HR MacMillan Space Centre
HR MacMillan Space Centre
3
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The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre will be open on select dates for special programming. Visit the “Upcoming Events” page on our website for a full listing of virtual programs and workshops.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Neighborhood: Kits Point
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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3.0
214 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
59
Average
53
Poor
47
Terrible
25
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tony l
Vancouver, Canada5,097 contributions
Jan 2023
You do not have to be astrophile to enjoy a wonderful time here , the Planetarium had been open since the 1968 , great place to learn about space and universal for all ages , very interesting theatre shows , educational , also there is a small area for exhibition to explore too , over all , it is more for the kids and young family , very underlying for adult , $18 for adult , best time visit is after2pm , during early day and there so many school kids running around . still very nice place to visit for tourist , lot of paid parking . maximum not more the two hours stay .
Written January 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada14,605 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
I’d initially thought about patronizing the HR MacMillan Space Centre after visiting the Museum of Vancouver; however, I had just under an hour left before the building closed. As such, I decided to hold off on visiting the Space Centre until my next visit a month later. Of course, had I known better, I’d have realized that I still had more than ample time to take in both attractions at the same time. How come?
To put the matter bluntly, the HR MacMillan Space Centre is quite small and most of the displays are rather bland – dated – and can be cruised through in about 20 minutes without missing too much. The experience might be more enjoyable with young children but, given how technologically advanced kids are these days, even they might get a little bored here. As I ambled through the Space Centre, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stuck in the 1990s.
The one thing I really enjoyed about my experience here – and what saved the Space Centre from a dreaded 2-star rating – was the Planetarium Star Theatre and the film I got to see: “Surfing the Solar System.” The theatre is perfectly configured to give one the feeling of traveling through time and space. The staff person who interpreted the show was knowledgeable and clearly enjoyed what he was doing, which further enhanced the whole experience (there’s nothing worse than seeing someone go through the motions).
Perhaps the Space Centre is more worthwhile if you take in one of the evening observatory tours? Nevertheless, I would suggest visiting the HR MacMillan Space Centre concurrently with the Museum of Vancouver. It makes sense on a couple of levels: Both are hosted in the same building AND it’s practical. It’s just a shame neither organization offers bundle tickets for both attractions.
To put the matter bluntly, the HR MacMillan Space Centre is quite small and most of the displays are rather bland – dated – and can be cruised through in about 20 minutes without missing too much. The experience might be more enjoyable with young children but, given how technologically advanced kids are these days, even they might get a little bored here. As I ambled through the Space Centre, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stuck in the 1990s.
The one thing I really enjoyed about my experience here – and what saved the Space Centre from a dreaded 2-star rating – was the Planetarium Star Theatre and the film I got to see: “Surfing the Solar System.” The theatre is perfectly configured to give one the feeling of traveling through time and space. The staff person who interpreted the show was knowledgeable and clearly enjoyed what he was doing, which further enhanced the whole experience (there’s nothing worse than seeing someone go through the motions).
Perhaps the Space Centre is more worthwhile if you take in one of the evening observatory tours? Nevertheless, I would suggest visiting the HR MacMillan Space Centre concurrently with the Museum of Vancouver. It makes sense on a couple of levels: Both are hosted in the same building AND it’s practical. It’s just a shame neither organization offers bundle tickets for both attractions.
Written September 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hendlschorsch
Essen, Germany7,848 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
...where with the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (an astronomy museum including a planetarium) and the Museum of Vancouver two institutions are "homed" in one building complex (there is also the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory in the "outbuilding").
Adult admission fee currently 22.75 CAD
Adult admission fee currently 22.75 CAD
Automatically translated
Written August 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S F
Ucluelet, Canada935 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
In my experience, if one really wants to enjoy something, do it with children.
While I have long considered this proposition, I know this surely to be true now having done many things with my two wonderful grandchildren.
One of the things we did together & which was so much fun, was visiting the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre at Vanier Park on Kits Point.
Established in 1968, it is housed in an iconic building, adjacent to the Observatory Centre, an add-on which is open to the public to view the heavens on clear nights,
It, along with Science World —- which I also visited happily with my gorgeous grandchildren—
are two wonderful learning resources to take children to in Vancouver.
If you have not visited, do so as soon as it & Science World reopen.
Hopefully they will open again soon, & before the end of the summer holidays, which is a good time to take these informative & fun learning excursions.
The Space Centre —.along with its various exhibitions —has interactive viewings, as well as talks throughout the day.
Science World, too, has talks.
Good to find out when they are, so one can gear one’s visit
to the schedule.
Posted by S Fuller
While I have long considered this proposition, I know this surely to be true now having done many things with my two wonderful grandchildren.
