About Cinema Under The Stars: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Step into our Thinktank Planetarium for a cinema-style screening. Unwind and enjoy a specially selected space-themed film in a setting designed to inspire curiosity and wonder.

This week’s feature: Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

A landmark sci-fi film directed by Steven Spielberg that tells the story of an ordinary man whose life is upended after a mysterious UFO encounter, drawing him—and others who’ve experienced strange visions—into a breathtaking quest that culminates in humanity’s first awe-inspiring contact with extraterrestrial life.

Film Rating: PG

Before the screening:
Make sure to explore The Space Vault Exhibition — a new display showcasing one of the UK’s most extensive private collections of human spaceflight artefacts. Highlights include:

Original mission checklists instrumental in the Apollo 13 rescue

Commander Dave Scott’s actual umbilical suit connector

Genuine lunar dust from the Apollo 15 mission

Whether you're a space enthusiast or simply looking for a distinctive night out, this event blends gripping cinema with authentic space history — a must-see for those with a taste for discovery.

Event Information

Arrive from 4pm
Film begins promptly at 4:30pm in our Planetarium on Level 3

Pre-booking essential as places are limited.

This film was not made to be projected in a full-dome format, but we will be using our big cinema screen inside the dome

Please note: Doors will close at the start of the screening. Late admission will not be permitted to avoid disruption.

Access to the Planetarium is from Level 0, the Main Entrance of the Thinktank Science Museum.