-
What is a planetarium?
- A planetarium is one of the best places for people to learn about and experience the majesty and beauty of the expansive universe around them.
-
What can visitors experience in a planetarium?
- These dome-shaped astronomical theaters transport guests from light-polluted cities to the night sky, planets, and the galaxies beyond on an adventure to learn about meteors, constellations, black holes, and more.
-
Who can enjoy a planetarium visit?
- Planetariums are a great way for people of all ages to spend a few hours or a day, particularly on a cold or rainy day.
-
Are there many planetariums worldwide?
- Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent planetariums for people to enjoy throughout the world.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Peter Harrison Planetarium, London, England
The Peter Harrison Planetarium in London provides a way for audiences to experience the wondrous night sky and take a memorable tour of the sprawling Universe while learning from expert commentary given by astronomers from the Royal Observatory. Equipped with an advanced digital laser projector, this 120-seat, state-of-the-art planetarium is the only one in existence in the city and makes up the Royal Observatory’s southern half. Multiple informative shows are presented during the day at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, including shows for children, and it’s usually best for visitors to book a ticket for shows in advance.
Blackheath Ave, Greenwich, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom, Phone: +44-20-83-12-66-08
2. Melbourne, Scienceworks Museum Planetarium, Melbourne
The Scienceworks Museum Planetarium features a fulldome video projection system, 7.1 surround sound system, reclining comfortable seats, and a 16m domed ceiling resulting in a show of spectacular movement and color that creates an immersive and unique environment for astronomical experiences. Shows at the Melbourne Planetarium are both entertaining and informative, designed for a range of ages and audiences. These shows last between thirty and forty-five minutes and include a live presentation of that night’s sky, as well as any other major astronomical objects able to be seen in the sky.
2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015, Australia
3. Planetarium, Copenhagen
The Planetarium, Copenhagen, Denmark provides educational entertainment with its immersive shows for the whole family. Visitors can explore the various exhibitions, watch a movie in the spacious Dome theater, and immerse themselves beneath a starry sky. At the center of the Planetarium is The Dome, which is the largest of its kind anywhere in northern Europe. The Dome’s massive screen provides a unique experience for audiences, giving a feeling like they are a part of the show. All films begin with a trip to space and include presentations of the starry night sky for that day.
Gl. Kongevej 10, 1610 København V, Denmark, Phone: +45-33-12-12-24
4. Ontario Science Centre Digital Planetarium, Toronto
The Ontario Science Centre Digital Planetarium, Toronto is home to the city’s only planetarium. The Digital Planetarium is open every day of the week to the public, as well as on the majority of holidays. Opened in 2008, the planetarium features a technologically advanced combination of 3D, state-of-the-art digital software and imagery and projector technologies. Programs present at the Ontario Science Centre’s planetarium include live presenters who help guests learn how to identify constellations and planets. Visitors can choose from three different digital presentations, each around twenty-five minutes in duration. There’s even a program designed for children under five years old.
770 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada
5. Space Place at Carter Observatory, Wellington
Located in Wellington, New Zealand, the Space Place at Carter Observatory shares the stories of the skies of New Zealand through a series of multimedia exhibits, the full-dome digital planetarium, the Thomas Cooke telescope, and a number of interactive galleries. Visitors can learn about the galaxies, constellations, stars, planets and more, as well as the contributions of New Zealand to space and astronomy sciences. Space Place offers an array of shows on its full-dome, digital planetarium screen for guests of all ages, from the exploring and wonders through te tuarangi to the planets and the adorable Nga Tautangata.
40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand, Phone: +64-49-10-31-40
6. Cosmonova, Stockholm
Cosmonova in the city of Stockholm, Sweden provides a stunning, unique, and immersive experience that aims to make guests feel what it's to be in the middle of an adventure, on the scene. The Cosmonova is located at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet and is made up of a planetarium, 3D theater, and IMAX theater with themes varying from deep sea monsters to dinosaurs to planets. IMAX movies, the largest film format in the world, are shown on a dome-shaped, 760-square-meter screen. Films are presented on the hour and visitors should note that only guests ages five and up are permitted.
Frescativägen 40, 114 18 Stockholm, Sweden, Phone: +46-8-51-95-40-00
7. Inishowen Planetarium, Inishowen
Located at the Inishowen Maritime Museum, the Inishowen Planetarium offers people of all ages a chance to view a variety of shows providing a feeling of “full-sensory immersion.” This digital, full-dome theater presents four shows every day, covering much more than astronomy. In addition to shows about the stars and planets, the Inishowen Planetarium also offers shows about global climate and prehistoric sea monsters, as well an “Enchanted Reef” show that’s a great option for children. Guests should also take time to explore the many exhibits and artifacts at the Inishowen Maritime Museum after a visit to the planetarium.
4 Coastguard Station, Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle, Co. Donegal, F93 T2KA, Ireland, Phone: +35-37-49-38-13-63
8. Planetarium of Plovdiv, Plovdiv
Boasting an eight-meter dome and a special projector, the Planetarium of Plovdiv in Bulgaria is a digital planetarium that can be found within the city’s Regional Museum of Natural History. The planetarium was built by Evans & Sutherland, a leader worldwide in the field, in 2015 and is able to accommodate up to fifty guests. Prior to the full-dome shows, a live lecture is presented about various themes and lasts around ten to fifteen minutes. This lecture is most often about the night sky seen over Plovdiv, including the best and brightest constellations that can be seen during the season.
Hrysto G. Danov str. 34, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria, Phone: +359-32-63-30-96
9. Digitales Planetarium im Naturhistorischen Museum Wien, Vienna
The Digitales Planetarium im Naturhistorischen Museum Wien is the planetarium located at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria. The planetarium features state-of-the-art full-dome technology and an inner dome of approximately 8.5 meters in diameter, providing live presentations for guests on a range of topics, such as astronomy, the deep sea, prehistory, and biology. The live shows and full-dome films are offered multiple times a day, and while they are presented in German, films are available in English as well. Two such shows are the Live Show about the night sky and “Journey Through the Night for Kids.”
Burgring 7, 1010 Wien, Austria, Phone: +43-1-52-17-70
10. Belgian Planetarium, Brussels
The Belgian Planetarium, Brussels is located at the Royal Observatory of Belgium and offers a unique experience for visitors to explore the expanse of the universe as if they were in the heart of it. A place for discovering the beauty of a starry sky, the planetarium features a semi-spherical dome beneath which audiences can go on an adventure where astronomical images, panoramic landscape, and canopy of heaven blend together. Guests are immersed during shows in fascinating images projected across the 840-square-meter dome. The astronomy base includes over 100,000 stars and takes guests beyond the solar system.
Avenue de Bouchout 10, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium, Phone: +32-80-05-51-69-49
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Peter Harrison Planetarium, London, England
- 2. Melbourne, Scienceworks Museum Planetarium, Melbourne
- 3. Planetarium, Copenhagen
- 4. Ontario Science Centre Digital Planetarium, Toronto
- 5. Space Place at Carter Observatory, Wellington
- 6. Cosmonova, Stockholm
- 7. Inishowen Planetarium, Inishowen
- 8. Planetarium of Plovdiv, Plovdiv
- 9. Digitales Planetarium im Naturhistorischen Museum Wien, Vienna
- 10. Belgian Planetarium, Brussels