discover artifacts and displays inspired by island cultures, reminiscent of the "Moana" theme.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Tickets & Timing

Tickets are very affordable, often around $2-$5, with planetarium shows costing a bit more. Weekdays are recommended over weekends to avoid crowds and noise, especially if you plan to see a planetarium show. Check operating hours as they can vary.

Navigating the Museum

While some areas might be under development, the museum offers a diverse range of exhibits from natural history to space. Interactive elements and question sheets can help keep younger visitors engaged. Be aware that strollers might not be allowed in all areas, and tripods are often prohibited.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, quieter experience
Crowd
Low
When
Early afternoons
Why
Beat the weekend rush
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

museum of natural history!
@macykate12345
2.3M likes • 9M views

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Tickets are very reasonably priced, often just $2-$5, making it a budget-friendly outing. Reddit

✨ Planetarium Experience

The planetarium shows are a highlight and highly recommended, though they may cost extra. Reddit

at that time human, and how we are now #museum_natural_ofhistory #museum
@cianjurican
535.1K likes • 5.2M views
🦕 The Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium 🪐 Visiting the Schiele Museum is a fun and educational experience for all ages, with so much to see and do! Tickets are $8 per person and children 3 and younger are free and can be purchased online or at the front desk. A variety of shows are offered daily in the planetarium. Tickets are $5 per person (children 3 and younger are free). *Ke...
themomsclub_clt
0 likes • 745 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Exhibits

Don't miss the diverse exhibits, from taxidermy animals to space and island cultures. Instagram

📝 Keep Kids Engaged

Utilize question sheets to make the visit interactive and educational for children. Reddit

✨ Hey there, nature lovers! 🌿 Are you ready for a wild adventure? Come along with us as we explore the wonders of the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium! 🌎 From dinosaur fossils to outer space, this place has it all! 🦖 And don't worry, you don't have to be a science buff to enjoy it. 😎 With interactive exhibits and exciting shows, it's fun for all ages! 🤩 So grab your ...
goprovidence
243 likes • 7.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Tickets are very reasonably priced, often just $2-$5, making it a budget-friendly outing. Reddit

✨ Planetarium Experience

The planetarium shows are a highlight and highly recommended, though they may cost extra. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Exhibits

Don't miss the diverse exhibits, from taxidermy animals to space and island cultures. Instagram

📝 Keep Kids Engaged

Utilize question sheets to make the visit interactive and educational for children. Reddit

🚗 Parking & Access

Parking is available, but be prepared for potential sidewalk repairs or limited street parking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(147 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium to be an incredibly affordable and surprisingly rich experience, especially considering its low entry fee. The planetarium shows and diverse exhibits, including taxidermy and space displays, are frequently praised. While some areas may be under development, the value and educational content make it a worthwhile visit, particularly for families.

"We visited on a early Saturday afternoon in mid-June 2025.

There was a small parking lot on the side of the building and it was about 2/3 full. There was also street parking. It was also a overcast and drizzly kind of afternoon.

The sidewalk was being repaired at the time of our visit so we had to walk through the grass to get around.

There is a cost ($2) to enter. The tickets can be purchased online (just give them your name) but also at kiosk to the right when you enter. You kind of get what you pay for here. This is also the merch kiosk and it's kind of small and didn't really have anything with museum's name on it. Just kind of generic museum merch. The lobby was very large and a cool mural if you look up at the ceiling.

The bathrooms are also here in the main lobby, men's on one side and women's on other.

The exhibits start immediately to the left and you go through a few different rooms. There are stairs in in the middle of the lobby that goes upstairs with more exhibits.

The area with the planetarium is still a work in progress it looks like with many empty display cases. My favorite was the space area. There was also a Polynesian looking room we were calling the "Moana room". The changing planet room with the huge taxidermy polar bears was interesting.

We did not pay extra for the planetarium show and at about 1 hr, the kids were done and ready to leave.

Overall I'd probably not visit here again unless we were trying to kill some time or maybe watch the planetarium show. Definitely worth the first visit."

David L.

"Extremely cheap, only costs $2 but it is a wonderful museum. It has so many artifacts and taxidermied animals, along with lots of easy to understand descriptions. You can also fill out question sheets as you go along (good for keeping little ones entertained and helping them learn). I loved it, and it is a must see if you are in Providence"

AP

"Small but mighty museum with great pieces. The planetarium experience was really a treat."

Bill Rodella

What People Like

Extremely affordable entry
Captivating planetarium shows
Diverse and interesting exhibits

What People Dislike

Some exhibits under development
Can be busy on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is often located within larger parks or accessible by public transport. For specific locations like Roger Williams Park in Providence, check local transit routes. Parking is usually available on-site or nearby, though it can fill up on busy days. Reddit

Yes, there is typically a parking lot available. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Street parking might also be an option. Reddit

Depending on the museum's location, public transportation is often a viable option. Check local transit schedules for routes serving the museum's area. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, but many natural history museums are open Tuesday through Sunday, typically from 9 am to 5:30 pm or 6 pm. It's best to check the official website for the most current hours. TikTok

Sidewalk repairs or construction can sometimes affect access, so it's wise to check for any temporary disruptions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission is generally very affordable, often around $2 to $5 per person. Planetarium shows may have an additional fee, typically around $5. InstagramReddit

