Morrill Hall to offer free Thursday night admission in June, July, August

The University of Nebraska State Museum will offer free admission to Morrill Hall, south of 14th and Vine Streets on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus, on Thursday nights throughout the summer.

June 3 through Aug. 26, the public may visit the museum free of charge from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays only. Regular admission to Mueller Planetarium fulldome shows will apply.

Mueller Planetarium, located inside the museum, will feature two fulldome shows on Thursday evenings in June. The family show, "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," will be shown at 6 p.m. The new fulldome show, "Natural Selection," will be shown at 7 p.m. See the complete fulldome schedule for June below.

After Aug. 26, Morrill Hall will continue to be open until 8 p.m. Thursdays, but beginning Sept. 2, regular admission will be charged.

Mueller Planetarium's fulldome schedule effective June 1-30 (no shows Mondays):

* "Earth Moon and Sun" -- Tuesday through Sunday at 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 3 p.m.

* "Natural Selection" -- Wednesday and Sunday at 3 p.m.; Thursdays at 7 p.m.

* "Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" -- Thursdays at 6 p.m.

"Natural Selection" introduces the ideas of English naturalist Charles Darwin. Audiences go aboard the H.M.S. Beagle alongside Darwin and explore the beauty of nature on the Galapagos Islands. The 41-minute show features remarkable imagery of creatures from the ocean to the land.

"Earth, Moon and Sun" explores lunar phases, eclipses and other puzzles in space. Young children and their families will enjoy this fun and fast-paced 26-minute show featuring a witty coyote.

"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket" is a 3-D animated show about a magical cardboard rocket that leads two children on a journey through the solar system. This 35-minute show is great for young children and their families.

For updates on the planetarium's fulldome schedule, visit www.spacelaser.com.

The University of Nebraska State Museum in Morrill Hall is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Regular admission is $5 for adults (19 and over), $3 for children (5-18 years, 4 and under are free), and $10 for families (up to two adults and children). Planetarium shows are $3 for adults 19 and older and $2.50 for children. Parking is free. For more information, contact Dana Ludvik at (402) 472-3779 or by e-mail, or visit www.museum.unl.edu.

WRITER: Dana Ludvik