Magic at Minnetrista: The Total
Solar Eclipse
Step into the cosmos at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens from April 6–8, where a celestial celebration awaits!
April 6-8 | Events across campus
Available All Weekend!
Embark on an extraordinary journey with "Life on the Edge," a captivating museum exhibition that transcends boundaries, unveiling the wonders of life in extreme conditions, from our terrestrial home to the possibilities that exist in the vast expanses of the universe. It's an eye-opening adventure for the entire family, igniting your imagination and expanding your understanding of life's infinite possibilities.
The Bob Ross Experience will also be open all weekend, welcoming visitors to explore the natural world through the eyes of this iconic American artist in the building where The Joy of Painting was filmed!
Purchase your tickets before the event to secure your visit!
Saturday, April 6
9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Minnetrista Museum & Gardens open
Admission is required to view our exhibitions; however, all outdoor eclipse activities, and the Farmers Market are FREE.
9 a.m.–12 p.m. | Farmer’s Market
1 p.m.–5 p.m. | Eclipse Activities
Celebrate humankind’s history of looking up with family-friendly activities, including constellation-making and story-telling crafts, as well as a sun catcher coloring activity. Visitors will also be encouraged to explore our solar system, learn about planets, and complete their intergalactic passport as they journey down Minnetrista’s historic boulevard. The fun doesn’t stop there! Muncie Children’s Museum will be at Minnetrista, helping future astronauts prepare for the eclipse by making solar viewing crowns, offering space-themed sensory bins, and more. Local author and illustrator Laurie Lunsford will read her book The Solar Eclipse is Coming and display her original artwork. Solar System Ambassador Sarah Vise will be on-site to share her expertise with curious learners, and visitors can also attend a 20-minute performance of the world premiere of A Golden Curve of Light, an eclipse-themed one-act play written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Blackmer.
Sunday, April 7
12 p.m.–5 p.m. | Minnetrista Museum & Gardens open & Eclipse Activities
Admission is required to view our exhibitions; however, all outdoor eclipse activities are FREE.
5 p.m. | Orchestra Indiana Performance, Eclipsed: A Magical Night of Music at Pruis Hall at Ball State University
Afternoon activities facilitated by Minnetrista and Muncie Children’s Museum staff will include coloring sun catchers, making solar viewing crowns, and exploring sensory bins in the Center Building. Visitors will also be encouraged to learn about the solar system while journeying down Minnetrista’s historic boulevard to complete their intergalactic passport. That evening, the stars align at Pruis Hall at Ball State University as Orchestra Indiana presents Eclipsed: A Magical Night of Music.
Monday, April 8
9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Minnetrista Museum & Gardens open
Admission is required to view our exhibitions; however, all eclipse activities and outdoor viewing are FREE.
11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Eclipse Activities
2 p.m.–3:30 p.m. | Community Viewing Party
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. | Eclipse Activities
Enjoy Minnetrista’s expansive lawns—all are welcome to one of the best places in town to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event! This day will be a celebration of the science of solar eclipses with demonstrations and activities meant to educate. Explore both our solar system and Minnetrista’s historic boulevard via our intergalactic passport, make a moving model of the Moon passing between the Earth and the Sun, and color sun catchers as a fun memento of the day! Make solar viewing crowns, enjoy space-themed sensory bins, and more with Muncie Children’s Museum. Local author and illustrator Laurie Lunsford will read her book The Solar Eclipse is Coming and display her original artwork, and the Muncie Astronomy Club will be on-site to provide expertise. Visitors can also attend a 20-minute performance of A Golden Curve of Light, an eclipse-themed one-act play written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Blackmer. After the activities, visitors can claim their spots and prepare to experience the eclipse totality event at our Community Viewing Party!
Prepare for Your Visit!
The Orchard Shop will be stocked with Eclipse-themed merchandise and, of course, the all-important safety eyewear. Don't just witness the eclipse, accessorize for the astronomical event of the century!
This is your invitation to be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime event, where the universe takes center stage and magical memories will be created. Stay tuned to this space or follow us on social media for more stellar updates as we finalize the cosmic details. For lodging and a sneak peek into other celestial activities in Muncie, explore Eclipse Muncie. Learn more about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse from NASA.
This work is supported by the Simons Foundation
and is part of its ‘In the Path of Totality’ initiative.
Support also comes from eKeeper Systems
Programming is in collaboration with Ball State Public Media, the City of Muncie, Muncie Children’s Museum, Muncie Visitors Bureau, and Orchestra Indiana.