Goddard Planetarium
Explore the cosmos and the legacy of rocketry pioneer Robert H. Goddard at this Roswell gem. Educational shows and fascinating exhibits await!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focused experience
Goddard Planetarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focused experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the cosmos and the legacy of rocketry pioneer Robert H. Goddard at this Roswell gem. Educational shows and fascinating exhibits await!
"A surprisingly cool museum and an immersive planetarium experience, perfect for families and space enthusiasts."
🧥 Dress in Layers
The planetarium can get chilly! Bring a sweater or jacket for a comfortable viewing experience.
⏰ Check Showtimes
Show lengths can vary. Confirm durations beforehand to manage expectations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Night Sky Presentation
Planetarium Dome
Immerse yourself in a captivating presentation about stars and constellations, often led by knowledgeable hosts.
The Sun Exhibit
Museum Area
Explore an interesting exhibit dedicated to our solar system's star, offering insights into its power and influence.
Robert H. Goddard Museum
Adjacent Museum
Discover the legacy of rocketry pioneer Robert H. Goddard in this surprisingly cool and often free museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Dress in Layers
The planetarium can get chilly! Bring a sweater or jacket for a comfortable viewing experience.
⏰ Check Showtimes
Show lengths can vary. Confirm durations beforehand to manage expectations.
💰 Museum Entry
The adjacent museum is sometimes free, especially during construction. Worth checking!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Approved
Children often love the immersive 3D-like experience. Great for family outings!
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress in Layers
The planetarium can get chilly! Bring a sweater or jacket for a comfortable viewing experience.
⏰ Check Showtimes
Show lengths can vary. Confirm durations beforehand to manage expectations.
💰 Museum Entry
The adjacent museum is sometimes free, especially during construction. Worth checking!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Approved
Children often love the immersive 3D-like experience. Great for family outings!
🚀 Space Enthusiast's Dream
Explore exhibits on space and rocketry, honoring pioneer Robert H. Goddard.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Goddard Planetarium and its adjacent museum to be an interesting and educational experience, particularly for families. The museum is often praised for its content and accessibility, sometimes being free to enter. However, some guests have noted issues with show lengths being shorter than anticipated and the planetarium's interior temperature being uncomfortably cold.
"Visiting the Goddard planetarium was on my to do list during my trip to Roswell. It was a pleasant experience, we were well received by their friendly staff. I got to experience the sun exhibit, which was very interesting. After the showing, our host Jeremy did a great job talking to us about the stars and constellations. Although, while the show was great, the room was very cold! Apparently their air conditioning unit has not been operational for over a year. That really needs to be corrected to offer an even greater experience to future guests."
Gelasio Rodriguez
"Came to visit town from out of state to visit the planetarium to see the planets, all I got was a lazer show with no alien display, as it was the alien festival weekend. Asked for refund as we were only in there not even 20 minutes before leaving in disgust. $60 down the drain. I would not even recommend coming here, the guy I talked to seemed like he was high. Not happy at all, was hoping to see the planets since it’s the planetarium."
Mari Adventures
"The museum was free the day I went. (I think because of all the construction and some wings closed.) I would've paid to ho in either way, really cool museum.
If you're ever in Roswell, check it out! 🌞🤩👽"
Angie Gerard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Goddard Planetarium is located in Roswell, New Mexico. It's often visited in conjunction with the Roswell Museum and Art Center. Driving is the most common way to reach Roswell, and the planetarium is usually accessible by car within the city.
Parking availability can vary, especially if visiting alongside the Roswell Museum. It's advisable to check with the venue or look for public parking options nearby upon arrival.
While many Roswell tours focus on UFO sites, some may include stops at the Robert H. Goddard Museum and Planetarium due to its historical significance and connection to the town's mystique.
Roswell is typically accessed by car. The nearest major airport is in Albuquerque (ABQ), which is about a 3-hour drive away.
Public transportation within Roswell might be limited. It's best to rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. Some visitors have noted that the adjacent museum is sometimes free, especially during construction. It's recommended to check the official website or call ahead for the most current ticket information.
Booking in advance is generally a good idea, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or special events. This helps ensure you get a spot for your desired show.
