The EYE
Welcome to The Eye Planetarium at the Science Museum of Western Virginia–Roanoke’s premiere planetarium.
Here, with a full dome, theater, and state-of-the-art creative technologies, art and science are in constant interplay to enrich experiences both educational and entertaining.
Under the dome, the mysteries of the cosmos come alive–from microorganisms to magnetic fields, from sound waves to light spectrums–all becomes visible to the naked eye.
Our planetarium offers a variety of shows and interactive experiences, including breathtaking astronomical journeys, immersive full-dome films, educational programs tailored to all ages, and special events and series. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures each visit is unique, making The Eye a must-visit destination for families, educators, and anyone curious about the universe.
From Past to Present
The Science Museum of Western Virginia’s Eye Planetarium reopened in February 2024 following a ten-year development and renovation project. The redefined planetarium is a venue unlike any other on the east coast, where innovative advances in technology intersect with ultramodern visual arts.
The Eye offers something for everyone with daily public shows, special events, premiere events, and private rentals. With a dual projection system capable of rendering vivid imagery and an immersive full dome screen, the space is designed to transform any given moment into an experience.
Schedule
Stay for a show at The Eye Planetarium, open Tuesday through Sunday. The Eye @ SMWV is showing one public daily show through the month of October, offered Monday through Sunday at 3:30 PM with the exception of closures and special events.
The Eye typically offers two public daily shows Monday through Saturday at 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM, and one show on Sunday at 3:30 PM.
Admission to standard public daily shows can be obtained through purchase of an Ultimate ticket. Ultimate tickets grant access to the full museum, the Eye, and one Parakeet Garden feeding time. Ultimate members can access an unlimited number of public daily shows per month.
Tickets for premiere and special event content will be available in advance. Be sure to visit our social media and website for latest show and event schedules, as our lineup is always evolving with new and exciting experiences.
*If the Eye is closed for a private event, advance notice will be posted on our website and social media. Ultimate ticket holders visiting during these events can receive an Eye pass for free entry on a return date.
Additionally, The Eye warmly welcomes school groups every Tuesday to Friday morning. Schools and private groups interested in exploring the universe with us can arrange their exclusive experience by contacting scheduler@smwv.org. Prepare for an astronomical adventure at The Eye.
Day
Time
Tuesday – Saturday
Sunday
11:30 AM
3:30 PM
3:30 PM
Tickets
Purchase an Ultimate ticket for a visit to the museum, which includes access to daily Eye shows and one (1) Parakeet Garden feeding time.
Upcoming Special & Premiere Event Tickets
The Eye special events can typically be expected to be held on Friday evenings at 6 PM or later. Special events are full dome experiences with works created in-house by The Eye creative team. Advanced ticket purchases can be made below to reserve a seat. Premiere content features full dome experiences in partnership with local artists, researchers, organizations, and groups. Updates regarding premiere events will be provided well in advance to ensure your access.
Sunday, October 20th | 2 PM - 3 PM
Member Pricing
Child – $4.00
Adult – $5.00
Special Event: Spooky Animal Show
Witnessed one of our live animal demonstrations in the past? Not like this one! Join us in The Eye on Friday, October 18, from 6 PM – 7 PM, or on Sunday, October 20, for our matinee show from 2 PM – 3 PM.
This immersive experience includes a live animal demonstration led by our Living Collections team, paired with visuals on the dome to bring the animals up close and personal. Featuring your favorites–some you can touch (and some you might not want to)!
This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.
Friday, October 18th | 6 PM - 7 PM
Member Pricing
Child – $5.00
Adult – $8.50
Guest Pricing
Child – $6.00
Adult – $10.00
Special Event:
SIGHT + SOUND Presents: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
The Eye @ SMWV invites you to the launch of the SIGHT + SOUND series with a special screening of the silent horror classic that set off the German Expressionist movement, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920).
This installation presents this infamous, singular tale of madness, manipulation, and the broken boundaries of reality set to a curated music mix that blurs the lines between the familiar, unfamiliar, and outright unknown.
As you journey through the hypnotic, twisted streets of Dr. Caligari’s world, the music–a fusion of avant-garde, classic rock, shoegaze, and experimental psychedelia–creates a hauntingly surreal atmosphere. Each track has been selected to reflect and refract the film’s tone, pacing, and emotional intensity, offering a modern sonic experience that amplifies the disorienting visuals and eerie suspense. Let your senses guide you through this unforgettable–unsettling–fusion of sound and cinema. Recommended ages 12 & up.
Friday Premiere: October 25 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Member Ticket – $12.50
Guest Ticket – $15.00
Sunday Matinee: October 27 | 2 PM – 4 PM
Member Ticket – $8.00
Guest Ticket – $10.00
Coming Soon...
Premiere Event: Matthew Mosley’s “In Places Where Black Skin Grows” Live Performance (February 2025)
Premiere Event: Roanoque Baroque Orchestra: “In Gardens & Palaces with the Sons of JS Bach & Handel (February 22 & 23rd, 2025)
Premiere Event: Opera Roanoke Young Artists Performance (April 2025)
Past Events
