Cosmosphere
Speciality Museums • Science Museums • History Museums
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum is a Smithsonian affiliated museum in Hutchinson, KS. Its collection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, and the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow. This unique collection allows the Cosmosphere to tell the story of the Space Race better than any museum in the world while offering fully immersive education experiences that meet the Next Generation Science Standards and introduce students to the power of wondering—asking the critical questions that lead to discovery. The Cosmosphere also features the Carey Digital Dome Theater offering documentary showings daily; experience the night sky in the Justice Planetarium; Dr. Goddard’s Lab, where visitors experience live science demonstrations daily; and featuring CosmoKids, an interactive play area for Young Explorers.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
683 reviews
Excellent
533
Very good
125
Average
19
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Anne K
La Vernia, TX29 contributions
Jul 2022
Great way to spend a day! My spouse is really into space stuff, and we saw stuff we hadn't seen before, even at NASA. For sure go for the all inclusive ticket - the planetarium and huge dome theater are good, and the Goddard Lab was fun- the simulator was also included, but we didn't go there! Saw a few bored children, and there is a lot of reading if you want the full experience. Only drawback was their advertising a cafe, which is closed until August for renovation, so we had to go out and find somewhere for lunch and come back.
Written July 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for visiting, Anne! We appreciate your honest feedback!
Written August 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peggy H
Olathe, KS47 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Amazing destination if you are the least bit interested in space and/or rockets, maybe even if you're not! They are affiliated with the Smithsonian (not part of) and have great, quality exhibits. The layout is well planned, the displays are chronological so you come away with a real feel for the history of rockets and space exploration. The displays often have both quick info signage and more detailed explanations. Real aircraft, real modules, real satellites! I was fascinated. We spent 5 hours there including a planetarium show and a movie and didn't make it through but a third of the museum (but we are nerds that read everything, lol!) A definite must see!
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for visiting and for your fantastic review, Peggy H!
Written April 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M N
7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Our 3 kids ages 6 to 10 lived this museum, and my wife and I did as well. The best part was the story of the space race with the USSR...what an adventure! A good portion of the museum tells the Soviet story too. The actual Apollo 13 capsule was amazing to see. We spent about 4 hours including a lunch break and a movie.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bibliobabe2002
Buffalo, Minnesota24 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Simply the best space museum we've visited hands down. I enjoyed it much more than the Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. as it put everything into historical context. (I'm not much of a space need but my husband is andxI still enjoyed it immensity
..) My husband enjoyed it so much he went back for a second full day.
Other things I enjoyed was staff letting us use the outside picnic tables for our packed lunch. I bought two of the best cookies I've ever tasted in the Cafe. Kudos to whatever bakery you get them from!
While I enjoyed the Goddard hands on display (mostly because the "teacher" was so entertaining), I was not impressed with the Ireland or Mars movies. Both movies were disapointing and not worth the time or money.
Overall, this is a must see museum for anyone interested in American history since about 1920 onward. So glad we made the long trek from Minnesota to visit.
..) My husband enjoyed it so much he went back for a second full day.
Other things I enjoyed was staff letting us use the outside picnic tables for our packed lunch. I bought two of the best cookies I've ever tasted in the Cafe. Kudos to whatever bakery you get them from!
While I enjoyed the Goddard hands on display (mostly because the "teacher" was so entertaining), I was not impressed with the Ireland or Mars movies. Both movies were disapointing and not worth the time or money.
Overall, this is a must see museum for anyone interested in American history since about 1920 onward. So glad we made the long trek from Minnesota to visit.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for making the trek from Minnesota to visit us, Bibliobabe2022! We appreciate your honesty and we're so happy you had a good time!
Written October 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
commodoredrake
Topeka, KS8 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
The Cosmosphere. They do important work and it's interesting but also underwhelming. If you have young kids this would be a great place to visit as they are sure to be entertained.. IF they like science and space. If they bore easily, maybe not the place to go.
The staff is very nice, it's clean, and mostly interesting.
