The Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium

Milwaukee

The Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium

June 9 2026
Within Walking Distance

Overview

Getting To and From

Inside the Venue

Onsite Accessibility

Our Guidelines

Comments

Accessibility Information Google Map Venue Floor Plan Website

About

The Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium is located inside the Milwaukee Public Museum at 800 West Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee. The Dome Theater presents crystal-clear images on a six-story-tall screen paired with wraparound digital surround sound, immersing audiences in giant-screen films about everything from mountain climbing and prehistoric creatures to space exploration. It is also home to Wisconsin's largest and most modern planetarium — the first in the world to debut a Digistar 6 computer projection system, delivering stunning 3D animations of night skies, planets, the Milky Way, and distant cosmic objects. Planetarium programs run about 23 minutes and giant-screen films about 45 minutes, and a free planetarium program is included with general admission or membership.

Getting To and From

Features	Information Available on Website	Available at Venue	Notes	Additional Info / Things to Know
On Site Parking Garage or Lot	Yes	Yes	The MacArthur Square parking structure is adjacent to the Museum and accessible via James Lovell Street, with an entrance to the Museum on the Ground level.	Museum members receive a $5 flat-rate parking discount.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Off site Parking	Yes	Yes	Metered spaces are available on most downtown streets and are free on Sundays. Bus and motor coach parking is located on the lakefront on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Free street parking is available with an accessibility placard on the surrounding streets, and accessible van and bus parking is available on 9th Street.	MCTS buses serve Wisconsin Avenue, one block south of Wells Street (MCTS: 414-344-6711). Amtrak and Greyhound are about a half-mile away at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. More options at parkmilwaukee.com.
Accessible Entrance	Yes	Yes	Accessible entrances and elevators are available throughout the building.	For accommodation requests related to a disability, contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.
Site Map/Floorplan	Yes	Yes	Downloadable floor maps are available for the Ground, First, Second, and Third Floors. The Daniel M. Soref Planetarium and Dome Theater is located on the Ground Floor.	360° virtual tours of the exhibits are also available at mpm.edu/programs/360-tours.

Inside the Venue

Features	Information Available on Website	Available at Venue	Notes	Additional Info / Things to Know
Dedicated Accessible Entrance	Yes	Yes	Accessible entrances and elevators are available throughout the building.	For accommodation requests related to a disability, contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Use of Mobility Aids	Yes	Yes	Complimentary wheelchairs are available, and visitors may bring their own. Elevators and escalators on each floor provide access to every exhibit. A sensory apron is provided for wheelchair users.	Service animals are welcome, and emotional support dogs (dogs only) are also welcome.
Accessible Seating (Theater)	Yes	Yes	Accessible and companion seating is available in the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater, reached via elevator to the upper level.	For accommodation requests related to a disability, contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.

Location

800 W Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53233

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.

Features	Information Available on Website	Available at Venue	Notes	Additional Info / Things to Know
On Site Parking Garage or Lot	Yes	Yes	The MacArthur Square parking structure is adjacent to the Museum and accessible via James Lovell Street, with an entrance to the Museum on the Ground level.	Museum members receive a $5 flat-rate parking discount.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Off site Parking	Yes	Yes	Metered spaces are available on most downtown streets and are free on Sundays. Bus and motor coach parking is located on the lakefront on Lincoln Memorial Drive. Free street parking is available with an accessibility placard on the surrounding streets, and accessible van and bus parking is available on 9th Street.	MCTS buses serve Wisconsin Avenue, one block south of Wells Street (MCTS: 414-344-6711). Amtrak and Greyhound are about a half-mile away at the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. More options at parkmilwaukee.com.
Accessible Entrance	Yes	Yes	Accessible entrances and elevators are available throughout the building.	For accommodation requests related to a disability, contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.
Site Map/Floorplan	Yes	Yes	Downloadable floor maps are available for the Ground, First, Second, and Third Floors. The Daniel M. Soref Planetarium and Dome Theater is located on the Ground Floor.	360° virtual tours of the exhibits are also available at mpm.edu/programs/360-tours.

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.

Features	Information Available on Website	Available at Venue	Notes	Additional Info / Things to Know
Dedicated Accessible Entrance	Yes	Yes	Accessible entrances and elevators are available throughout the building.	For accommodation requests related to a disability, contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Use of Mobility Aids	Yes	Yes	Complimentary wheelchairs are available, and visitors may bring their own. Elevators and escalators on each floor provide access to every exhibit. A sensory apron is provided for wheelchair users.	Service animals are welcome, and emotional support dogs (dogs only) are also welcome.
Accessible Seating (Theater)	Yes	Yes	Accessible and companion seating is available in the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater, reached via elevator to the upper level.	For accommodation requests related to a disability, contact access@mpm.edu or 414-278-2728.

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit

Features	Information Available on Website	Available at Venue	Notes	Additional Info / Things to Know
Restrooms	Yes	Yes	Accessible restrooms are located on the First Floor, with an additional restroom on the upper level near the dome theater.
Elevators	Yes	Yes	Elevators and escalators on each floor provide access to every exhibit. Accessible and companion seating in the theater is reached via elevator to the upper level.	Using a stroller may result in longer wait times for elevators.
On-Site Dining	Yes	Yes	A Cafe is on site. Visitors may also bring their own food and drink to be eaten in the Cafe; the Museum cannot store food or coolers for guests.
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)	Yes	Yes	The Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater & Planetarium features a six-story-tall domed screen with wraparound digital surround sound and Wisconsin's largest, most modern planetarium (Digistar 6 projection). Assisted listening devices are available in the dome theater. Planetarium programs run about 23 minutes and giant-screen films about 45 minutes.	Sensory support includes a Sensory Room on the First Floor, Explorer Kits, noise-reducing headphones (adult and child sizes), compression vests, and sensory lab coats. Open-captioned videos appear throughout the exhibits, and a portable lighting system for ASL interpreters is available on request.

Our Guidelines

1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.

2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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