One of the things we did together & which was so much fun, was visiting the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre at Vanier Park on Kits Point.
Established in 1968, it is housed in an iconic building, adjacent to the Observatory Centre, an add-on which is open to the public to view the heavens on clear nights,
It, along with Science World —- which I also visited happily with my gorgeous grandchildren—
are two wonderful learning resources to take children to in Vancouver.
If you have not visited, do so as soon as it & Science World reopen.
Hopefully they will open again soon, & before the end of the summer holidays, which is a good time to take these informative & fun learning excursions.
The Space Centre —.along with its various exhibitions —has interactive viewings, as well as talks throughout the day.
Science World, too, has talks.
Good to find out when they are, so one can gear one’s visit
to the schedule.
Posted by S Fuller
Written April 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tori
Wisconsin150 contributions
Nov 2022
I did the night activity, with the virtual exhibit, the science demonstration, and the observatory visit. It lasted about 2 and a half hours, and for $21 CAD, it is well worth the money. The museum portion that you can look through at the beginning is relatively simple, but the 3 activities that are lead by the staff are great. The staff is very knowledgeable and the activities are great. The best part of the night was the observatory- we got to see Saturn, Neptune, and Jupiter. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in space!
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kamloops Papa
3 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
Tired building and displays. Tired staff as well. Covid restrictions were just 'off', but we were told we must mask. Fine, but then they did not enforce masks on everyone.
At two points in their 'program' there were presenters miked up, and in both locations the sound was very poor - muffled and indistinct. My grandchildren lost interest almost instantly.
Spend your money and time elsewhere.
At two points in their 'program' there were presenters miked up, and in both locations the sound was very poor - muffled and indistinct. My grandchildren lost interest almost instantly.
Spend your money and time elsewhere.
Written March 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin Miron
Bromont, Canada8 contributions
Jun 2022
Well, short exhibit, material semi-interesting, 15 min and your through. Bad planning for the animation, had to wait about 1h, nothing to do… exhibit only last 15 min. Animation, basic information…. Could go more scientific, youngster are MUHC more informed today.
To go? Well, on a rainy afternoon… and 15 min before the animation, not before.
To go? Well, on a rainy afternoon… and 15 min before the animation, not before.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hawaiian Canuck
Vancouver, Canada2,096 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
There is definitely more here than meets the eye so don’t judge on first sight. Definitely stay for the space demo (loved the details and videos on living in space) and the planetarium shows are worth the wait. The one I saw was on the NASA Artemis Moon program. The static displays are pretty basic, but I really liked the Canadian astronauts information and the profile on Mr Saint-Jacques. It was better than I was expecting. Try to see their on-site telescope outside the building.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Discover5217
Seattle, WA1 contribution
Wow, my husband and I took my two kids (8 & 12) to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver. What a place, it completely blew us away.
All of thier programs from the Cosmic Courtyard to the Planetarium Theatre and especially the Virtual Voyage ride were great! You have to take a trip to Mars on the Virtual Voyages, YAHOO!!! The building looks like a big UFO and it is surrounded by beaches on all sides - Free Parking!! We had a picnic afterwards on the beach - what a great day - we will return!!
All of thier programs from the Cosmic Courtyard to the Planetarium Theatre and especially the Virtual Voyage ride were great! You have to take a trip to Mars on the Virtual Voyages, YAHOO!!! The building looks like a big UFO and it is surrounded by beaches on all sides - Free Parking!! We had a picnic afterwards on the beach - what a great day - we will return!!
Written November 3, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canadoc
Fort Langley, Canada141 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
I used to go to the Planetarium as a child and then started to take my own children who are now teenagers. I was hoping that the poor reviews were untrue but alas I have to echo them. It has changed even in the last few years since I last went.
The location is beautiful. We took a lovely walk that goes around the property and out to the waters edge. There are many benches to sit on and admire the views. This was the most pleasant part of our visit and it is free. It is easy to come and go with no hand stamps etc.
The parking lot is large and conveniently located near the building. There is a charge but it was reasonable. Credit card or coin cash.
Check in was easy because we went early enough. The cost would be fine if we had had a good experience. It would be comparable to similar exhibits elsewhere. They give you a guide to the show times. The cost includes the displays and one planetarium show. Extra shows you pay for. They do have interactive shows but it was quite apparent that they were aimed at the groups of children who were there for summer camp. We didn't attend.
We saw two planetarium shows. One was a basic description of the solar system and again it was aimed at an 8 year old level. The second was a more interesting program about landing on the moon and a contest currently being held to land a craft on the moon. The show host walked around taking questions but we couldn't hear what anyone was asking so it was a lot of silence followed by an answer. She asked for answers to questions she asked and then said not to call out but to use a show of hands. More confusing than anything. Very frustrating in the delivery.
