Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Megadome Theatre in Roanoke
Founded in 1970, the Megadome Theatre has been a cornerstone of informal science education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our mission is to make science and technology accessible to all through interactive exhibits, immersive educational programs, and community engagement. With over 50,000 square feet of dynamic learning spaces, including The Eye Planetarium and The Parakeet Garden, we serve as a regional hub for STEM exploration. Our team of educators delivers hands-on experiences to over 100,000 visitors annually, both onsite and through outreach programs in Southwest Virginia. The museum's state-of-the-art facilities feature cutting-edge technology like the full-dome planetarium and interactive exhibits developed in partnership with Virginia Tech.We offer flexible event spaces for private functions while maintaining our commitment to educational accessibility. Our exhibits range from the Fungi Kingdom to the Dino Dig, each designed to spark curiosity through sensory engagement. As a nonprofit institution, we rely on memberships, donations, and community partnerships to sustain our operations. Our decade-long renovation of The Eye Planetarium has established it as a premier east coast destination for astronomical education. Through initiatives like the Parakeet Garden nesting box program, we combine conservation with public interaction. Our educational outreach extends to K-12 classrooms, making us the largest provider of science education in the region.
Services
Planetarium Shows
Interactive Exhibits
STEM Education Programs
Parakeet Garden
Touch Tank
Event Rentals
Dino Dig
The Bubble
Outreach Programs
Exhibit Sponsorships
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50,000 square feet of interactive science exhibits and educational spaces
- Our team delivers STEM programs to more K-12 students than any regional organization
- The Eye Planetarium features state-of-the-art full-dome technology for immersive astronomy
- The Parakeet Garden provides unique hands-on interaction with 250+ live birds
- We combine Virginia Tech partnerships with local research for cutting-edge exhibits
Services
The Eye Planetarium
Experience Roanoke's premiere planetarium with full-dome technology for astronomical journeys. Our state-of-the-art facility offers interactive star shows, SIGHT + SOUND events, and educational programs for all ages. The dual projection system creates immersive visual experiences combining science and art.
Parakeet Garden
Interact with over 250 live parakeets in this immersive garden environment. Guests can feed birds and observe their natural behaviors during scheduled time slots. The exhibit includes conservation initiatives through nesting box sponsorships and USDA-mandated breeding tracking.
STEM Education Programs
Deliver curriculum-aligned STEM experiences through onsite field trips and classroom outreach. Our trained educators provide hands-on learning aligned with state standards for over 100,000 students annually. Programs include lab experiments, exhibit-based learning, and special workshops.
Interactive Exhibits
Explore 50,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits including the Dino Dig, Touch Tank, and The Bubble. These immersive spaces encourage sensory learning through play and experimentation. Exhibits cover topics from paleontology to physics with regular updates and special installations.
Event Rentals
Host weddings, corporate events, or private parties in our unique science environment. Flexible packages include access to exhibits, planetarium shows, and specialized programming. The facility accommodates groups of various sizes with customizable experiential elements.
Questions
What are the museum's general admission prices?
Admission prices vary by age group and membership status. General adult admission is $15, children $12, with discounts for seniors and military. Members receive free admission.
Can I host a private event at the museum?
Yes, we offer event packages for weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. Packages include exhibit access, planetarium shows, and customizable programming options.
Are there educational programs for school groups?
We provide curriculum-aligned STEM programs for K-12 students through both onsite field trips and classroom outreach visits by our education specialists.
What special exhibits are currently available?
Current special exhibits include The Eye Planetarium's COSMIC CLOUDS show, Parakeet Garden interactions, and seasonal installations like the SIGHT + SOUND series.
How can I support the museum's conservation efforts?
Support conservation through the Parakeet Garden nesting box sponsorship program or by adopting a parakeet. These initiatives help maintain healthy bird populations and track USDA-mandated breeding data.