The layout is a bit confusing and leaves a bit to be desired. After going through the main museum everything else kind of falls flat. The main museum part itself documents the space race, and the development of rockets from pre-wwII untik the end of the Apollo program. A lot of the information is repeated multiple times and starts to feel redundant.
There are also some noticeable omissions in the history of space travel in regards to some important figures and events that are not addressed and, personally, I think would be more interesting if it included events in the space program up to modern day, and if it had more interactivity.
Overall not a bad way to spend three or four hours, but I wouldn't make it my only reason to go to Hutchinson if you aren't from there or close to it. I will say that it is important to support them if they continue to update and grow as fun educational destinations are few and far between but needed.
The staff is very nice, it's clean, and mostly interesting.
The layout is a bit confusing and leaves a bit to be desired. After going through the main museum everything else kind of falls flat. The main museum part itself documents the space race, and the development of rockets from pre-wwII untik the end of the Apollo program. A lot of the information is repeated multiple times and starts to feel redundant.
There are also some noticeable omissions in the history of space travel in regards to some important figures and events that are not addressed and, personally, I think would be more interesting if it included events in the space program up to modern day, and if it had more interactivity.
Overall not a bad way to spend three or four hours, but I wouldn't make it my only reason to go to Hutchinson if you aren't from there or close to it. I will say that it is important to support them if they continue to update and grow as fun educational destinations are few and far between but needed.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We appreciate your honest review, commodoredrake. Thank you for visiting!
Written August 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ty F
Saint Louis, MO10 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a great rocket/space museum I stumbled upon. You don't even have to be a great fan of rocketry or space. I traveled with 3 other adults and they enjoyed it immensely too though I have always been very interested in the space program. Lots of artifacts of history including original Apollo 13 capsule, Gus Grissom's Mercury capsule that sank in the 1960s but was recovered and refurbished. Cafe and snacks and amenities were wonderful too. Through no fault of the museum, my wife had an injury that gave her a significant skin tear (not related to the museum) but the staff there provided support, gauze, bandages, etc. They went beyond what was necessary to help us even though it wasn't caused by the museum or its environment. Would visit again.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kristian
Peace River, Canada119 contributions
Feb 2020 • Business
Came here on a Sunday and used the whole 5 hours it was open. Still not quite enough time.
The show with the stars in the planetarium was neat but not sure I would recommend for adults.
Restored actual artifacts are amazing the work and detail they went to like the Apollo 13 and the Russian return pod. Sadly the liberty bell was not currently on display.
If you like to read each placard don’t come on a Sunday. Would probably need 7 hours to do. Great time though.
The show with the stars in the planetarium was neat but not sure I would recommend for adults.
Restored actual artifacts are amazing the work and detail they went to like the Apollo 13 and the Russian return pod. Sadly the liberty bell was not currently on display.
If you like to read each placard don’t come on a Sunday. Would probably need 7 hours to do. Great time though.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your honest review! Liberty Bell 7 has returned to the Cosmosphere from now through the end of 2020. After then it will go on tour to Brazil in 2021. We're sorry you missed it! We hope you can come back and visit us soon.
Written June 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melinda D
31 contributions
Jul 2020
Really enjoyed this place! My husband has always been a space travel/rocket fan and this place did not disappoint. The museum has an excellent collection of artifacts and educational documentation of the history of rockets and space travel from WWII German rockets to the present day. The Cold War is presented to show what was going on in the USSR and the US on parallel timelines -- so interesting. They have actual rockets, engines, space suits, etc. They even have the Apollo 13 capsule! It's just all really well done. You can also go to the planetarium for a lesson on the night sky, learn about very early work in rocketry that is made to me fun and interesting for children (we adults enjoyed it too), and a digital theatre showing films. I think we ended up spending about 4-5 hours there. Definitely recommend.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, Melinda D, for your great review! Please come back and see us soon!