These shows used to be very exciting in the preIMAX, pre3D world. Now they are pretty ho hum. I think that they need to look at the content of the shows and step it up.
The static displays have not been changed or upgraded in years. Some don't work. Some are not lit so that you can even read the information. There are some computer consoles with games that are so outdated. In this era of touch screens and action packed computer games, they do have to step this up too if they want to interest anyhow. The control mechanisms for the games didn't work well so it was a waste of time even trying to use them. Some things in the display were interesting but it is so easy to lose interest when you have to bypass two or three displays to get to an interesting one. It probably took us 15 min tops to go through the whole display.
There used to be a museum in the building. It is now one big sad and empty room. You did have to pay separately to go in but at least it made the space look active and busy. There used to be a gift shop and it is now another empty room with a few things to buy displayed behind a window. My teens love to buy things in gift shops and they didn't even glance at what they had for sale.
They do have conveniently located and clean bathrooms.
There is a nice view of the city from the walkway going to the planetarium shows.
They have a couple of vending machines. I could never figure out why, with all their space, they don't have at least a little café.
So there it is. I was very sad when I visited. I hope they get an infusion of money from somewhere because they have the building, the expertise and the basis to bring back a top notch Vancouver attraction.
The location is beautiful. We took a lovely walk that goes around the property and out to the waters edge. There are many benches to sit on and admire the views. This was the most pleasant part of our visit and it is free. It is easy to come and go with no hand stamps etc.
The parking lot is large and conveniently located near the building. There is a charge but it was reasonable. Credit card or coin cash.
Check in was easy because we went early enough. The cost would be fine if we had had a good experience. It would be comparable to similar exhibits elsewhere. They give you a guide to the show times. The cost includes the displays and one planetarium show. Extra shows you pay for. They do have interactive shows but it was quite apparent that they were aimed at the groups of children who were there for summer camp. We didn't attend.
We saw two planetarium shows. One was a basic description of the solar system and again it was aimed at an 8 year old level. The second was a more interesting program about landing on the moon and a contest currently being held to land a craft on the moon. The show host walked around taking questions but we couldn't hear what anyone was asking so it was a lot of silence followed by an answer. She asked for answers to questions she asked and then said not to call out but to use a show of hands. More confusing than anything. Very frustrating in the delivery.
These shows used to be very exciting in the preIMAX, pre3D world. Now they are pretty ho hum. I think that they need to look at the content of the shows and step it up.
The static displays have not been changed or upgraded in years. Some don't work. Some are not lit so that you can even read the information. There are some computer consoles with games that are so outdated. In this era of touch screens and action packed computer games, they do have to step this up too if they want to interest anyhow. The control mechanisms for the games didn't work well so it was a waste of time even trying to use them. Some things in the display were interesting but it is so easy to lose interest when you have to bypass two or three displays to get to an interesting one. It probably took us 15 min tops to go through the whole display.
There used to be a museum in the building. It is now one big sad and empty room. You did have to pay separately to go in but at least it made the space look active and busy. There used to be a gift shop and it is now another empty room with a few things to buy displayed behind a window. My teens love to buy things in gift shops and they didn't even glance at what they had for sale.
They do have conveniently located and clean bathrooms.
There is a nice view of the city from the walkway going to the planetarium shows.
They have a couple of vending machines. I could never figure out why, with all their space, they don't have at least a little café.
So there it is. I was very sad when I visited. I hope they get an infusion of money from somewhere because they have the building, the expertise and the basis to bring back a top notch Vancouver attraction.
Written August 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HRMSpaceCentre
Vancouver, Canada
Currently we don't offer any free admission days.
Written May 13, 2019
Is photography allowed inside the Space Centre?
Written September 26, 2018
HRMSpaceCentre
Vancouver, Canada
We do allow photography, but ask that you turn off your phone during the shows in the planetarium.
Written November 13, 2018
can't easily see about eating possibilities at space centre itself. thanks.
Written August 24, 2017
HRMSpaceCentre
Vancouver, Canada
We currently have vending machines with snacks and drinks.
Written March 15, 2018
Is there a charge for the space centre? Is Storyum in the same area as the museum? What is the charge for the museum and do we have to purchase tickets in advance? Do you offer senior rates? Is the space centre accessible?
Written May 29, 2016
HRMSpaceCentre
Vancouver, Canada
Check out our website for our admission rates and hours.
You can purchase tickets when you arrive, or we can sell them to you over the phone ahead of time.
We have a ramp leading up to our front entrance and have elevators between floors.
Written March 15, 2018
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