Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is an iconic UNC landmark. Morehead was the first planetarium on a university campus and continues to be the premier planetarium in the Southeast. Since 1949, we have been dedicated to shedding light on all that science can teach us, inspiring the people of North Carolina and beyond. We partner with the University community to bring together Carolina’s many world-class resources and world-renowned minds to ignite passion for science and advance the public’s understanding of it. We also strive to enhance scientists’ ability to communicate the value of their research to the school groups, teenagers, families, and other audiences we serve in every North Carolina county. 

The recently renovated Morehead building houses the GlaxoSmithKline Fulldome Theater, as well as the Science Stage, Launch Lab, and Breakthrough Hub — a new exhibit space showcasing research from UNC scientists. Morehead’s programs include classes for children and adults, courses for teachers, after-school programs, summer camps, skywatching sessions, and public lectures. Morehead also produces the statewide North Carolina Science Festival each April. Over the past seven decades, we have welcomed millions of students, teachers, and families through our doors to experience the wonder of science discovery.