Choose Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium as the venue for your next private event in Tucson! Explore a variety of facility rental options designed to suit all of your needs and discover a fun and unique atmosphere for an unforgettable guest experience.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium is ideal for:
- Cocktail receptions
- Business presentations
- Private planetarium shows
- Unique professional and educational meeting spaces
"Flandrau provided Reach For The Stars donors with an awe-inspiring experience into space, allowing adults the opportunity to release their inner child. The feedback was out-of-this-world."
-Kira Reid
Co-Founder, Reach For The Stars
Take a Tour
Stroll through the exhibit halls, planetarium theater, and click on information along the way with a virtual tour from Mattermore 360.
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General Information
Information
Scheduling and Availability:
- Recommended start time of 6PM or later for private events.
- Daytime opportunities may be available. Additional fees apply.
Group or event size: Maximum number of guests varies by space. In general, Flandrau cannot accommodate groups larger than 145. See below for details.
Available Spaces
- Science Center Exhibit Halls
- Eos Planetarium Theater
- Galaxy Room
- Dino Room
- Insect Room
Price Range
$150 to $1,400 base rate depending on spaces rented and activities selected. See "Available Areas and Costs" below.
Discounts
- 20% University of Arizona Departments
- 10% Active Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium members (learn about memberships)
- 10% Non-Profits and Title I
Available Spaces and Pricing
Science Center Exhibit Halls
Enjoy science exhibits and interactives as you mingle.
Evening Rental Rate (recommended)
Events that start at 6PM or after on any day
- $1,400 base rate includes two hours of guest event time
- $300 for each additional hour
- Required booking deposit: $350 (deposit not required for UA departments)
- Includes access to science center exhibits on the main and lower levels (except for Undersea Discovery, see Optional Add-Ons).
- One hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup
Daytime Rental Rate (facility buyout)
Events that require closing to the public during regular operating hours
- Sunday through Friday: $5,000 base rate includes 5 hours of guest event time between 11AM and 4PM
- Saturdays: $10,000 includes up to 5 hours of guest event time between 11AM and 4PM
- Daytime Rental Rates/facility buyout includes planetarium theater use for shows or presentations
- Daytime Rental Rates/facility buyout includes Undersea Discovery exhibit staffing and access
- Required booking deposit: $350 (deposit not required for UA departments)
- One hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup (setup must be no earlier than 10AM and cleanup no later than 5PM)
Capacity
- ~100 Guests for receptions
Tables, Linens, and Chairs
- Standard cocktail style reception setup (included in base rate)
- 12 high top tables with flat linens (color choices are Black, White, Navy or Red)
- Orders must be placed 15 business days in advance or rush/late fee will be applied
- Customized layouts may be accommodated for an additional fee (to be determined by extent of set up)
Optional Add Ons
| Use of the Eos Planetarium Theater for presentations or planetarium shows ($200/hour) for Evening Rental Rates. |
| Undersea Discovery aquarium exhibit may be added for $150. Includes one 30-minute touch tank experience for guests. |
| Additional time for setting up/cleaning ($300/hour). |
| Catering through Arizona Catering Events & Co. (highly recommended), or a local vendor of your choice. |
| Bar service for private events must be provided through Arizona Catering Events & Co. Wine and beer only permitted, see below. |
Potential deductions from base rate
- Deduct $50 for events not requiring a bar
- Deduct up to $500 if providing your own tables and linens
- All scheduling and coordination of table, linen, and chair rentals in this case is the responsibility of the customer booking the private event
Potential increases from base rate
- Add $300 for every hour public spaces need to be closed early to accommodate setup of your event (i.e. Flandrau closes at 4PM to start your event at 5PM)
- Add $700 if a public planetarium show needs to be cancelled to accommodate setup of your event (please note there is often a 3:30PM or 4PM showtime everyday)
Eos Foundation Planetarium Theater
Perfect for private presentations, shows, awards, and other affairs.
Evening Rental Rate (recommended)
Private planetarium presentations or showings that start at or after 5:30PM on any day
- $700 base rate includes two hours of guest event time
- $200 for each additional guest event hour
- Half an hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup
- Additional setup time or presentation practice time available for $100/hour (availability dependent on theater/staff schedule)
- If you'd like a planetarium show shown during your guest event time, check out our show catalog.
Daytime Rental Rate (theater buyout)
Events that require closing the theater to the public during regular hours between 10AM and 5PM
- $1,200 base rate includes two hours of theater event time
- $500 for each additional hour
- Half an hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup (setup must be no earlier than 9:30AM and cleanup no later than 5:30PM)
- Fees may apply if your event further impacts public use
- Availability is dependent on theater schedule
Capacity
- 145 guests
Audio Visual
- A/V equipment includes microphone, sound system, and standard projector
- Slides, videos, etc. must be received at least 48 hours in advance of event.
