Buhl Planetarium
Peirce SkyWatch Scholarship
Peirce SkyWatch Scholarships are available to qualifying schools for field trip experiences that include a planetarium show. Call 412.237.3400, the press 7, for more information.
Buhl Planetarium Shows
Shows are available for group bookings Monday through Friday. Add a show for just $2 per person!
Talk with us about which shows are available on your selected date. Register early for best selection!
New! Astronaut
Content themes: Space, Gravity, Human Body Systems, Technological Designs Systems, Technological Designs
Discover what it takes to be an astronaut! Learn about astronaut training, experience a rocket launch from inside the body, and discover the perils that lurk in space.
Grades 4-6
The Little Star that Could
Content themes: Solar System, Stars & Galaxies
Learn about the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars as you try to discover the identity of a very special yellow star.
Grades: 1–3
Navigating with Lewis & Clark
Content themes: Stars & Galaxies, Navigation, History
Discover the first great scientific expeditions of our young nation as we explore how Lewis and Clark used both the day and night sky to find their way in the wilderness. Students will learn about the patterns of Earth's movement, rotation, and revolution.
Grades: 4–9
Tissue Engineering for Life: Dr. Allevable's Unbelievable Laboratory
Content themes: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Technology
Explore how doctors are using the revolutionary new technology of tissue engineering to heal diseased and damaged tissue, and using cell replication to heal bones and heart muscles. Students will learn about the structures in a living cell during this enlightening show.
Grades: 4–12
Revealing the Universe
Content themes: Stars & Galaxies, Technology
Take an exciting journey of discovery through a remarkable blend of science, art, and entertainment that dramatically communicates the latest breakthroughs in our quest to understand the universe.
Grades: 4–12
New! Infinity Express
How big is the universe? Where does it end? Are we alone? These questions and more are tackled in Infinity Express. The 20-minute full-dome planetarium show, narrated by actor Laurence Fishburne, takes you on a journey through space and time to gain a better understanding of the Universe, which is slowly offering up its secrets.
Digital Universe
Content themes: Earth, Solar System, Stars & Galaxies, Microorganisms
Human beings exist at the midpoint between the infinitesimally small atom and incomprehensibly large universe. Using the stunning graphic capabilities of the Buhl Digital Planetarium, travel this continuum from beyond our solar system and even beyond our own Milky Way Galaxy to the farthest reaches of our cosmos.
Grades: 6–12
IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System
Content themes: Solar System, Space Exploration, Stars & Galaxies
Students will join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy as they get an in-depth look at the mission and how NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) space probe is collecting high-speed atoms to create a map of our Solar System's boundary.
Grades: 7–12
The Christmas Star
Content themes: Stars & Galaxies, Solar System
In this wondrous holiday tradition, students will learn about the structure, formation, and life cycle of stars and discover the familiar patterns of stars in the night sky.
Grades: 1–9
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
Have a blast with Elmo and Big Bird in our newest planetarium show, One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure. Elmo and his friend, Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street®, go on an exciting trip to discover the Sun, Moon, and stars. At the end of the show, Big Bird, Elmo, and Hu Hu Zhu pick a friendship star to celebrate the idea that even though they live in two different countries, they still share the same sky. It's a perfect show for kids ages 4–6 and for all who are young at heart.
Zeke's Dazzling Sky
Content themes: Solar System
Join Zeke, the friendly alien, as you look closely at the daytime and nighttime skies and sing songs about the weather, stars, and rainbows.
Grades: PreK–2
Beginners' Guide to the Universe
Content themes: Solar System, Stars & Galaxies
Go on a guided tour of the night sky without leaving Pittsburgh! You'll travel beyond our solar system and beyond our own Milky Way Galaxy to the farthest reaches of our cosmos.
Grades: 3–6
Circus in the Stars
Content themes: Solar System, Stars & Galaxies
Using the Big Top as the backdrop, tour the constellations. Watch as major seasonal star patterns are transformed into their circus counterparts. Learn about the structure, formation, and life cycle of stars as they discover the familiar patterns of stars in the night sky.
Grades: 3–6
Two Small Pieces of Glass
While attending a local star party, two teenage students learn how telescopes have helped us understand our place in space and how they continue to expand our understanding of the Universe. Join them as they explore the history of the telescope and glimpse the Galilean Moons, Saturn's rings, and much more.
A Traveler's Guide to Mars
Get ready for the most immersive space journey yet! Soar through a high-definition digital Martian landscape on a guided tour of the once-mysterious surface of Mars. Traverse ancient lake beds and channels in search of the history of Mars' watery past.
Far Out Space Places
Content themes: Solar System, Space Exploration
Students will go on a virtual vacation as they witness extreme destinations like the Mariner Valley on Mars, experience the winds of Neptune, and visit the original lunar landing site of the Apollo astronauts.
Grades: 4–12, tailored to specific grades
Stars Over Pittsburgh
Lights out, heads up, stars on! This live show guides you through the current night sky, showing you how to locate the planets and constellations you can see from your own backyard.
A Brief Mystery of Time Laser Show
Content themes: Time, Space, Gravity, Light, Black Holes
Have you ever asked yourself, "What is time?" Learn about the science, history, and cultural perceptions of time in this awesome LASER light show. Explore black holes, worm holes, the speed of light, and the possibilities of time travel. Entertaining songs keep the mood light. Time is sure to fly when you're having this much fun!