Cosmosphere
Cosmosphere
4.5
9:00 AM - 7:00 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 CosmoKids, an interactive play area for Young Explorers.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Erik EOmaha, Nebraska77 contributionsExceeded expectationsThis is an excellent place to spend 3-4hrs if you have any interest in flight or Space travel. I was alone, but there were many families there and the kids seemed to enjoy it too. The quality of the displays feels similar to Smithsonian institutions, but it's still very comfortable and managable. There are many displays including a SR-71, Space Shuttle replica, many NASA & Soviet era space craft and memorabilia. There is a planetarium, movie theater, flight simulator and some other attractions. I got the "all access" pass and stayed pretty busy for 3+hrs. I enjoyed it even more than I expected.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 29, 2024
- Kimberly H13 contributionsSpace nerds for sure need to come here!I had no idea there was an incredible space museum in Kansas! I feel like way more people should know about this place. It’s not just some little space museum either. It’s a full on all day experience with tons of space artifacts like Apollo XIII. I’ve been a space nerd for a long time and never knew about this place. The extra cost to do the All Access was so worth it. The museum is currently adding new exhibits so we’ll for sure be back when those open.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 11, 2024
- bjeanne t6 contributionsThird Trip to Visit!My 9 year old grandson was fascinated. This is the third time he's gone to the Cosmosphere. He begs us to go back every time he comes to visit. The rocket ships are his favorite. He always finds something new and informative. Thank you!Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 7, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
703 reviews
Excellent
551
Very good
128
Average
18
Poor
2
Terrible
4
douglasf719
Gulfport, MS73 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Oknurse
23 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
It was nice to revisit the Cosmosphere. My son attended the space camps there several years in the past. My husband and I came for a visit and spent 4 -5 hours enjoying the museum and film/interactive shows. Very enjoyable afternoon
Written June 5, 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.
We're glad you enjoyed your visit! Come back soon!
Written June 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peggy H
Olathe, KS46 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Jon B
Stillwater, OK17 contributions
Jan 2020
I visited yesterday and was totally disappointed. So many closed exhibits, many items I wished to see were loaned out to other museums or not on display. Sad. The better part of the space section is very poorly lit. I understand space is dark, but it would be nice if the lights were up enough to be able to read the information cards at the exhibits. Many of the interactive dispalys were not working. There are some cool artifacts to see, but once again they are dimly lit and it is hard to see these items. I cannot say I would recommend this museum to anyone. Save your money and go to the Smithsonian and see how a flight and space museum should be done. I will never return to this place.
Written January 5, 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.
We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your visit. You are correct—portions of the Cosmosphere Hall of Space Museum are currently under renovation and unfortunately are not open to the public. That said, those galleries will re-open in March 2020 and feature a new hands-on area for children in addition to a new X-Plane gallery. One main focus during our renovations has been updating the lighting systems— this will continue to be a priority as other areas are updated in the future. We appreciate your honesty! Thank you.
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott T
Lawrence, KS73 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The displays are great, especially the space-used artifacts, backup units and replicas, both U.S. & Soviet. Full size lunar lander! There also some very realistic scale models like an SR-71. Of course the immersive movies in the dome theater, notably the Apollo 11 documentary, are excellent!
But the real hidden gem is Dr. Goddard’s Lab! Fantastic show for kids of all ages and adults, even ones who aren’t into space stuff. I guarantee you and your kids will enjoy it and learn something! Even if you have been to Cosmosphere before, if you haven’t seen Dr. Goddard’s Lab, you need to go again.
It is amazing that a museum of this quality (really superb) and with so many significant, genuine space artifacts is located in a small city far from where all the space action takes place. That’s a tribute to the vision and determination of its founders, current supporters, leadership & staff.
By the way, the admission prices are a tremendous value for what you get!
But the real hidden gem is Dr. Goddard’s Lab! Fantastic show for kids of all ages and adults, even ones who aren’t into space stuff. I guarantee you and your kids will enjoy it and learn something! Even if you have been to Cosmosphere before, if you haven’t seen Dr. Goddard’s Lab, you need to go again.
It is amazing that a museum of this quality (really superb) and with so many significant, genuine space artifacts is located in a small city far from where all the space action takes place. That’s a tribute to the vision and determination of its founders, current supporters, leadership & staff.
By the way, the admission prices are a tremendous value for what you get!
Written January 1, 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.
Thank you for the great review, ScottT180! We appreciate your support. Thank you so much for visiting and we hope to see you back soon.
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
M N
9 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
americanhistorymajor
Colorado Springs, CO40 contributions
Jul 2020
My husband and I are huge Air and Space fans. This museum was such an experience in the Cold War and early space history. Of particular interest was the early rocket experiments in Nazi, Germany and the interesting parallels in the museum of the race to the moon between Russia and the US. We toured the entire museum as well as the planetarium show. This was about a 3 hour tour for us. It could definitely be longer.
Written August 10, 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.
We like to pride ourselves that our collection includes the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world, thus allowing us to tell the story of the Space Race better than any other museum! Thanks for visiting and 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.
recorder
Pineville, MO1,922 contributions
Aug 2020
As someone who lived through the cold war and the space race that was a part of it, it was a great experience to relive those bygone days. There's lots to see here and lots to learn if you've never heard the story of Sputnik and rockets blowing up on launch pads and in the air. A great history lesson with lots of artifacts from the era on display.
Written August 20, 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.
Thank you for the review, recorder and thank you for visiting!
Written August 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ty F
Saint Louis, MO25 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AL M
York25 contributions
Jul 2020
This was our first visit so everything was new to us. We enjoyed the planetarium, Dr. Goddard's lab, and an IMAX movie in addition to the space museum itself. Four hours went by very quickly. Ancient Caves, the IMAX movie about the study o f climatology in caves was fascinating and educational; definitely the highlight of our visit.
Written July 12, 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.
Thank you for visiting, 789alm! We're glad you enjoyed your time at the Cosmosphere. Please come back and see us soon!
Written July 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is this a venue where everything could be done in a day or should two days be planned?
Written August 27, 2021
I have been many times and I personally would only spend one day. I would NOT try to do any other tour like the salt mines on the same day. Too much to take in! At a minimum, you could breeze in and out in a couple hours but 4 hours would be better to plan for. My husband could have stayed all day!
Written August 28, 2021
Hello! The food in our Cosmo Cafe is pretty good! (We recommend the chicken tenders! Nom nom nom!)
Written August 9, 2019
Is 2 - 3 hours sufficient to see the exhibits? What is a "don't miss" for an 11 year old?
Written August 19, 2017
Yes but they will want more. just wait and see when they get I to experiment mode...
Written October 17, 2017
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)? :)
Written February 28, 2016
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.
Written March 1, 2016
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 Film†
$7.50 +tax
$6.50 +tax
Free
Written June 3, 2015
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