National Space Centre

About the museum

The idea of a public space centre linked to the University of Leicester's space research grew in the 1980s, but lack of money held it back. The plan came back in 1995 as a museum project and was paid for largely by the Millennium Commission, which covered half of the £52 million capital cost, together with Leicester City Council, the University of Leicester and other partners. A first part, the Challenger Learning Centre, opened in 1999 at the university and moved to the site a year later.

The centre opened to the public on 30 June 2001. It stands in the Belgrave area on the north side of Leicester, and its 42-metre Rocket Tower, clad in translucent ETFE panels, has become a city landmark. The tower was built to house the largest objects in the collection, including rockets and a lunar lander.

Today the National Space Centre is a registered charity. Besides the Rocket Tower, it has six galleries covering human spaceflight, the Universe, the Solar System, Earth and current space news, as well as a collection of spacecraft, spacesuits and satellites. The Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, with an 18-metre dome, shows fulldome films and live presentations. The centre also runs education programmes for schools and works with the university on space research.

Highlights

• Rocket Tower with Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets
• Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium with an 18-metre dome
• Gagarin Experience and Apollo lunar lander
• Real Moon rock
• Six galleries from human spaceflight to the Solar System
• Tetrastar Spaceport simulator ride

Permanent exhibitions

• Rocket Tower – A 42-metre tower with four exhibition decks on the Space Race and the history of rocketry, holding the Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets, the Gagarin Experience, an Apollo lunar lander and real Moon rock.
• Galleries – Six galleries called Into Space, The Universe, Our Solar System, Home Planet, Space Oddities and LIVE Space, with spacesuits, objects from the collection and interactive displays.
• Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium – The largest planetarium in the UK, with an 18-metre dome showing fulldome films and live presentations about the night sky.

Founded

2001

Operated by

National Space Centre (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

The prices are online prices without Gift Aid; tickets bought at the door cost £1 more (adult £23, child and concession £21). Buying online automatically upgrades the ticket to a free annual pass for return visits (terms apply). Car parking costs £4 per car from 09:00 to 17:00.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There are 23 widened accessible parking spaces; visitors without a blue badge can contact the centre beforehand. Three manual wheelchairs, four walking stick chairs and a walking stick can be borrowed. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor next to the shop, and a Changing Places toilet is in the LIVE Space gallery (entry code from the ticket desk). The planetarium has places for up to six wheelchairs and a fixed induction loop, and a portable loop is at the ticket desk. Large print, a magnifier, subtitles and BSL-assisted shows are offered, and a multi-sensory backpack with ear defenders can be borrowed. Fast-track entry is available for visitors with autism. Sensory Sessions (booking required) and Accessible Afternoons are held for visitors with additional needs. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The centre has family-friendly accreditation from Kids in Museums. The galleries include many hands-on exhibits, and events are held for toddlers and for children with special educational needs. The café provides children's meals and bottle warming, and a baby changing room is next to the shop. Planetarium shows are mostly recommended for ages 5 and over.

Getting there & parking

The centre is just off the A6, two miles north of Leicester city centre, and is signposted with brown rocket signs from the M1 and the main roads into the city. Sat nav postcode LE4 5NS.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Boosters Café serves hot meals, snacks and drinks, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. The café has children's meal deals, high chairs and a microwave. The shop sells books, gifts and space-themed items.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rooms for conferences, dinners, parties and weddings, plus exclusive hire. The planetarium can be hired privately and seats 192.

Plan your visit