Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium

Exploring the sky.

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium has been serving Butler University students and Central Indiana for more than 60 years. The observatory, one of the largest public observatories in the world, houses a 38-inch Cassegrain reflector in addition to a number of smaller telescopes, along with a fully immersive digital planetarium. It is among the ten largest telescopes East of the Mississippi River. The observatory can be visited during our regular public tours, or groups can schedule group tours at other times.

From 2015 through 2019, the facilities at the observatory underwent major upgrades. The telescope had a $425,000 refurbishment done by Astronomical Consultants and Equipment to greatly improve its optics, operation, and research ability. The planetarium underwent a complete overhaul of $200,000 with the help of Indianapolis-based Bowen Technovation and is now a fully digital, immersive fulldome theater. These upgrades have greatly enhanced the visitor experience.

Information for Patrons

Admission is $5 for children/students and $8 for adults for the planetarium show (cash and credit only). Viewing through the telescope is always free, weather permitting. Please note: There are 66 stairs leading from the lobby to the telescope room and three sets of steps to the telescope. Wheelchair accessibility is available in the Planetarium and lobby area only. No elevator is available to the telescope viewing area. Click here for more accessibility information or to request disability-related accommodations.

Please see the Public Tours page for planetarium hours.