10am—5pm Tuesday—Saturday | Noon—5pm Sunday | Closed Monday

Space Out at The Bishop in May

Need Some Space? We’ve Got it for You in May at The Bishop!

Do you need your space? We do, too, so we’re celebrating it for an entire month! Come Space Out with us in May during a month full of activities that will bring you as close to space as you can get without leaving the ground! Celebrate the awe-inspiring universe and remarkable human achievements in space with lots of fun space programs and activities at the Museum!

“We want to help as many people as possible explore the wonders of the universe through astronomy — that’s why we’ve created an entire month’s worth of space-related programs and activities for all ages, from pre-schoolers to middle schoolers to adults, and everyone in between,” said Howard Hochhalter, Manager of The Planetarium. “I’m especially excited about Astronomy Day. Our guests will be able to take virtual tours of the universe, ask questions about telescopes and even learn about NASA’s latest mission to Mars!”

Please note: Masks and social distancing are required for staff and visitors during in-person programs.

Saturday, May 8: KidSpace

We unleash the awesome power of astronomy during KidSpace while we help kids master the universe! During this live session, we explore places humans have never been before! KidSpace is designed for kids ages 7-11 and their grown-ups, but everyone is welcome!
  • Where: On Zoom
  • When: 10:30am Saturday, May 8
  • Cost: Free
  • Register now

Sunday, May 9: Science Sprouts

Budding scientists ages 2-5 and their favorite grown-ups explore and discover in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. During “Super Stellar!”
we’ll discover the beauty and mystery of the night sky as we explore the colors, sizes, and patterns of stars through stories, play, and song.

  • When: 10:30-11:30am May 9
  • Where: at The Bishop
  • Cost: $14 per adult/child for members of the Discovery Society; $18 per adult/child for all others. (Reservations required. Does not include Museum admission.)
  • Register now

Wednesday, May 12: “Out of Sight! The Totally Tubular History of the Telescope and Microscope.”

During think + drink / science we’re taking on ‘scopes during “Out of Sight! The Totally Tubular History of the Telescope and Microscope,” with Dr. David Berry, Associate Director of Academic Affairs and Special Projects at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Telescopes and microscopes enable us to see what the naked eye cannot and to explore the wonders of the universe and the microscopic world. We’ll trace the development of these remarkable inventions from novelty items to scientific instruments used to make some of the most important scientific discoveries in history!

  • When: 7pm Wednesday, May 12
  • Where: On Zoom
  • Cost: $3 for members of the Discovery Society; $5 for all others.
  • Register now

Saturday, May 15: Astronomy Day

Join us at the Museum where space will take center stage on Astronomy Day! We’re planning a special live star talk in The Planetarium, a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum, a crater-making experiment and fun space-related activities in the Mosaic Backyard Universe. You’ll even be able to talk to an expert from Celestron about your telescope questions! Everything is included with admission, so come ready to get spaced out!

  • When: 10am-2pm May 15
  • Cost: Included in the price of admission — no registration required.
  • Get Tickets Now!

Please note: Masks and social distancing are required for staff and visitors during in-person programs.

Saturday, May 15: Seeing Stars with The Bishop at Robinson Preserve

Join us for our last Seeing Stars program of the astronomy viewing season! You’ll enjoy a beautiful night sky overlooking the bay at Robinson Preserve, thanks to our partners at Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources.

Weather permitting, Mercury, Venus, and the waxing crescent moon are expected to be spectacular sights! We provide the telescopes and the expertise; you enjoy the wonders of our universe!

The program is free, but advance tickets are required. We are limiting audience size to allow for social distancing. Masks are required for staff, volunteers, and guests.

  • When: 8:30-10:30pm Saturday, May 15
  • Where: Robinson Preserve, in the Expansion, 10299 9th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL 34209
  • Cost: Free, but registration is required
  • Register now 

Wednesday, May 26: Stelliferous in The Planetarium

Join us in person in The Planetarium for this monthly guide to the night skies. You can experience our new upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome and discover the latest news from the world of astronomy! This live talk includes opportunities for Q&A.

Capacity is limited to ensure social distancing and advance registration is required. Masks are required for staff and guests.

  • When: Wednesday, May 26, in The Planetarium
  • Cost: $5 for members of the Discovery Society; $8 for all others
  • Advance registration required. To ensure social distancing, we will be unable to accommodate walk-ins.
  • 5:30pm registration
  • The 7pm show is sold out