Story Time Under the Stars

Fly to the Moon, journey to Saturn, explore the stars, and travel through distant galaxies—all without leaving Pittsburgh! Buhl Planetarium presents a range of captivating space exploration shows to entertain, educate, and inspire visitors of all ages. Experience a high-definition, full-dome journey to the galaxy’s outer limits. Learn to spot planets and constellations from your own backyard. The Buhl Planetarium, established in 1939 by The Buhl Foundation, honors Pittsburgh philanthropist Henry Buhl Jr., whose foundation supports education, human services, youth programs, and economic development. A new Sony projection system with 10 projectors creates seamless, high-res 8K imagery across a 180-degree dome for a full viewing experience. All panels on the 50-foot dome have been replaced with new Spitz NanoSeam panels, offering a stunning canvas for 8K projection. Digistar 7 software enables real-time 3D graphics, planetary models, and the most accurate 3D atlas of the universe. A recent $32,000 grant from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) provides assistive listening devices and tactile star globes for improved access. In select shows, Buhl Planetarium educators use an Xbox controller to guide visitors through Martian canyons, Saturn’s rings, or Earth’s landscapes in real time, based on actual planetary data. Visitors participate in space trivia or choose their adventure through space using a new wireless handheld voting system. Live data from Earth and space observatories stream into the planetarium daily, offering up-to-date space news during shows.