Our 5 Favorite Planetariums in the World You Must Visit

Planetariums are one of the few incredible places that can bring the wonders of space a little closer to Earth. Whether you’re fascinated by distant galaxies or just beginning to explore the night sky, planetariums inspire curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of STEM.

Today, we want to spark that same spirit of discovery by sharing five of our favorite planetariums from around the world. Whether you’re planning your first visit or adding another destination to your travel bucket list, these incredible attractions are sure to leave you looking at the stars a little differently.

1. Hayden Planetarium, New York City, USA

Located inside the iconic American Museum of Natural History, the Hayden Planetarium has been inspiring visitors since 1933. Following a $250 million renovation in 2000, the planetarium now sits inside the impressive Hayden Sphere, which is enclosed within a six-story glass cube. Its state-of-the-art fulldome theater surrounds visitors with breathtaking, high-resolution views of the universe.

Don’t miss: The Hayden Planetarium Space Show, an immersive experience created by award-winning scientists, educators, and visual effects artists. Each show takes audiences on unforgettable journeys through space while showcasing the latest discoveries in astronomy.

It’s also a fantastic place for kids to see how astronomy, engineering, and digital technology come together to help us better understand our universe.

2. H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, Vancouver, Canada

A striking landmark along Vancouver’s waterfront in Vanier Park, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre features an impressive 23-meter dome where science and storytelling come together. Visitors can enjoy interactive presentations in the GroundStation Theatre, making even the most complex space concepts fun and accessible.

Don’t miss: Exploring Extremes, an educational adventure that examines some of Earth’s harshest environments and reveals how they help scientists understand other planets and moons throughout our solar system.

Interactive exhibits throughout the center encourage children to think like scientists as they investigate the challenges of exploring worlds beyond our own.

3. Peter Harrison Planetarium, London, United Kingdom

Part of the Royal Museums Greenwich, the Peter Harrison Planetarium uses state-of-the-art Digistar projection technology to create stunning, crystal-clear views of the cosmos. Its intimate 120-seat theater gives every visitor the feeling of traveling among the stars.

Don’t miss: Starstruck, an incredible journey through the birth, life, and death of a star. Created by leading astrophysicists and visual effects teams, this spectacular presentation compresses millions of years of stellar evolution into just 30 unforgettable minutes.

Shows like these make complex astronomy concepts easier to understand while inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space explorers.

4. Zeiss Planetarium, Berlin, Germany

Blending history with cutting-edge technology, the Zeiss Planetarium has become one of Berlin’s most treasured science attractions. The facility combines classic Zeiss star projectors with modern digital systems to create immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. Many shows are also offered in multiple languages, making it a welcoming destination for international travelers.

Family favorite: Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon follows a curious little mouse who dreams of building his own rocket and traveling to the moon. It’s an entertaining adventure that younger space enthusiasts especially love.

The Zeiss Planetarium is also a reminder that today’s incredible space technology is built on generations of scientific discovery and innovation.

5. Planetarium at Cité des Sciences, Paris, France

As the centerpiece of Paris’ City of Science and Industry, the Planetarium at Cité des Sciences is one of France’s premier destinations for astronomy lovers. The magnificent 15-meter dome uses advanced 360-degree projection technology to immerse visitors in breathtaking journeys through space. With presentations offered in multiple languages, it welcomes curious minds from around the globe.

Don’t miss: The Meeting Andromeda, a visually stunning presentation created by French astronomers and scientists. The show explores the Andromeda Galaxy, our closest galactic neighbor, and what will happen when it eventually collides with the Milky Way—don’t worry, that won’t happen for another four billion years!

The immersive experience encourages visitors to ask big questions about our universe while showing how scientists continue to make new discoveries every day.

Keep Looking Up

Planetariums have an incredible way of turning curiosity into discovery. They encourage kids to ask questions, imagine what’s possible, and see how science helps us better understand the universe around us. Whether you’re exploring a local planetarium or visiting one of these world-renowned destinations, every trip offers an opportunity to spark a lifelong interest in STEM.

Want to keep the adventure going after your visit? Engineering For Kids offers hands-on STEM programs where children can build, create, experiment, and explore the same scientific concepts that inspire them under the planetarium dome. Find your nearest Engineering For Kids location and continue the journey of discovery!