Permit for Use of Planetarium

Review the enclosed permit to make sure that the correct date, time, and show title are listed. If there are any errors, contact the Planetarium Director. The permit must be signed and dated by the principal, teacher, or leader of the group. Mail or fax (219-650-5470) the form to the planetarium prior to your visit. Returning the form serves as a written confirmation of the date, time, and topic of your program.

Admission Fee

There is an admission fee of $65 per show for groups visiting the planetarium. If you schedule three or more programs at the same time, the fee is $60 per show. We cannot accept cash; please pay with a check when you arrive for your program. Checks should be made payable to the Merrillville Community School Corporation.

Planetarium Capacity

The planetarium has 64 permanent seats. Movable chairs can be provided for six additional guests. No more than 70 people will be admitted into the planetarium per show for safety reasons.

Location of the Planetarium

The planetarium is located in Clifford Pierce Middle School. Pierce is located two blocks east of Broadway (State Road 53) and two blocks north of 73rd Avenue. The planetarium is located on the second floor of the building. Enter the building through the Main Entrance on the west side of the building. Follow the signs in the building to the planetarium. An elevator is available for reaching the second floor.

Groups Arriving By Bus

Buses may unload at the Main Entrance. Buses may park in the west parking lot. Bus drivers are always welcome to see our programs; please let us know if your driver will be coming up to the planetarium after parking the bus.

Planetarium Rules

Group members attending a program are expected to:

1. Listen quietly to the program.
2. Respect the planetarium and school facilities and to refrain from placing their feet up on the seat in front of them.
3. Refrain from bringing food, candy, or chewing gum into the planetarium theater.

Special Requests

Groups are encouraged to ask questions at the end of the program. The group may examine the planetarium projector and control console at the conclusion of their visit. If requested and weather permitting, evening programs can include an outdoor telescope observing session.

The Waiting Area outside the planetarium may be used for eating sack lunches or other activities. There are bathrooms and water fountains available in the hallway just outside of the planetarium. Please let the Planetarium Director know in advance what facilities you may need.

Gift Shop

Our Gift Shop has a wide variety of gift items for sale starting at 50¢. Books, posters, stickers, puzzles, models, and glow-in-the-dark products are some of the items available. Groups may visit the Gift Shop before or after their planetarium program.

Cancellation of Visit

If you must cancel or reschedule your visit, please call as soon as possible. The planetarium closes anytime that Pierce or the Merrillville Schools are closed due to weather or other emergencies.

Questions About Your Visit?

Call the Planetarium Director at (219) 650-5486, e-mail us at info@mcpstars.org, or visit our website at www.mcpstars.org.