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museumplanetarium.org

museumplanetarium.org

Museum of Coastal Carolina & Ingram Planetarium

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History

A simple question: “What kind of fish is that, mister?”

Stuart Ingram’s vision of sharing his knowledge of nature and science was prefaced by this question while fishing on the beach. He had the idea to create a museum for the coast. The Museum of Coastal Carolina opened on May 25, 1991 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Now, imagine a young World War II airman learning to navigate his aircraft by looking at the stars. Years later, he points out different constellations to his family and friends on warm summer nights. Fascination with the night sky lead Stuart Ingram to dream of a planetarium where others can share his knowledge of and fascination with the stars. Ingram Planetarium opened in May, 2002 in Sunset Beach, NC — only four miles away from the Museum of Coastal Carolina which he had opened 11 years earlier.

With the first donation from his mother-in-law, the encouragement of a steering committee, the generosity of numerous friends, and the support of his wife, Louise, the local business community, and the citizens of Brunswick County, Stuart Ingram’s visions of the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium are a reality today.

 

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Museum of Coastal Carolina
 
Under Governor Cooper’s 2.5 state opening plan, the Museum reopened to the public on Labor Day weekend of 2020 after being closed for several months.

February, 2021: The Museum is open on Friday & Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00.

March – May 15, 2021: The Museum is open on Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00.

In accordance with the Governor’s mandate, the Museum requires visitors and staff to social distance and wear masks. Temperatures will be checked prior to entry.

As always, we appreciate the support of our community and its visitors and can’t wait to welcome you to our Museum!

Admission: Most events are free for Museum and dual Museum/Planetarium members, active military, and veterans. Non-member all-day admission (includes NC sales tax): $9.50 adults, $8.50 seniors (62+), $7.50 children (3-12), free for age 2 & under

Present your same-week Planetarium receipt at the Museum and receive $2 off your Museum admission.

Questions? Call the Museum of Coastal Carolina at 910-579-1016.

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Ingram Planetarium

Under Governor Cooper’s 3.0 state opening plan, the Planetarium reopened to the public on Oct. 8, 2020 at 30% capacity after being closed for several months.

February, 2021: The Planetarium is open on Friday & Saturday. Doors open at 10:30.

March – May 15, 2021: The Planetarium is open on Thursday, Friday & Saturday. Doors open at 10:30.

In accordance with the Governor’s mandate, the Planetarium requires visitors and staff to social distance and wear masks. Temperatures will be checked prior to entry.

Because only 24 visitors are allowed per show to maintain the 30% capacity requirement, we recommend that you call 910-575-0033 to reserve your ticket on the day of your visit.

The Paul Dennis Science Hall will be closed but the gift shop will be open.

As always, we appreciate the support of our community and its visitors and can’t wait to welcome you to our Planetarium!

Admission: Most events are free for Planetarium and dual Museum/Planetarium members, active military, and veterans. Non-member per-show admission (includes NC sales tax): $9.50 adults, $8.50 seniors (62+), $7.50 children (3-12), free for age 2 & under

Present your same-week Museum receipt at the Planetarium and receive $2 off your Planetarium admission.

Questions? Call the Planetarium at 910-575-0033.

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS, ENTRY TO THE THEATER IS NOT ALLOWED ONCE DOORS CLOSE FOR A SHOW.

 

Visit Our Online Gift Shop

Every purchase supports the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium's committment to educational stewardship. Shop unique gifts, books, toys, jewelry, and apparel.

Shop Now

Reciprocity with The Children’s Museum of Wilmington

By displaying a Museum or Planetarium membership card, a visitor can enjoy half-price admission to The Children’s Museum of Wilmington. By displaying a Children’s Museum membership card, a visitor can enjoy half-price admission to the Museum and/or Planetarium.

Non-members can receive $1 off regular admission to any of the three facilities by displaying a cash register receipt from a previous visit to The Children’s Museum, the Museum of Coastal Carolina, or Ingram Planetarium within the past seven days.

The Children’s Museum of Wilmington is located at 116 Orange Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. For more information about The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, call 910-254-3534 or visit www.playwilmington.org.

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