Merrillville Planetarium
Clifford Pierce Middle School
199 East 70th Avenue
Group Visit Information
Scheduling: Call 219-650-5308 ext. 6749 or visit the SHOWS tab for a list of NEW shows.
Admission Fee - There is an admission fee of $100 per show for groups up to 64 visiting the planetarium. We cannot accept credit or debit cards; please pay with cash or a check when you arrive for your program. Please make checks payable to the Merrillville Community School Corporation.
Planetarium Capacity - The planetarium has 64 permanent seats.
Location of the Planetarium - The planetarium is located in Clifford Pierce Middle School. Pierce is located two blocks east of Broadway (State Road 53) and two blocks north of 73rd Avenue. The planetarium is located on the second floor of the building. Enter the building through the Main Entrance on the west side of the building. Follow the signs in the building to the planetarium. An elevator is available for reaching the second floor. (See Map)
Shows During School/Groups Arriving By Bus - Buses may unload at the Main Entrance and park in the south parking lot. Bus drivers are welcome to see our programs; please let us know if your driver will be coming in after parking the bus.
Shows Outside of Regular School Hours - The outside entrance to the school cannot be left unlocked on evenings, weekends, etc. Please have all of your group members arrive at the start of your planetarium visit.
Planetarium Rules - Group members visiting the planetarium are expected to:
1. Listen quietly to the program.
2. Respect the planetarium and school facilities and refrain from placing feet on the seats.
3. Refrain from bringing food, candy, or chewing gum into the planetarium theater.
4. A disruptive audience member will be asked to leave and may not be allowed back in.
Special Requests - The waiting area outside the planetarium may be used for refreshments, sack lunches.
Cancellation of a Visit - If you must cancel or reschedule your visit, please call as soon as possible. The planetarium closes anytime that Pierce or the Merrillville Schools are closed due to weather or other emergencies.