Frequently Asked Questions

Visitors are highly encouraged to purchase advanced tickets online.

Yes, tickets are available at the door.

Yes, members should reserve their free tickets ahead of time.

Tickets will be delivered by email. If you can't find the email, check your spam folder

Masks for visitors are encouraged

No, proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter the Center or upcoming public programs, following the latest change in policy from Oakland City Council.

Frequent Cleaning

All public areas and high-touch surfaces are thoroughly and frequently sanitized, including bathrooms, exhibitions, handrails and counters. In the Planetarium and Theater, all high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected between shows.

Providing Hand Sanitizer Throughout Site

Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the Center. Hand sanitizer is readily available in/near all galleries, theaters, labs and classrooms. Visitors are highly encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands after high-touch activities.

Improving Air Filtration

Chabot's HVAC system is upgraded with MERV-13 air filters to catch fine particles.

If you are sick within 2 weeks of your visit, please stay home and plan another date for your visit. Daily admission tickets purchased online are not for a specific date and can be used once you are well again. If you purchased tickets for a special event, email visitorinfo@chabotspace.org for a refund/reschedule.

You can sign up or renew online, or by calling our membership team at (510) 336-7392.

• Unlimited free general admission during regular open hours
• Free Planetarium shows
• Special members only events & telescope viewings
• 10% discount to the Café and Gift Shop
• 5% discount on birthday parties and private event rentals
• Discounted guest admission
• Subscription to members e-newsletter

When signing up for tickets be sure to click "Register" or "Sign In" on the top right corner of the ticketing site. Once you've registered or sign in the members discount will apply to your ticket order.

Register/Login

Yes. We prefer that you do this in person with a receipt at the front desk on the day of your visit. If you are hoping to apply a previous ticket towards a membership, please contact the membership team at (510) 336-7398. 

Yes, memberships make stellar holiday, anniversary, birthday or everyday gifts! Purchases can be made online or over the phone. For online gift memberships, click on the level you would like to give and add this to your cart. You will need to place an “X” in the checkbox for “This membership is a gift.” You will then be prompted for the information on your purchase, along with the information on the gift recipient.

The average visit lasts 2-3 hours.

The Cafe is open during 10-4 on Wednesdays- Sundays

The Planetarium is open with regular shows that typically run every hour, on the hour, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Shows are free with admission. Advanced tickets are not required. The shows are different every hour. Please show up at least 5 minutes before the show, as there is no late seating.

All high-touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected between shows.

Yes, free and fast Wi-Fi is available for all guests. The network name is Chabot-Guest.

Free parking is readily available in the 3-floor garage across from the Center.

Yes, Chabot’s Gift Shop is open during the Center’s open hours.

No, however, eating and drinking is allowed in outside spaces, including the Courtyard and Observation Deck.

We do not offer birthday parties. You may purchase tickets as a group (see group visit page) with a discount for groups of more than 12. You may bring in outside food, but we have a strict no decorations policy.

Some internships are posted on our Employment page.

For high school students, Chabot’s Galaxy Explorers program is an opportunity for hands-on, fun community service work while giving them a chance to develop their job skills, increase their STEM knowledge, and enhance public speaking.

Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating a fun and interactive science experience. No science or astronomy background needed, just a willingness to inspire and educate visitors of all ages about our Planet Earth and the Universe. Learn more

For additional information, contact the volunteer department at (510) 336-7367 or Volunteers@ChabotSpace.org

For all press and interview inquiries, reach a member of Chabot’s communication team at pr@chabotspace.org or (510) 336-7338.

Select commercial and educational filmings are permitted upon request. To inquire about filming at the Center, reach a member of Chabot’s team at pr@chabotspace.org or (510) 336-7338.

Friday & Saturday night from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Weather permitting.

Entirely free! Telescope viewings are free to the public on Friday & Saturday night from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Private viewings are available -- email rentals@chabotspace.org to learn more.

No, no tickets or reservations are needed.

The telescopes point at various different objects throughout the year, decided each night depending on the viewing conditions and what is in the sky.

The Center is closed during viewing hours. The Observation Deck, telescopes and bathrooms are open during viewing hours.

The viewing takes place on the back Observation Deck, which can be accessed through the deck gate.  To get there, take the side road on the right of the building past the garage, and the gate will be visible at the end of the building.

After sunset, which changes time during the year.

Viewing can be impacted by rain, clouds, humidity and other weather conditions. Conditions can be unique to Chabot because of its unique location in Joaquin Miller Park. Check out our Weather Station for weather and telescope observing status.

Weather Station