Yes, tickets can often be purchased online in advance, which is recommended to secure your spot, especially for planetarium shows. You can also buy them at the front desk or a kiosk upon arrival. Instagram

Some museums offer free admission on specific days, like Tuesdays for the National Museum of Natural History in DC. Check the museum's website for any discount programs or free entry days. TikTok

Timed entry slots might be required, especially during peak times or for specific exhibits like the Butterfly Pavilion. It's advisable to check the ticketing information when booking. TikTok

General admission usually covers access to the museum's exhibits. Planetarium shows often require a separate ticket or a combined ticket that includes both. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights often include the planetarium shows, impressive taxidermy collections (like polar bears), space exhibitions, and cultural displays such as Oceania or 'Moana' themed rooms. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! Many exhibits are designed to be engaging for children, with interactive elements and question sheets available to enhance their learning experience. Reddit

Stroller policies can vary. Some museums, like the National Museum of Natural History in DC, may not allow strollers in certain areas. It's best to confirm beforehand. TikTok

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but tripods are often prohibited. Check specific museum rules regarding photography and videography. TikTok

A visit can range from an hour to several hours, depending on your interest level and whether you attend a planetarium show. Many visitors find about an hour is sufficient if not seeing a show. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Some larger museums have cafes or snack bars. However, smaller or more specialized museums might not have on-site dining, so it's wise to bring your own snacks or plan to eat nearby. Reddit

Policies on outside food and drinks vary. It's generally acceptable to bring water, but check if there are designated areas for eating or if food is prohibited inside the exhibit halls. Reddit

If the museum is in a city like Providence, you'll find numerous restaurants nearby, from casual eateries to more upscale dining. Research local recommendations for the best culinary experiences. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, personal photography is usually allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect exhibits. TikTok

Tripods are often not permitted inside the museum to ensure safety and prevent obstruction of pathways. TikTok

Look for visually striking exhibits like the taxidermy animals, the space displays, or unique cultural artifacts. The planetarium dome itself can also be a great photo opportunity. TikTok

Short videos for personal use are generally permitted, but professional filming or extensive video recording may require special permission. TikTok

Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Some sensitive exhibits might have 'no photography' signs. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Natural history museums are a goldmine for families! Look for interactive displays and question sheets to keep the little ones entertained and learning. Reddit The planetarium shows are a definite crowd-pleaser, offering a dazzling journey through space that kids will love. Instagram Remember to check stroller policies and consider bringing snacks if allowed, as museum visits can be long. The affordable entry makes it a great value for a family day out. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a dream for budget travelers! With entry fees often as low as $2-$5, it's incredibly affordable. Reddit The planetarium shows might have an extra charge, but they're still reasonably priced at around $5. Instagram Pack your own snacks and water to save on food costs, and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Reddit

👩‍🏫 Educational Groups & School Trips

Natural history museums are ideal for educational outings. Many offer special programs and tours tailored for school groups, providing a structured learning experience. TikTok The diverse exhibits on natural history, space, and culture offer rich content for various curriculum subjects. Booking in advance is essential for group visits to ensure availability and coordinate logistics. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Wonders of the Planetarium

The planetarium is often a star attraction at natural history museums, offering immersive journeys through the cosmos. Shows like 'Worlds Beyond Earth' at the AMNH Hayden Planetarium provide stunning visuals and educational content about our universe. TikTok+1 These presentations are designed to be engaging for all ages, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and exciting. Many visitors consider the planetarium show a highlight and a must-do experience. Reddit

When planning your visit, it's crucial to check the show schedule and book tickets in advance, as shows can sell out. The cost for a planetarium show is typically an additional fee on top of general admission, but many find it well worth the price for the unique experience. Instagram The immersive dome projection and expert narration create a truly memorable encounter with the wonders of space. Instagram

Exploring Natural History Exhibits

Natural history museums are treasure troves of the past, showcasing everything from ancient fossils to diverse ecosystems. You can expect to find extensive taxidermy collections, featuring a wide array of animals from majestic polar bears to smaller creatures, offering a glimpse into biodiversity. TikTokReddit These displays are often meticulously arranged to depict animals in their natural habitats, providing an educational and visually striking experience. TikTok

Beyond taxidermy, these museums often house fascinating exhibits on paleontology, with dinosaur skeletons and fossilized remains that transport visitors back millions of years. TikTok You might also discover displays on geology, showcasing minerals and rock formations, or anthropology, exploring human evolution and ancient cultures. The 'Moana room' or Oceania exhibits, for instance, offer a look into island cultures and traditions. TikTokInstagram The goal is to educate and inspire curiosity about the natural world and its inhabitants, past and present.

Tips for Visiting with Families

Natural history museums are fantastic destinations for families, offering a blend of education and entertainment. To keep younger visitors engaged, look for interactive exhibits and consider using question sheets or scavenger hunts provided by the museum. Reddit These activities encourage active participation and help children absorb information in a fun way. The planetarium shows, with their captivating visuals of space, are often a huge hit with kids. Instagram

When planning your visit, be mindful of potential restrictions, such as stroller policies or the need for quiet during planetarium shows. TikTok Bringing snacks and drinks might be restricted, so check the museum's policy. Reddit The affordable admission prices make these museums an excellent option for a budget-friendly family outing. Reddit Many museums also offer family programs or special events, so it's worth checking their schedule for any kid-focused activities during your visit.

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