Smithsonian Starstruck - Chicago - Tickets

4.9(66)

Duration: ~40 min VR · ~1 hour tot…

Experience: Immersive + VR

Format: Indoor · air-conditioned

Ages: 10+

Group size: Up to 6 per session

From

$19.99

Experience highlights The experience

Bask in the Sun
Take a quick detour to the Sun to witness solar flares 30 times larger than Earth. Hear the Sun's vibrations. Feel the energy that powers all life on our planet, captured directly from NASA's Parker Solar Probe, the satellite responsible for making the closest-ever pass to the Sun and still operational today.
Witness a Spectacular Explosion
Watch a red supergiant star called Betelgeuse erupt in a supernova, its dying blast recycling star stuff into cosmic building blocks — the raw material for stars, planets, and maybe life.
Stand on the Shoulders of Giants
Witness the cosmos through the eyes of the world's most powerful telescopes in an experience built from real scientific data. Step onto the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory as they reveal the universe's greatest mysteries.

On the day How it works

Check In
Please arrive 15 minutes early. Our team fits your wireless VR headset, provides accessibility accommodations, and answers any last-minute questions before launch.
Meet Your Crew
Explore with up to six guests as Astro, your virtual guide, leads the way through the cosmos. Each guest appears as a glowing avatar with a name label, making it easy to stay together throughout the adventure.
Explore the Universe
Your movements become part of the adventure. Pick up objects, activate controls, and interact with your surroundings as the mission unfolds around you.

Reviews What our guests say

4.9/5

based on 66 reviews

Most amazing experience I’ve had with VR

It was incredible and would be difficult to describe the experience. You just have to see it for yourself!

My son and I loved it!

Great experience and great staff

Very impressive experience!

Awesome!!!

Fantastic beyond word, and your staff was very courteous

Every employee was wonderful and helpful. My grandsons and daughter, along with myself just loved the experience. It is mind blowing, the vastness of space. Loved it!

What an awesome experience! It was so interesting to see things up close and learn more about the universe! Would definitely recommend this!

This was FANTASTIC. Super cool. 13 and 15yr old kids really enjoyed this. I have done quite a few immersive events and this was unlike any I had done prior. One point of warning - don’t pay for the AI pic! Pic can’t be done as a group, and though your individual pic is taken, it refashions the pic into AI and none of us looked anything like ourselves after the AI generation. Save you money and don’t buy the AI pic.

so cool!! highly recommend if you are a big stargazer and lover of astronomy, go see this! kudos to Carl Sagan quote! loved how interactive it was with the vr!

Stellar experience! Exceeded all expectations.

It was incredibly amazing experience!

A very cool experience!

Very impressive!!

In short What to expect

Starstruck is a 40-minute, shared virtual reality experience developed with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Groups of up to six guests wear lightweight, wireless headsets and move freely through a fully three-dimensional digital universe — guided by a virtual host named Astro, from the Whipple Observatory to distant stars, exoplanets, the Pillars of Creation, and a black hole. Visuals and narratives are informed by real data from NASA, ESA, Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope, the Chandra X-ray Observatory and Smithsonian research.

About the venueGermania Place

Address
108 West Germania Place, Chicago, 60610
Parking
There is paid street parking available nearby on N. Clark Street, in the James-Kilmer garage at 1560 N Sandburg Terrace, or at one of the other garages within 3-minutes walking distance of the venue.
Accessibility
Yes, the event is held in an accessible venue and includes accessible entrances and exits, restrooms, point of sales, seating areas, and accessible routes throughout the space.

FAQs Got questions? We've got answers

Do I need to print my ticket?

You can find your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever app (you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Please remember to log in with the same login method used to make the purchase. You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email.

Can I change the date of my ticket?

This experience allows date changes up to 48 hours in advance. If you would like to make the change, please contact us and include the ticket ID associated with your purchase. You can also check if this option is available by consulting your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever App where, if enabled, the "Change date and/or time" button will appear. Follow the steps indicated in the link to change the date and/or time of the ticket. For more information, you can consult our T&Cs.

Can I transfer my tickets to another person?

Yes, you can transfer your tickets to anyone for free. Select "Transfer Tickets" on your ticket in the Fever App. Please contact us if you need additional help. Make sure to include your ticket order number.

Is there parking available?

There is paid street parking available nearby on N. Clark Street, in the James-Kilmer garage at 1560 N Sandburg Terrace, or at one of the other garages within 3-minutes walking distance of the venue.

How long does the experience last?

The core experience lasts approximately 40 minutes. Guests should plan for additional time for check‑in, orientation, and headset fitting.

Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase?

Food or beverage will not be available for purchase inside the venue.

When should I arrive for my scheduled session?

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the time stated on your ticket. If you miss your check-in time, you should speak to a staff member when you arrive for assistance. We will accommodate you as soon as possible.

What is the recommended age for children to attend?

Due to the fit of the headset and for the safety of all participants, children aged 10+ are welcome. All children (ages 10 - 17) must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the event is held in an accessible venue and includes accessible entrances and exits, restrooms, point of sales, seating areas, and accessible routes throughout the space.

Is there a dress code?

We recommend dressing comfortably and wearing suitable shoes. Please refrain from wearing hats or caps because you will wear a VR headset. For everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to store your backpacks and handbags in the lockers provided on site.

Can virtual reality be uncomfortable or unsuitable for some guests?

Virtual reality is designed to be immersive and enjoyable, but some individuals may experience discomfort while using a VR headset. The experience may not be suitable for guests with claustrophobia or vertigo. Guests prone to motion sickness may experience symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or drowsiness during or after the experience.

Can guests with heart conditions or epilepsy participate?

We strongly recommend that guests with heart conditions, epilepsy, or seizure-related conditions consult a physician before participating. Immersive virtual reality experiences may increase the risk of adverse health effects for some individuals.

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