Zeiss-Großplanetarium © SPB / Photo: Natalie Toczek

Zeiss-Großplanetarium

The Zeiss-Großplanetarium (Zeiss Grand Planetarium) is the most modern science theatre in Europe. It was erected as one of the last representative buildings of the former GDR on the occasion of Berlin's 750th anniversary in 1987. Its dome with a diameter of 30 metres dominates the Berlin cityscape. A large planetarium hall with 307 seats and a cinema hall with 160 seats offer space for exciting forays through the world of astronomy and science. After modernisation lasting almost two years (2014 - 2016), the building is now equipped with new media technology and has also realigned its content. The planetarium no longer shows only astronomical programmes, but introduces visitors to the diversity of all natural sciences. Especially with the new full dome technology, scientifically challenging topics can be presented in an impressive and entertaining way. Music, culture and theatre round off the vast range of content available at the planetarium.

Cinema in the planetarium

The winner of several Cinema Programme Prize awards from the Berlin-Brandenburg Media Board, the Cinema in the Planetarium presents highlights for the whole family as part of its exciting selected programme. Thrilling and unique - gripping documentaries, the latest blockbusters and entertaining children's programmes invite you to dream and take you into breathtaking worlds.

Getting here

Zeiss-Großplanetarium | Prenzlauer Allee 80 | 10405 Berlin

S-Bahn
S41, S42, S8, S85 → Prenzlauer Allee

Tram                 
Tram M2 → Fröbelstraße
Tram M10 → Prenzlauer Allee/Danziger Straße

Bus
156 → S Prenzlauer Allee (hält in der Grellstraße)

Car
There is not much parking in the immediate vicinity. We recommend that you arrive by public transport.

Lageplan Zeiss-Großplanetarium © yellow too

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accessibility

The planetarium hall and the cinema hall are accessible for wheelchair users.
Induction loop for hearing aids available.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

You have further questions about a planned visit? Here you can find our FAQs.
You are more than welcome to contact our info hotline with your questions:
Tel. +49 (30) 421 845-10
(Mon: 9:00 – 17:00 | Tue – Fri: 9:00 – 20:00 | Sat: 10:00 – 20:00 | Sun: 10:00 – 17:00)

Current visitor information

In order to protect you and our staff as well as possible during your visit, please observe our current hygiene and safety concept, which you can read here.

 

 

Information and ticket hotline

Tel. +49 30 421845-10
(Mon & Tue: 9:00 – 17:00 | Wed – Fri: 9:00 – 20:00 | Sat: 10:00 – 20:00 | Sun: 10:00 – 17:00)
info@planetarium.berlin

Opening hours

Monday: closed
Tuesday: 9:00 14:00
Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00 – 14:00 and 15:00 – 20:00
Friday: 9:00 – 12:30 and 15:00 – 22:00
Saturday: 11:30 – 22:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00

Opening hours vary during the Berlin school holidays.

Price of admission

Science: € 9,50 / concessions* € 7,50
Science family ticket (2 adults + 3 children under 18 years): € 26
Music and entertainment: € 12 / concessions* € 10
School classes/day-care groups: € 4 per person
Cinema: € 9 / concessions* € 7
3D cinema: € 10 / concessions* € 8

School classes/nursery groups: € 4 per person (up to two teachers/educators accompanied by a school class, day-care centre, children's or youth group receive free admission)

Other prices may apply for special events.

*Reduced prices of admission

Reduced prices of admission are possible on presentation of proof or appropriate identification. Students; trainees; holders of the "berlinpass" as well as recipients of social welfare, basic income support, unemployment benefit II, social assistance and benefits under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act; recipients of unemployment benefit, housing benefit or child allowance; school leavers without an apprenticeship or job; persons doing voluntary military service and persons doing voluntary cultural, social or ecological service.

Groups of 20 or more pay the reduced price.

Free admission

On presentation of appropriate proof or ID, the following are admitted free of charge: persons accompanying severely disabled persons with a "B" in their ID; up to two teachers or educators accompanying a school class, children's or youth group; representatives of the press; employees of planetariums, observatories and museums, members of ICOM (International Council of Museums) and DMB (German Museums Association); members of the Friends of the Stiftung Planetarium Berlin for all offers in the Learning category.

Information on online tickets

Tickets for wheelchair users and their accompanying persons (for safety reasons there are fixed seats), family tickets, group discounts and reductions/free tickets in the context of cooperations (e.g. Berlin Family Pass) cannot be booked in the online shop, but are only available at the ticket office on site. A refund of differences resulting from the purchase of regular online tickets is not possible.

 


History

The Zeiss-Großplanetarium was opened in October 1987 after a construction period of only two years. With an outer dome diameter of 30 metres and an inner dome diameter of 23 metres, it not only dominates the cityscape of Berlin, but is also one of the largest planetariums in Europe. Between 2014 and 2016, the grand planetarium was extensively modernised. In addition to new media technology and a redesigned foyer, the overall concept of the modernisation also included an overhaul of the content. In October 2017, the planetarium celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Construction site © SPB / Photo: R. Lück
Construction site © SPB / Photo: R. Lück

Technology

View into the dome © SPB / Photo: F.-M. Arndt
View into the dome © SPB / Photo: F.-M. Arndt

Since 2016, a ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM Model IX star projector has been the new centrepiece of the Zeiss-Großplanetarium, which was specially converted for this building. It projects the night sky in natural brilliance onto the 23-metre-high dome. In addition, eight planet projectors show the movements of the planet stars in the firmament. The star projector is supplemented by a multi-channel digital projection system with ten ZEISS VELVET video projectors for a 360° full dome projection that creates a video image that films the entire dome.

The Spatial Sound Wave System developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) provides an impressive spatial sound experience. It works with 49 speakers and 4 subwoofers. Together with the newly installed full dome projection system, impressive three-dimensional worlds are created for the eyes and ears.


Exhibitions

Changing special exhibitions take place in the Zeiss-Großplanetarium.

 

Star projector "Cosmorama" © SPB / Photo: F.-M. Arndt
Star projector "Cosmorama" © SPB / Photo: F.-M. Arndt