Written August 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
koppla69
Phoenix, AZ177 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
A must see. Staff was very friendly. When we went,there were a few interactive attractions closed because of the COVID-19. This was not a big deal. There are so so much information in this place. If you do the whole museum including the 2 movies and the Lab you will be there for 4-6 hours. Try to have a break before the extras. We missed the planetarium one because the family needed a restroom break. You had to be there on time. I would recommend this place to kids maybe 6 and up. Take a nice camera, you will take lots of pictures. We ate at the cafe there and even though it was a little pricey, the food was awesome. You can take snacks and drinks in which was nice. They have elevator is need. Hope you have much fun and we all did. Any questions please don't hesitate, shot me a message. Have happy travels.
Written June 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
What an outstanding review! Thank you so much for visiting us, koppla69! We're so happy that you and your family enjoyed our hidden gem in the middle of Kansas!
Written June 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
douglasf719
Gulfport, MS72 contributions
Jun 2020
I've been to many different space related museums and this is one of the best. Has many original space rockets/components that have actually flown or were backups ready to fly but weren't needed. The Goddard Lab was interesting but would be of particular interest to pre-teens since the person doing it was using liquid oxygen and actually created an explosion in the lab. Naturally a plexiglass shield separated the audience from the explosion. I would recommend the visit. Also see the theatre and Planetarium shows. By the way, the cafeteria was pretty good.
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you! What a great review! We're glad you enjoyed your visit. Please come back and see us anytime!
Written June 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CurlyQLink
16 contributions
Is 2 - 3 hours sufficient to see the exhibits? What is a "don't miss" for an 11 year old?
boatlvr13
Olathe, KS31 contributions
Yes but they will want more. just wait and see when they get I to experiment mode...
AreWeThereYet87
103 contributions
The website says they have activities for kids 2-12, but all the pictures I've seen show mostly older kid-adult exhibitions. Can any parents tell me if this would be a good day trip for 2-3 year olds (who are interested in space ships)? :)
travelswellAZ
Phoenix, AZ12 contributions
I think on the third Saturday of the month they have more activities for little children and a story time, according to a friend. There was a table in the lobby where they had kid friendly activities and they have a space capsule little ones can get in and push buttons, listen to mission control etc. It's been a long time since my kids were that little, so I'd say yes for a few hours but not the whole day. It is not a "children's museum" with a dedicated children's play area, but during our visit, there were a lot of families with little ones there with strollers, etc. who seemed very happy.
Areis the. Cosnoshere open on sunday? And what is price od adnission??
Robert D
Bismarck46 contributions
Yes they are open 12 to 7 on Sunday and here is the site for ticket prices and times they are open.
Adults
$23.00 +tax
Children (4-12), Seniors (60+), Military
$21.00 +tax
Children 3 & Under, sitting on a parents lap
Free
These prices get you into everything for the entire day.
Single venue prices are as follows:
Single Venue Ticket
Adults
Children (4-12), Seniors (60+), Military
Children
3 & Under
Hall of Space Museum
$12.50 +tax
$10.50 +tax
Free*
Dr. Goddard's lab
$8.75 +tax
$7.75 +tax
Free*
Justice Planetarium
$8.75 +tax
$7.75 +tax
Free*
Carey Digital Dome Theater Documentary
$8.75 +tax
$7.75 +tax
Free*
Carey Digital Dome Theater Hollywood Feature Filmâ€
$7.50 +tax
$6.50 +tax
Free
Cosmosphere (Hutchinson) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmosphere
- Cosmosphere is open:
- Sun - Thu 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Fri - Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near Cosmosphere:
- (0.36 mi) Charming Colonial Home with Private Chipping Green
- (1.04 mi) Hampton Inn Hutchinson
- (0.95 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Hutchinson
- (0.63 mi) Prairie Moon Bed and Breakfast
- (1.20 mi) Comfort Inn & Suites
- Restaurants near Cosmosphere:
- (0.04 mi) Lunar Outpost Restaurant
- (0.59 mi) Bogey's
- (0.45 mi) Papa Johns Pizza
- (0.55 mi) Antojitos El Barbas
- (0.57 mi) Mi Tierra Restaurant & Cantina