Operating hours can differ, and it's best to consult the official Goddard Planetarium or Roswell Museum website for the most up-to-date schedule. Hours may also vary by season.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire directly with the planetarium staff about any available concessions.
Refund policies can be strict. One visitor reported being denied a refund for a show they disliked, so it's important to be sure about your show choice before purchasing tickets.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Shows can range from educational presentations on stars and constellations to immersive laser light shows. Some visitors have noted a lack of specific 'alien' displays, even during themed weekends.
Yes, children often find the immersive, 3D-like experience captivating. It's a great way to introduce them to space and science in an engaging way.
Show lengths can vary, with some visitors finding them shorter than anticipated, around 25-30 minutes rather than the expected 45 minutes.
Some visitors have reported the planetarium being quite cold, possibly due to air conditioning issues. Dressing in layers is highly recommended.
The museum is dedicated to the pioneer of rocketry, Robert H. Goddard. It's often described as a 'really cool museum' and is sometimes free to enter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are typically no extensive dining facilities directly within the planetarium itself. Visitors may need to explore nearby restaurants in Roswell for food options.
It's generally not permitted to bring outside food and beverages into the planetarium show areas to maintain the cleanliness and viewing experience.
Roswell offers various dining choices, from casual diners to local eateries. Exploring the main streets of Roswell will provide numerous options for different tastes.
Many restaurants in Roswell cater to families. Look for places with diverse menus that can accommodate younger palates.
If there are separate areas or if you exit and re-enter (check policies), you might be able to grab a quick snack. However, it's often easier to plan meals before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are typically prohibited during planetarium shows to avoid distracting other viewers and to protect the immersive experience.
Photography is usually permitted in the museum exhibits, but it's always a good idea to check for any posted signs or ask staff for clarification.
The exterior of the building and any exhibit areas outside the main dome are usually good for photos. Capturing the essence of the museum exhibits is also recommended.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited in planetarium domes and often in museums to protect sensitive displays and avoid disturbing other visitors.
Visitors often share photos of the museum exhibits, the planetarium building exterior, and sometimes general shots of the dome's interior (if allowed before or after shows).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Dress in layers: The planetarium can be quite cold, so ensure kids are comfortable.
* Check show content: While generally engaging, confirm show themes align with your children's interests.
* Explore the museum: The museum is often free and provides a great complement to the planetarium experience.
🚀 Space Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Beyond the museum, the planetarium itself offers shows that explore the wonders of the cosmos. While some shows might be shorter than expected, the presentations on constellations and celestial phenomena are often highlighted as particularly enjoyable, especially when led by engaging hosts. It’s an opportunity to connect with the scientific endeavors that have shaped our understanding of the universe.
👽 UFO & Mystery Seekers
Although some visitors have expressed disappointment that specific 'alien displays' were not featured, even during festival weekends, the planetarium provides a grounded look at the universe. The adjacent museum celebrates the scientific achievements that enable us to explore space, a pursuit that inherently fuels our curiosity about what might lie beyond our own planet. It’s a place to appreciate the science that underpins our cosmic exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Robert H. Goddard
Visitors often express surprise at how 'neat' and 'cool' the museum is, especially considering it's sometimes free to enter. This makes it an accessible and educational experience for all ages. The exhibits provide a tangible link to the early days of aerospace engineering, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of scientific innovation. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in the history of flight and space travel.
While the planetarium offers a celestial journey, the museum provides an earthly perspective on the ingenuity that made such journeys possible. The combination offers a well-rounded experience, celebrating both the cosmos and the human drive to explore it. It’s a fitting tribute to a visionary whose ideas propelled humanity towards the stars.
Navigating the Planetarium Experience
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding show content and length. While some shows focus on stars and constellations with knowledgeable hosts, others might be laser light shows. A few reviews mention that shows can be shorter than anticipated, around 25-30 minutes. Additionally, a recurring point of feedback is the temperature inside the planetarium, with many finding it uncomfortably cold, possibly due to an air conditioning unit that has been non-operational for some time.
To make the most of your visit, it's advisable to check the specific show schedules and descriptions beforehand. Dressing in layers is a practical tip to ensure comfort throughout the presentation. Despite these minor drawbacks, the planetarium remains a popular attraction for families and space enthusiasts visiting Roswell.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit