Last updated: 10/23/2015
Norfolk, Virginia
Street Address
Old Dominion University
Pretlow Planetarium
Norfolk, VA 23529
Mailing Address
4600 Elkhorn Ave
OCNPS Bldg, Room 306
Norfolk, VA 23529
phone: 757-683-3474
e-mail: planetarium@odu.edu
web: www.odu.edu/planetarium

Hours

Public Shows
We have full-dome movies on Mondays and live shows on Thursdays. All shows are free and open to the public, and families are always welcome. You do not need tickets or to make any reservations. Shows begin at 6:30 and typically last 45 minutes to an hour.
Monday
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Bad Movie Night
The first Friday of every month, we show old sci-fi films on the dome of the planetarium. The night will start with a pub-style trivia contest at 6:30 followed by an old sci-fi film at 7:00. All showings are free!

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Justin Mason, Planetarium Director
phone: 757-683-3474
Description

Location

The Old Dominion University Mary D. Pretlow Planetarium is located adjacent to the Chemical Sciences building, Alfriend Hall, on the main campus.

Overview

The 40-foot domed, Digitalis planetarium is used by the introductory astronomy classes and has public presentations. Planetarium shows include full dome, educational movies as well as live showings of the night sky. Monthly, the Bad Movie Night series shows old sci-fi movies on the dome.

History

The planetarium was named for Miss Mary Denson Pretlow at the request of the anonymous donor who presented the university with the funds to build the planetarium. The University's Board of Visitors was receptive to naming the building after Miss Pretlow due to her thirty years of service (1917-1947) as head of the Norfolk Public Library as well as her career as a distinguished historian and librarian.

Services
Special Event Rental
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
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