H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Located in Vanier Park, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is Vancouver's gateway to the wonders of the universe, featuring a planetarium, observatory, and interactive exhibits.
Look for the iconic dome topped with a crab sculpture in Vanier Park, and you've found the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. A short bus ride from downtown, this engaging science centre has been sparking curiosity about the cosmos since 1968. It's a place for learning and discovery, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages with its state-of-the-art planetarium, live science shows, and fascinating exhibits.
Why Visit the Space Centre?
- Explore the Universe: Journey through the stars in the Planetarium Star Theatre, which projects stunning visuals of the night sky and beyond onto its domed ceiling.
- Interactive Exhibits: Learn about space exploration and astronomy through hands-on exhibits in the Cosmic Courtyard gallery.
- Live Science Shows: Be entertained and educated by live demonstrations at the GroundStation Canada Theatre.
- Look Through a Telescope: On clear Saturday nights, visit the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory next door to see celestial objects through a powerful telescope.
What to See & Do
- Planetarium Star Theatre: Lean back and enjoy a breathtaking multimedia show that takes you on a tour of our solar system and distant galaxies.
- Cosmic Courtyard: Touch a real meteorite, learn about the challenges of living in space, and explore interactive displays.
- GroundStation Canada Theatre: Watch live science demonstrations and presentations on a variety of space-themed topics.
- GMS Observatory: On Saturday evenings (weather permitting), volunteer astronomers will help you view planets, star clusters, and nebulae through the half-metre Cassegrain telescope.
Food & Drink Options
- There are no food services at the Space Centre itself. However, its location in Vanier Park makes it a perfect spot for a picnic.
- A short walk to Cornwall Avenue or nearby Kitsilano Beach offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Check Showtimes: Planetarium shows run on a schedule. Check the official website in advance to plan your visit around the shows you want to see. During the school year weekday mornings are often reserved for field trips.
- Observatory Hours: The observatory is only open on Saturday evenings and is weather-dependent. Check their website or social media for updates before you go.
- A Vanier Park Trio: The Space Centre is located right next to the Museum of Vancouver and a short walk from the Vancouver Maritime Museum. You can easily visit two or all three in one day.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach: The Space Centre is located within the park, which is adjacent to one of Vancouver's most popular beaches.
- Museum of Vancouver: Shares the same building complex as the Space Centre.
- Vancouver Maritime Museum: Just a five-minute walk west through Vanier Park.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesH.R. MacMillan Space Centre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone: (604) 738-7827
Official Website: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Reviews
Rated out of 5
The building’s architecture is amazing, it’s like the Jetsons or Space mountain but to a much larger scale. They have neat vending machines, one that serves an assortment of both hot and cold coffees and another that makes a series of hot food entrees. We tried the iced coffee and it tasted comparable to Starbucks. Also tried the lamb curry with rice and it was tasty enough and comparable to an average Indian curry restaurant. We went to see Beautifica by James Hood, would not recommend beautifica, beware! Totally not worth it. Beautifica is super boring, the music is mediocre, the content of the show is disorganized and poor quality. You are essentially paying to watch a Windows 95 screensaver for 1 hour with very cheesy narration and poor graphics. Run! I’m sure the other shows are much better.
Munchica - a month ago
Attended the Pink Floyd 50th Anniversary Dark Side of the Moon show at the Dome. It was an excellent 360° immersive experience with great sound and excellent visuals. I highly recommend for any Pink Floyd fan.
Kevin Parrot - 2 months ago
Always a fun experience. Love it here, lots to do, fun events happening every month. Great place for families, date night and hangout with friends. Only complaint, parking is very expensive, but thats usual in Vancouver.
Natasha Saad - a month ago
Loved the dome cinema and the presenter was very knowledgeable! The exhibition center was smaller than I expected and felt very focused on younger kids. Good combo with the maritime museum as they are very close to each other.
E V - 3 months ago
We visited a few museums in the city, and this was our favorite! Went on a Saturday, no lineups for tickets and relatively quiet which was perfect. Presentations and Dome shows were included with the ticket price!
Remember, the Museum of Vancouver is a separate ticket that you have to buy separately
Nolan - a month ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Burrard Station | 9 Minutes |
How to get to H.R. MacMillan Space Centre by SkyTrain
From Burrard SkyTrain Station take the Burrard Street exit and catch a #2 Macdonald bus southbound on Burrard Street. Get off on Cornwall Avenue at Cypress Street. Walk back one block to Chestnut Street and turn left. The Space Centre is at the end of the street in Vanier Park.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near H.R. MacMillan Space Centre:
Photo Gallery
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HR McMillan Space Centre (Planetarium) and Museum of Vancouver located in Vanier Park -
Photo Credit: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre -
Photo Credit: C K -
Photo Credit: MT Kelly -
Photo Credit: Bradley Jones -
Photo Credit: Lu Christina
