Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory will open its doors so you may view our unique exhibits, engage with astronomers, and gaze at various celestial objects (weather permitting). The format is “open house” so you may arrive and depart any time during the event. Suggested for ages 8 and up.

Tickets for Telescope Nights often sell out the day they go on sale, so please plan accordingly.

Please read carefully:

• You do not need to bring a printed ticket; there will be a guest list at the gate.
• Because this is a historic museum setting, we ask attendees to be mindful of the delicate nature of our exhibits and equipment.
• Closed-toe footwear is suggested. Dress for the weather because the telescopes are in an open dome and outside.
• If your plans change and you cannot attend, you may invite someone you know to use your tickets/names for entry OR notify observatory staff to release your ticket for others.
• You and members of your group understand that VU may take photos that include you for social media or other uses and that VU cannot prevent you from being photographed by others.
• Please be considerate of other guests and do not hold up the line with photos through the telescope. With the attendant’s permission, you may attempt a photo after the line clears.
• Because this is Vanderbilt University property, firearms and smoking are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Accessibility:

• The exhibits on the main floor are easily accessible.
• The Seyfert Telescope is on the second floor and is only accessible by twenty steps, split by a large landing. Please let us know when you get your tickets if someone in your group cannot climb the stairs, so we may attempt to make some accommodation with another telescope if skies are clear enough for viewing.
• Notify the gate attendant if you have special parking needs.
• There is ample seating in the library for resting.

Address: 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 (NOT on the main Vanderbilt campus)

Cost:  $5 plus handling fees. Each person must have their own reservation. Infants do not require tickets.

NO TICKETS ARE SOLD AT THE DOOR. Tickets may be purchased up to the day of the event, but please be aware this event often sells out well ahead. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. THIS IS A CLEAR OR CLOUDY EVENT.

IF SOLD OUT: Join the waitlist and indicate how many are in your party. (You will likely have to make an entry for each person in your party.) If tickets are released, you will receive an email from Eventbrite with a link to register. That may reach you anytime Wednesday-Friday the week of the event and you will have a limited time to respond.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

All ages are welcome, but we recommend age 8 and up because of the mature nature of the exhibits and fragility of the instruments.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

We have a large gravel parking lot in front of the observatory. There is no fee to park. We have parking attendants on hand to direct you to a spot. Ride share services are welcome.

What can I bring into the event?

Curiosity! We also encourage a camera for taking photos which you may share to social media @dyerobservers. We ask that you not bring in food or drinks. DO NOT BRING YOUR OWN TELESCOPES.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You may message us through Eventbrite or email dyerobservatory@vanderbilt.edu

What’s the refund policy?

Due to our fixed costs, we cannot offer refunds, but you may invite someone else to use your name at the gate for entry if you are unable to attend.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. Just give the name(s) you registered under for entry. We will have a guest list at the gate.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?

Yes. Please give the name(s) the ticket was registered under when checking in at the gate.

We also are frequently asked if there is a dress code. We do not have one, but we ask that you wear what would be appropriate in a setting with children. Dress comfortably. We suggest closed-toe shoes for walking through the gravel parking lot. As the main dome is not heated/cooled, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. The exhibit area is climate controlled.