Science Center Hours and Admissions

  • Science Center Winter Holiday Closures

    The Science Center and Starlight Café will be closed from Monday, December 23 to Thursday, December 26.

    We will also be closed over the New Year from December 31, 2024 to January 2, 2025.


Current Hours. Please see below for seasonal hours and holiday closures.

Science Center

Monday9:30 AM — 5:30 PM
Tuesday – WednesdayClosed
Thursday – Sunday9:30 AM — 5:30 PM

Starlight Café See menu for hours of availability.

Monday11:00 AM — 5:30 PM
Tuesday – WednesdayClosed
Thursday – Sunday11:00 AM — 5:30 PM

Tour Schedule

Guided Bus Tours of the Observatory campus are offered on open days at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00 as availability allows. Tickets may be purchased in advance through our online shop or purchased at the gift shop on the day of your visit. Tours last for approximately 1 hr.

Wheelchair accessible accommodations are available; advance notice is helpful, but not required. Please call 304-456-2150 with accessibility questions.


2024 Hours and Closures

School Year Hours

Sept 5th, 2024 – May 23rd, 2025

Open Thursday-Monday, 9:30-5:30

Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Summer Hours

May 25th-Sept 2nd, 2024

Open Daily: 9:30-6:00

Gift Shop closes at 5:30

Pickup available! Call ahead: 304-456-2361. Visit the Café page to see the menu.

School-Year Hours:

Sept 5th, 2024 – May 23rd, 2025

Open Thursday-Monday,

Snacks and premade options available 11:00-5:30

Made-to-order lunches available 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Pizzas can be ordered Fri, Sat, Sun up until 5:00 PM

Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Summer Hours

May 25th-September 2nd, 2024

Open Daily

Snacks and premade options available 11:00-5:30

Made-to-order lunches available 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Pizzas can be ordered Fri, Sat, Sun up until 5:00 PM

Easter Holiday31 March
Thanksgiving Holiday26 – 29 November
Winter Holidays23 – 26 December
New Year’s31 December – 2 January, 2025

Public Admission and Tour Rates

Admission to the Science Center and Exhibit HallFree!
Guided Bus Tour: includes a presentation and bus tour (about 1 hr)$10/person, ages 6+
Presentation without bus tour (30 minutes)$5/person, ages 6+
Children 5 and underFree!
Veterans and Active Duty Service MembersFree!
See our Science Center Offerings for more information about Behind-the-Scenes Tours, Family Programs, and other special events.

Groups

Group tour and meal rates are available with advance reservation for groups of 20 or more. Visit our Group Reservations page to learn more about making your reservation request.

Qualifying Student and Youth Groups may also visit for free with advance reservation. See our Field Trips, Radio Astronomer for a Day (Overnight Trips), and Scout Badge Weekends pages for more information about what groups qualify and the programs offered.