Planetarium (Tycho Brahe Planetarium), Copenhagen

A copper-clad icon by the lakes

Planetarium rises from the southern shore of Skt. Jørgens Sø like a giant cylinder of copper and glass, its geometric form reflected in the water outside. Designed by Danish architect Knud Munk and opened in 1989, the building was created as a modern monument to the country’s long tradition of stargazing. The circular volume hints at orbits and planets, while the warm metal cladding echoes Copenhagen’s historic green-patinated rooftops. Step inside and you move from the bustle of Gammel Kongevej into a world of dimmed light, blue glows and hushed anticipation. Sweeping staircases and exhibition zones spiral around the central dome, with viewpoints back towards the lakes that remind you how close the cosmic journey sits to everyday city life.

A universe of exhibitions and cosmic stories

At the core of Planetarium is a suite of permanent and changing exhibitions that translate complex astronomy into tactile, visual experiences. You can trace our solar system across illuminated models, follow the timeline from the Big Bang to the present, and explore how galaxies, black holes and exoplanets are discovered. Interactive displays invite you to weigh yourself on different planets, examine meteorites up close, or experiment with light and gravity. Other installations dive into current space missions and Denmark’s role in space research, from satellite technology to collaborations with international space agencies. Multimedia stations, soundscapes and dramatic lighting keep the focus on awe and discovery, making it engaging for children while still satisfying scientifically minded adults.

Europe’s largest tilted dome

The heart of the building is the vast Planetarium Dome, Northern Europe’s largest tilted dome screen. A steeply raked auditorium faces a 1,000 m² curved surface that wraps almost overhead, creating the illusion that you are floating in space. After a major renovation, the dome now uses advanced 8K laser projection and a powerful surround sound system for razor-sharp, fully enveloping shows. Every screening begins with a live journey through the current night sky, pointing out constellations, planets and seasonal celestial events. The main feature might send you plunging into a star-forming nebula, dive into volcanoes on Earth, or accompany astronauts in orbit. Many films are produced specifically for fulldome projection, so planets loom life-sized and starfields seem to stretch to infinity.

Family-friendly science and special events

Planetarium is designed with families firmly in mind. On weekends and school holidays, extra science activities, workshops and short shows often animate the exhibition areas, helping younger visitors grasp big ideas through play. The layout allows you to mix time in the dome with unhurried exploration of the galleries, café breaks and browsing in the space-themed shop. Throughout the year, the programme typically includes evening lectures, themed events and collaborations with astronomers and science communicators. These sessions can focus on topics such as the search for life beyond Earth, new images from deep space telescopes, or how astrophotography captures the fragile glow of the Milky Way over light-polluted cities.

Practical visit: language, tickets and timing

Standard tickets usually include access to all exhibitions plus one dome film, with additional screenings available at extra cost. As an indoor attraction, Planetarium works well in any season and is particularly appealing on dark winter afternoons or rainy days. Most regular shows are presented in Danish, but English audio is commonly offered via headsets, so international visitors can follow along comfortably. General admission for adults is typically in the mid-range for Copenhagen museums, with reduced rates for children and concessions, and free or discounted entry through selected city passes. Spending around one and a half to three hours allows time for one or two films, a full circuit of the exhibitions and a contemplative pause by the lakes before or after your celestial journey.