Located at the heart of the University of Arizona campus the Flandrau Science Center explores our universe from earth to space and everything in-between, bringing science alive for young and life-long learners alike. Changing exhibits through the year focus on biology, energy, optics and more, weaving in ground-breaking UA research and revealing the world of science careers for budding scientists.
Sit back, relax and tour the universe in southern Arizona’s only Planetarium Theater. Our star projector can project more than 8,000 stars, perfectly recreating the visible objects of the night sky hour by hour. On family days, students from the UA College of Science lead Science Discovery activities in physics, marine biology and other areas.
We also operate the only weekly, free, public astronomy program in Arizona. Stop by the Flandrau observatory and let our volunteer astronomers show you Saturn's rings, the cloud belts of Jupiter, the Andromeda galaxy and other stunning and beautiful images that will forever transform the way you see our own world.
The University of Arizona Mineral Museum on the lower level of Flandrau houses one of the top-5 gem and mineral collections of the world. With a core collection dating back to 1892, the Mineral Museum now holds more than 26,000 specimens. The Mineral Museum's permanent exhibit of over 2,000 specimens includes stunning minerals and meteorites from Arizona, Mexico and around the world.
Flandrau also offers Science Camp-ins, Star Parties, Portable Planetarium shows, Science Cafés, and Laser Light Shows. Visit Flandrau.org for more information.
Our History
UA Science: Flandrau got its start with a 1972 bequest from the estate of Grace H. Flandrau, noted author and frequent winter visitor to Tucson. The University decided to use the generous gift to fund a facility that would increase public understanding and appreciation of science.
Originally known as The Grace H. Flandrau Planetarium, the facility was part of the UA Department of Astronomy. Its location on campus, near the Astronomy Department, Optical Sciences Center, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and historic Steward Observatory, reflects its continuing connections to the research community.
The Planetarium was designed by Tucson architectural firm Blanton and Company and opened its door to the public in 1975.
UA Science: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is open 7 days a week.
Shows for groups are available by reservation only.
| Planetarium/Exhibits/Mineral Museum | Group Reservations | Observatory | |
| Monday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | CLOSED |
| Thursday |
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Family Night) |
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. | 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. | |
| Sunday | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | CLOSED |
Exploring Sky Islands
Here in Southern Arizona, we live in one of the most unique environments in the world. We’re famous for the natural beauty of our landscape, and that landscape also boasts an incredible range of plants, birds, and animals thanks to the mountains that rise above our desert basins. We call those mountains Sky Islands - they are home to an astonishing level of biodiversity, a multitude of species that live in the cooler, wetter habitats at higher elevations. Runs through Summer 2013
OSIRIS-REx Presents: Great Balls of Fire!
Have you ever wondered about the origins of comets, asteroids, and meteors? Or what they can tell us about Earth?
Visitors to the new OSIRIS REx PRESENTS Great Balls of Fire! exhibition, which opens at Flandrau Science Center on October 1st, can explore these mysterious space rocks through hands-on activities, computer-based interactives, meteorite specimens, scale models, and an immersive audio-visual experience called Asteroid Encounter.
Crystalline Treasures: The Mineral Heritage of China
Don’t miss Flandrau’s new exhibit, “Crystalline Treasures: the Mineral Heritage of China. You’ll see astonishing mineral specimens from China that have never been seen before in a public exhibition. And you’ll learn about the ancient history and culture of China, a civilization that goes back five thousand years, a civilization that changed the world with the invention of gunpowder, paper, and silk.
Flandrau Science Center offers a variety of programs for school groups, families and the general public. Please click on the links to the left for more information about specific programs or call 621-4516.
We have several ways for our community to be involved! See the menu to the left for more details.
Please continue to visit this page as we add additional resources and science content over time!
Donations to the Flandrau Science Center are greatly appreciated and go a long way towards our ability to offer the community diverse and high quality changing exhibits and programs. Although Flandrau receives some state funding, the majority of available funds come from ticket and membership sales, grants, and donations from community members who are committed to science education. There are a few ways you can donate to Flandrau.
To donate through the UA foundation, click the button bellow or click here to visit their secure website where you may enter your billing information.
Or, come to Flandrau Science Center to check out our latest offerings and you can give a cash or check donation at the front desk.