- If using your own computer, adaptor/connection needs to be communicated at least 48 hours in advance.
No Food or Drink
- Due to the nature of the theater and its seating and equipment, there is a strict NO food and drink policy inside the theater.
Private Show Rental Rate
Rent the planetarium for a private showing of any show from our catalog. This pricing is for a standard showing of a planetarium show. Any programming beyond a standard showing would be considered a Private Theater Event/Presentation.
- $200 per hour to rent the planetarium theater in addition to your group rate ($6 to $12 per person depending on your organization)
Public Show Buyout
Choose one of our daytime public shows to make available only to your group.
- $500 per show time in addition to your group rate ($6 to $12 per person depending on your organization)
Capacity
145 guests (recommended 100 for best viewing experience)
Dino, Insect, or Galaxy Room
Meeting or small reception rooms with fun science themes.
Trying to host a birthday party? See our Birthday Party page.
Regular Daytime Rental Rate
Pricing is separate for each space (Dino, Insect, Galaxy Rooms)
- $150 base rate for one hour of meeting time when event takes place during regular hours (between 10AM and 5PM)
- $100 for each additional hour of meeting time
- Half an hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup (setup must be no earlier than 9:30AM and cleanup no later than 5:30PM)
- This rate does not include access to science exhibits or planetarium shows. Must be purchased separately.
After Hours Rental Rate
Pricing is separate for each space (Dino, Insect, Galaxy Rooms)
- $400 base rate for up to two hours of meeting time for events taking place after 5PM
- $200 for each additional hour of meeting time
- Half an hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup
- This rate does not include access to science exhibits or planetarium shows. Must be purchased separately.
Full Day Rental Rate
Pricing is separate for each space (Dino, Insect, Galaxy Rooms)
- $750 base rate for a flat full day (10AM to 5PM)
- $200 for any additional hours taking place outside regular hours
- Half an hour is included before and after your event time for setup and cleanup (setup must be no earlier than 9:30AM and cleanup no later than 5:30PM)
- This rate does not include access to science exhibits or planetarium shows. Must be purchased separately.
Other Inclusions
- Use of refrigerator/freezer in all rooms
- Sink in the Galaxy Room and Insect Room
- Display monitor with wireless and HDMI connectivity available for use in all rooms
Capacity
Maximum number of guests for each space varies based on seating layout
- Dino: 24-32 guests
- Insect: 24-30 guests
- Galaxy: 36-45 guests
Available Rooms
Dino Room Image
| Insect Room Image
| Galaxy Room Image
|
Going over your scheduled time will incur an extra fee.
Alcohol at events
Yes, you can have alcohol at your event when you go through the proper process. Please be aware of University guidelines and sufficient notice.
- Only beer and wine are permitted
- No hard liquors, spirituous drinks, or kegs
- Two drink per guest maximum
- All groups have to go through Arizona Catering Co. for alcohol.
- Bar service must include complimentary beverages and catered food with the cost covered by the customer. Cash bars are not permitted.
Let's get started
Plan your out-of-this-world event.
Fill out our inquiry form to get started.
Supernova Event Plan
Explore an example of our most event popular event plan with suggested times and pricing.
Style: Cocktail Reception
Example price: $1,600
Excluding catering and alcohol costs.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Time of day: Evening
6PM - Event setup
You'll have an hour before the event start time to get everything in order including table displays and programs. We'll be there to help.
7PM - Event Starts & Guests Arrive
Our front desk area is a perfect place for your guests to check in, get their name tags, receive event programs, get drink tickets, and take care of other arrival activities. The screens behind our front desk can be updated to include your event or business logo (please provide 48 hours in advance).
7 to 8PM - Food, drinks, and mingling in science exhibits
Your guests will enjoy wine, beer, and food while being able to explore two floors of hands-on exhibits and science displays.
8PM - Presentation in the planetarium
Often an award ceremony, business presentation, auction, private planetarium show, or laser light music show. Stage, microphone, podium, and all audio-visual equipment is included. We'll make an announcement over the speakers when its time for your guests to head into the theater.
9PM - Event end time
As things wind down, your guests will leave the event having explored great food and intriguing science exhibits.
9 to 10PM - Event set down
Our staff will remain on site to make sure your everything is squared away.
Let's get started
Plan your out-of-this-world event.
Fill out our inquiry form to get started.