Planetarium (Tycho Brahe Planetarium), Copenhagen

A copper-clad gateway to Copenhagen’s cosmos

Planetarium rises at the edge of Skt Jørgens Sø like a gigantic, sliced cylinder reflected in the water, its copper cladding echoing Copenhagen’s green-patinated rooftops. Designed by architect Knud Munk and opened in 1989, the building was conceived as a modern monument to the night sky, a geometric form that hints at observatories and celestial instruments without copying any one of them. Step inside and the world outside drops away quickly. The foyer opens upward toward the great dome, with clean lines, warm materials and subtle lighting that keeps your eyes drawn toward models of planets, suspended installations and glimpses of exhibition spaces above. Though thoroughly contemporary, the design feels rooted in Danish traditions of functional, people-focused architecture.

Honouring Tycho Brahe and Denmark’s starry heritage

Planetarium carries the name of Tycho Brahe, the 16th‑century Danish astronomer whose precise measurements of the heavens paved the way for modern astronomy. Inside, you’ll encounter stories of his island observatory at Hven, ingenious instruments crafted long before telescopes, and how his data helped Johannes Kepler describe planetary motion. These historical threads are woven into a much broader narrative about Denmark’s role in space science today. Exhibits touch on satellite technology, Nordic contributions to space missions and the way local researchers study everything from exoplanets to cosmic radiation. The result is a sense of continuity: centuries of sky‑watching distilled into a single, approachable space beside the city’s lakes.

The Dome: Europe’s largest tilted fulldome experience

At the heart of the building lies the Planetarium Dome, the largest tilted fulldome of its kind in Europe. Here, a 1,000‑square‑metre screen curves above and around you while advanced 8K laser projectors and a powerful sound system turn documentaries into near‑physical experiences. Films might swoop through Saturn’s rings, dive into volcanoes or trace the life of a star, with the tilt of the dome enhancing the illusion of movement. Each screening traditionally begins with a brief guided journey through the current night sky, transforming the dome into a virtual observatory. Constellations are outlined, planets singled out and recent astronomical events highlighted. English narration is often available via headsets, making the shows accessible even when the main language is Danish.

Hands-on journeys through space and time

Beyond the dome, Planetarium’s exhibitions turn complex astrophysics into something you can touch, see and play with. Permanent galleries explore the Big Bang, galaxy formation, black holes and the fragile conditions that allow life to exist on Earth. Interactive stations let you compare planetary gravity, manipulate light and shadow, or watch simulations of colliding galaxies. Installations such as large‑scale artistic pieces and immersive digital displays bridge the gap between art and science, using soundscapes, projections and sculptural forms to evoke cosmic structures. For younger visitors there are dedicated activity zones and special programmes on weekends and school holidays, where simple experiments and storytelling introduce the basics of space exploration.

An urban observatory for all seasons

Because it is fully indoors, Planetarium works in every kind of Danish weather, from bright summer days to winter storms. Seating areas dotted through the building allow you to pause between exhibitions, gaze out over the lakes or simply absorb the quiet hum of families and school groups following their own routes through the cosmos. The location, steps from Copenhagen’s historic centre, also makes it easy to combine a visit with a lakeside stroll, nearby cafés or other cultural stops. Typical visits last around one and a half to two hours, but astronomy enthusiasts can easily linger longer, timing their day around multiple dome screenings or special talks.

Planning your visit inside the star dome

Admission is organised as an all‑in‑one ticket that usually includes access to all exhibitions and one dome film. Prices for adults sit in the mid‑range compared with other city museums, with reduced rates for children and various discounts available via local city cards or concessions. Opening hours are generous most days of the week, often stretching into the evening, which makes late‑day or after‑dark visits particularly atmospheric. The building is designed with accessibility in mind, including lifts and step‑free routes to key areas, and it is straightforward to navigate once inside. Mobile reception is generally strong, but the dome shows remain best enjoyed with your phone tucked away as you follow the stars overhead.