Russell C Davis Planetarium — Attraction in Jackson

My family and I drove several hours on a Saturday to come here. I parked and fed the meter some quarters, but was later told the meters don't need to be fed on weekends, but I can't confirm that. Come prepared with a roll of quarters. I'd rather come back out to a car for $2.00 than to discover it's been towed.

As with anywhere, be mindful of your surroundings and lock your car doors etc. We did see several drifters and drunks in the area, so just be cautious. I wouldn't leave anything in plain sight inside the car. Put it in the trunk or take it with you.

If you prefer stairs to elevators like I do, the stairs are located in an outside support "leg" of the building. They look like narrow brick columns with doors. Open the door and be prepared to climb to the third floor. My husband found the elevator in the opposite leg across the street from each other. A security guard inside the glass doors of the main building had to radio for staff to come unlock the stairwell for me. They were very kind about it though.

Restrooms are on the 3rd floor, as well as some water fountains in a back hallway. The restrooms are in desperate need of repair and I did not see a baby changing station. I can't confirm if the water fountains even worked, but there is nothing to buy to eat or drink here, so bring your own snacks for children or those with medical needs.

There are some mostly empty glass display cases where you'll pay admission fees. Cash only, no credit cards. I didn't see an ATM. $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors, $6.00 for small children, and that's for each movie you want to see. There are currently three different films and they last about 40 minutes each. Younger children will likely only care for one of the three at this time. Call ahead and ask questions.

As far as a planetarium, I was expecting to relax and watch stars for awhile to a different degree than was shown. I have a high school student taking Astronomy and this was the main reason for our visit.

There is nothing else to do here, but see a few pictures on the wall and sit and wait for the next film to start. There are a few old educational displays that are not plugged in or lit up, an unused popcorn machine and an empty Coca-Cola cooler. There are a few dollar store quality toy items for sale inside the display cases. I would just bring some glow necklaces and bracelets from the dollar store and surprise the kids with them and a Moon Pie or pack of space ice cream when you arrive.

The best seats for viewing are the back rows. I am sensitive to movement, so there were a few segments in the films that made me feel like the room was spinning around slowly like a carousel or like the entire floor was turning upside down, slowly to the right, but I'm sure not everyone is that sensitive to notice.

Some of the other reviews mention broken seats which we did see. The seat backs are tilted back at an angle but are not recliners. There are arm rests between all the seats, that don't move, so these would not accommodate larger visitors. Think of old, narrow movie theater or auditorium seats. We also found alot of wooden sticks from eaten rock candy lollipops on the floor. My husband said the theater smelled musty to him.

The staff here is very friendly and can help you find other things to see in the area. Educators can call for field trip packets and...

I clearly remember my first trip to the Russel C Davis planatarium as a child no older then eight with my father, the projector in the the middle of the theatre was a thing of wonder to a child and the visuals were captivating compared to whatever cable programing I might have seen in the late nineties, I remember getting a gyroscope and some "neopolitan astronaught icecream" they sold in the gift shop.we went backevery one to two years and I have been a part of a few events hosted there. Every member of staff I have ever dealt with came across as not only having the knowledge but also had a passion to cheerfully listen to a curious kids questions then provide not only answers but also tried to make it a memorable experince. I am sure I am just one of many kids who found an interest in atronomy because of the planatarium. Working downtown I have had the pleasure of meeting Micheal Williams the newest dirrector multiple times and he seemed to share those same passions. I think its a no brainer it is a valuble STEM rescource. I'd urge anyone reading reviews during march- end of june 2020 to take the 1 star reviews about closure after a long drive to be a fair representation, during a pandemic it would be prudent to call ahead...

My wife and I, along with two dozen others, paid to see the 4:00 PM show at the Davis Planetarium. The show started 15 minutes late, consisted of a made-for-grade-school video and did not include a planetarium show. We wanted to see the stars, to marvel at the universe revolving around us and to see the laser lights. Instead, we got a cheap video projected onto the dome of the theater. At one point, the video ended but its audio continued, leaving us wondering if something had malfunctioned. At the end, we were left to sit in our chairs wondering if the "show" we had paid to see would start. We were left sitting. Neither the projectionist nor the girl at the front desk could be found. Eventually, we left, everyone shaking their heads and making comments. It was a fiasco, a ripe-off. I'll bad-mouth this planetarium to any and all I talk to. Do not go the the Russell C Davis...