In March 1973, the band Pink Floyd released “The Dark Side of the Moon”—a cerebral album about wealth, conflict, and madness that rings true 50 years later.

Anyone who knows the album would agree that there’s no better way to celebrate the golden anniversary of “Dark Side of the Moon” than to experience the music in a planetarium—immersed in stunning visuals.

The staff at the  Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) decided the Shafran Planetarium would be the ideal place to enjoy the 42-minute album in surround sound, paired with breathtaking views of the cosmos and enabled by the capabilities of modern technology.

The band embraced the idea as well. So, NSC Creative, which specializes in immersive experiences, worked closely with Pink Floyd’s longtime creative collaborator, Aubrey Powell of Hipgnosis, to lead the visual-production efforts to stimulate the senses.

For a limited time, through Sunday, Dec. 31, “The Dark Side of the Moon” will be shown in Shafran Planetarium.

Pink Floyd’s legendary album The Dark Side of the Moon pared with stunning visuals at the CMNH’s planetariumEach song is presented with a different visual theme. Some songs provide a futuristic look forward, while others are a retro salute to Pink Floyd’s iconic imagery. All songs and visuals contribute to a transcendent time-and-space experience, enhanced by up-to-the-minute technology that only a planetarium can offer.

This all-encompassing show is sure to transport you on a mind-bending audiovisual journey.

Show times are Tuesday through Sunday at 4 p.m. and every Friday at 7 p.m. as part of the museum’s Friday Night Lights Series.  A general admission ticket is not required to attend these showings, but a ticket to the showing is required, and advance purchase is recommended.

Tickets are $10 per person.

Additionally, “Dark Side” will be shown on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 8:15 p.m. as part of Think & Drink with the Extinct: Winter Solstice.

Celebrate the longest night of the year with CMNH and raise a glass in commemoration of the 2023 winter solstice in the new Visitor Hall and plenty of fun activities and entertainment.

Fat Head’s Brewery will have a limited supply of “The Dunk” Dunkelweizen beer available for purchase as well.

Think & Drink registration is required ($5 for members and $15 for nonmembers). Registrants will receive a confirmation email with information about how to purchase tickets for the 8:15 p.m. “Dark Side” show.