Private Groups

Movie Night Under the Stars

The Planetarium offers a variety of programs for private or corporate groups including personal tours and movie screenings. Schedule now!

Private groups can be scheduled by emailing [email protected] or by calling the office 903.468.8650. Examples of programs include, but are not limited to:

  • Movie night (The planetarium is temporarily unable to offer movie nights via DVD or Blu-Ray)
  • Scouts programs
  • Birthday parties
  • Private showings

Private groups can include viewing one or more shows from our catalog with group sizes up to 81 visitors. Private group shows are $5 per person for each show. There is a $75 minimum fee for groups of 15 or fewer.

For groups who wish to rent the facility for a movie, the standard fee is $75 for a two-hour limit. Anything over two hours is an additional $25 per 30 minutes. The person making the reservation is responsible for providing the movie (DVD or Blu-ray Disk only), which must be suitable for all audiences. All selections must be approved by the planetarium office before scheduling. (The planetarium is temporarily unable to offer movie nights via DVD or Blu-Ray)

Please note that private groups are required to follow the policies of the Planetarium and East Texas A&M University. We request that private groups be scheduled at least two weeks prior to the event to ensure adequate time for preparation and scheduling of staff. Email [email protected] to schedule.

Directions and Parking

Planetarium Directions

Getting Here

Physical address: 2201 W. Neal St, Commerce, TX 75428

The planetarium is located in the McFarland Science Building of the East Texas A&M campus, located approximately 65 miles northeast of the Dallas metroplex.

From Dallas, take Interstate 30 east. Exit to Highway 50/24 (exit 101) and proceed approximately 10 miles north to Commerce. The first intersection/stoplight is Culver and Hwy 50/24, turn right toward the east and prepare to take the first turn left turn on Neal Street. Continue straight on Neal Street which will end at the McFarland Science Building. Signs have been posted for directions beginning at the intersection of Culver and Hwy 50/24.

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Planetarium Parking

Parking

Parking for the planetarium is in lot 19 only for all visits other than Friday night public shows. Parking outside of lot 19 can result in vehicles receiving a parking ticket. This includes buses, and we request that buses pull through the bus drop-off zone to offload passengers, then relocate to Lot 19. Please find Planetarium parking on the campus map. Parking in Lot 35 is still allowed for Friday night shows only.

Please allow extra time for parking and to purchase tickets. For the comfort and safety of all our visitors, once the planetarium doors are closed, late admission is not permitted.

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Planetarium Policies

Policies

For the comfort and safety of all planetarium visitors, we request that all visitors comply with the following policies:

  • No late admission to the planetarium, once the show begins, the doors will remain closed for the comfort and safety of all visitors.
  • Please enter from either Culver or Neal Street, and use parking lot 19 as noted on the campus map for parking.
  • All cell phones must be turned off before entering the planetarium. The phones can interfere with the wireless system used to run the program.
  • ï‚· No food or drinks in the planetarium, including gum and candy.
  • The Planetarium’s maximum seating capacity is 81 visitors. We are required to remain strictly within those limits.
  • The Planetarium is wheelchair accessible. Please see the seating guide below for accessible pathways. Our office is happy to accommodate special requests and can be reached at 903.468.8650.
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Planetarium/Observatory::Contact Us

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011

For a recorded message providing show information and times, call 903.468.8652.

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