The New 

Charles Z. Horwitz Planetarium

Located at:
Retzer Nature Center
S14 W28167 Madison St.
Waukesha, WI  53188

New Planetarium Features! 40 Foot diameter dome 90 Theater style Seats 2,500 Stars fill the sky Digital video and sound Spectacular special effects Interactive science displays.

New Programs Offered: Year round public programs  Children’s shows Public sky watches Scout merit badges Family events Catered events welcomed Corporate events

What is a Planetarium?

A Planetarium theater is a special room with a dome shaped ceiling and a projector in the center which can recreate the day or night sky by projecting images of the stars, planets, the sun, and the moon.  The Spitz 512 star projector can be set to show the sky for any date, time,  or latitude.  Without leaving your seats, you will be transported beyond the city smoke and lights where the wonders of the heavens can best be seen.




The new Charles Horwitz Planetarium opened in May 2005.  The sky theater is equipped with a large variety of specialized visual effects projectors which can create auroras, meteors, eclipses, lighting, rockets, hurtling through space or a journey to the surface of another world.

The planetarium serves as a resource to the students, teachers, and the community, providing the most current trends in astronomy a Friends Memberships is available - For additional program information see our Friends page for the advantages!

School programs presented at the planetarium comply with the State of Wisconsin and National Science Educational Goals and Standards criteria.

The entrance to the planetarium, lobby area, and the theater are completely wheelchair accessible.
Expand your experience by enjoy the Retzer Nature Center facilities and grounds!



Become a Friend of the Charles Horwitz Planetarium

Friends Memberships Available
For additional information see our
Friends page for the advantages!