Clark Planetarium

While the Clark Planetarium offers three floors of hands-on exhibits for free, there are admission fees for shows in the Hansen Dome Theatre and the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre. Ticket prices vary depending on the show and age group. It's recommended to check the official Clark Planetarium website for current pricing and show schedules.

The Clark Planetarium is conveniently located within The Gateway development and is easily accessible via public transport. The Utah Transit Authority's (UTA) TRAX Blue Line has a dedicated Planetarium station right outside. For those driving, parking is available within The Gateway development, though it may incur a fee. Arriving earlier in the day is often recommended, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up.

While the Clark Planetarium itself does not permit pets inside (service animals excepted), downtown Salt Lake City offers several dog-friendly outdoor spaces. Nearby urban parks like Pioneer Park or Library Square often welcome leashed dogs. Always check specific park rules regarding pets before visiting.

Beyond the planetarium, families can enjoy easy outdoor walks within The Gateway development itself, which features open spaces and public art. For a slightly longer stroll, head towards Temple Square, which is about a 15-20 minute walk east, offering beautiful gardens and historic architecture. Pioneer Park, just a few blocks south, also provides green space for children to play.

Yes, the Clark Planetarium itself is wheelchair accessible, including its exhibits and theaters. Many of the surrounding areas in downtown Salt Lake City, such as The Gateway shopping and entertainment district, Temple Square, and the paths around Library Square, are also designed with accessibility in mind, offering smooth, paved surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices.

The Gateway development, where the Clark Planetarium is located, hosts a variety of dining options, many of which offer outdoor patio seating during pleasant weather. You'll find everything from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Exploring the immediate vicinity will provide choices for different tastes and budgets.

Both offer distinct urban experiences. The Clark Planetarium provides an indoor, immersive scientific and educational journey, ideal for all weather. Temple Square, a short walk away, offers a more historical and architectural experience with beautiful gardens and buildings, primarily outdoors. Many visitors choose to combine both for a full day of diverse exploration in downtown Salt Lake City.

The Clark Planetarium boasts over 10,000 square feet of free, interactive exhibits. Highlights include the dynamic Science on a Sphere, an intricate audio-kinetic sculpture called Newton's Daydream, a Foucault pendulum, and a collection of meteorites, including a genuine moon rock from NASA's Apollo 15 mission. Visitors can also engage with models of planets and interactive games.

While the Clark Planetarium is primarily an indoor attraction, making it an excellent choice for colder months, its location within The Gateway means you can still enjoy a brief outdoor stroll in a festive urban setting. It's a perfect destination to warm up and engage in educational fun before or after experiencing any nearby winter outdoor activities in downtown Salt Lake City.

Yes, due to its central location within The Gateway development and downtown Salt Lake City, there are several hotels within easy walking distance or a short public transport ride from the Clark Planetarium. Options range from budget-friendly to upscale, catering to various traveler needs.

The Clark Planetarium opened in April 2003, succeeding the historic Hansen Planetarium, which operated from 1965 to 2003 in a renovated 1904 library building. The current facility at The Gateway was made possible by a grant from the Clark Foundation and is managed by Salt Lake County. It has undergone several updates and expansions since its relocation.