Planetarium Smolyan: A Gateway to the Cosmos

Planetarium Smolyan, an iconic landmark in the Rhodope Mountains, has been opening the doors to the cosmos for visitors since 1975. As the largest planetarium and astronomical observatory in Bulgaria, it stands as a beacon of knowledge, offering a unique perspective on the stars above. The planetarium features a stellar hall with a 12.5-meter domed ceiling and 150 seats, where state-of-the-art projection technology brings the night sky to life. Visitors can experience a variety of astronomical phenomena, from the birth of stars to the dance of planets, through regular shows and thematic educational sessions. Lectures are available in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Russian, Greek and Turkish. Special music and poetic performances add to the variety of stellar shows. Beyond the shows, the Planetarium Smolyan engages in research, education, and promotional activities. It monitors solar activity, records lunar and solar eclipses, and organizes a Youth Astronomy Club. The planetarium also has a second visitor center with computer configurations to complement space knowledge. A permanent exhibition of original paintings is displayed in the central lobby, and temporary thematic exhibitions are organized. An astrolabe with a built-in sundial and vertical gnomon, as well as an observation platform with small mobile telescopes, are available.