At 1100 Chestnut Street in Vanier Park, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre brings astronomy and space exploration to life through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and planetarium shows. Explore the solar system in an augmented-reality activity, inspect a moon rock and learn about Canadian space achievements. The dome theatre surrounds you with images of planets and other celestial subjects, while the galleries include a creative constellation activity. Families can also look for a weekend 3D VR experience; check the schedule before planning your visit.
Planetarium shows and live science
The planetarium’s dome theatre presents astronomy through large-scale projections. Show subjects include planets, eclipses and other features of the universe. The programme can also include live science demonstrations in the GroundStation Canada Theatre, where presentations cover topics such as life aboard the International Space Station.
Check the show schedule before your visit. Presentations vary in subject and style, and one documentary-style programme about the Moon runs for about 40 minutes. That format may suit adults better than younger children, so choosing a show in advance can help you plan around your group.
Hands-on exhibits in the galleries
The Cosmic Courtyard gallery brings together space-related displays and activities. You can see a moon rock and learn about Canadian achievements in space exploration. Interactive stations give visitors a way to engage with the exhibits, and a dark-room activity lets you take part in a constellation.
The solar-system augmented-reality activity lets you examine planets at close range, including views from inside them. A 3D VR experience has also been available on weekends. Because activities can depend on the schedule, check what is running on the day you plan to visit.
The building and nearby museums
The Space Centre is at 1100 Chestnut Street in Vanier Park, next to the Museum of Vancouver. Its distinctive roof draws on the shape of a woven hat associated with First Nations of the Northwest Coast, and a stainless-steel crab fountain stands outside.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is also part of the nearby museum group. If you intend to visit all three institutions, check whether a combined pass is available and what it covers before buying tickets. The Space Centre’s exhibits and presentations make it possible to focus a visit on a particular show or spend more time exploring the interactive displays.
Häufige Fragen
What can you see at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre?
The centre has a planetarium, interactive space exhibits, live science demonstrations and displays about Canadian space achievements. The galleries include a moon rock and an activity where visitors become part of a constellation.
Is there a VR experience at the Space Centre?
A 3D solar-system VR experience has been available on weekends. Check the schedule to confirm whether it is running during your visit.
How long is a planetarium show?
One documentary-style show about the Moon runs for about 40 minutes. Show lengths and subjects vary, so check the schedule before choosing a presentation.
Where is the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre?
It is at 1100 Chestnut Street in Vanier Park, beside the Museum of Vancouver.
