Entry No. 38 — the Detroit file — filed under: planetariums
Wayne State University Planetarium
Tucked inside the historic, castle-like Old Main building on Wayne State's campus, this 60-seat planetarium features a 27-foot dome and a state-of-the-art Spitz SciDome projector.
The story
Deep in the subterranean level of Old Main—Wayne State's castle-like 19th-century landmark at Cass and Warren—lies a 60-seat theater tucked beneath a 27-foot dome. Most people passing by only notice the red brick turrets, completely unaware that Suite 0209 houses a Spitz SciDome IQ 2400 projector capable of beaming high-definition celestial visualizations onto the ceiling.
Operating as part of WSU's campus museum network, the planetarium operates without the slick commercialism of major city science centers. Instead, you get an intimate, student-guided portal into astronomy tucked into the basement of a historic university fortress, surrounded by academic exhibits and quiet campus corridors.
What it's like
Navigate down into the lower level of Old Main to Suite 0209; you'll know you're close when the hallway opens into university museum display cases. The chamber itself holds just 60 seats beneath the 27-foot dome, creating a dark, enclosed atmosphere that feels surprisingly secretive. On Friday evenings, aim to arrive around 5:00 PM to browse the building's free Anthropology and Mineral Museums before grabbing a seat under the dome for the 6:00 PM show.
The move: Head to Old Main on a Friday evening to browse the free Anthropology and Mineral Museums starting at 5:00 PM, then grab seats under the dome at 6:00 PM for a student-led tour of the cosmos.
- 📍 Midtown Detroit
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 4841 Cass Ave, Suite 0209, Detroit, MI 48201
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Jolly Old Timers — Keep your subterranean neighborhood tour going by heading two blocks away to this 1950s social club hidden in a Victorian basement.
- The Whitney — Pair your time under Old Main's dome with a short walk down Cass Avenue to drink inside another massive 1890s stone landmark.
- The Masonic Temple — Match Old Main's historic brick architecture with a trip one mile south to explore Detroit's immense Gothic temple.
Good to know
Where inside Old Main is the planetarium located?
You'll find it on the lower level in Suite 0209 at 4841 Cass Avenue. Follow the interior signage down to the basement floor.
How many seats are available in the dome?
The planetarium is intentionally small, with a capacity capped at 60 seats beneath its 27-foot dome.
What projector system does the facility use?
Shows are driven by a high-definition Spitz SciDome IQ 2400 projection system designed for full-dome star field visualizations.
Are there other exhibits inside the same building?
Yes, Old Main also houses Wayne State's Anthropology and Mineral Museums, which you can explore on the upper floors.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site
last checked: 2026-07-21