Every year, the Zeiss Great Planetarium in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg sets up new programs, events and activities for children and young people. The traditional planetarium was reopened in August 2016 after a comprehensive modernization and renovation as a modern “science theater”. In addition to new media technology and a newly designed foyer, a reorientation in terms of content is also part of the overall concept of modernization.
The Planetarium as a science theater also wants to open up new areas of topics. Instead of showing exclusively astronomical programs as before, the Zeiss planetarium will also be devoted to other scientific areas of biology, chemistry or medicine. Particularly thanks to the new Fulldome technology, visitors can experience the starry sky in an entertaining way in 3D and learn a lot of interesting things. Music and entertainment are, of course, also on the program. The program “Sternzeit – A Musical Tour of the Astronomy History of Berlin” will be launched for example.
Just one year after the reopening, the Zeiss Großplanetarium tripled its visitor numbers, a big success. The programs vary and will be published on the Planetarium website. Some of the highlights include the program DOME, an interdisciplinary program of exhibition, film, music and science that focuses on “cosmic realities” in very different ways. Another highlight is the goal of the Zeiss Großplanetarium to accompany the astronaut Alexander Gerst with special programs during his five-month mission “Horizons” to the International Space Station ISS. A large planetarium hall with 307 seats and a cinema hall with 160 seats provide space for exciting expeditions through the world of astronomy and science.
The extensive refurbishment and reorientation cost more than 13 million euros. The majority of the funds were financed by the state of Berlin. The Zeiss Planetarium was built in 1987 as one of the last GDR prestige buildings on the occasion of the 750th anniversary of Berlin. Its dome, with a diameter of 30 meters, marks the Berlin cityscape. It is one of the largest planetaria in Germany. Since 2016 the house has been part of the Foundation Planetarium Berlin and is being further developed as a scientific and cultural venue for families, schools and tourists. Families get a discount on the ticket.
