Planetarium (Tycho Brahe Planetarium), Copenhagen

A modern gateway to the Danish night sky

Copenhagen’s Planetarium, named for Renaissance astronomer Tycho Brahe, occupies a bold modern building at the edge of Skt Jørgens Sø. Its cylindrical brick form and copper‑clad dome stand out against the lakeside skyline, announcing its purpose long before you step inside. Since opening in 1989, the Planetarium has served as Denmark’s most advanced hub for sharing astronomy and natural science with the public, constantly updating its technology and exhibitions. The heart of the complex is the great dome theatre, built as a tilted fulldome to immerse audiences completely in projected star fields, planets and galaxies. A major renovation completed during the early 2020s replaced the entire projection system with cutting‑edge 8K laser projectors and upgraded sound, turning the theatre into one of Europe’s most technically sophisticated planetarium domes.

Immersive journeys under Europe’s largest tilted dome

Every dome programme begins with a tour of the current night sky as it would appear over Denmark, guiding you through constellations, visible planets and seasonal highlights. After this live‑style introduction, the show transitions into a full film presentation that might follow the evolution of the universe, the birth of stars or the icy worlds of the outer Solar System. Films are screened on the enormous curved surface that wraps around your field of vision, creating the sensation of floating through nebulae or diving toward planetary surfaces. Many programmes are produced in 3D or IMAX‑style formats, and while narration is usually in Danish, English audio is available via headsets, making the experience accessible to international visitors.

Exhibitions that connect space science to everyday life

Beyond the dome, exhibition galleries explore themes such as Big Bang, time and space, human adaptation to life beyond Earth and the technologies that make space travel possible. Interactive stations let you test your reactions and coordination as if training like an astronaut, compare your weight on different planets or visualise the scale of the Solar System. A highlight is an authentic lunar sample on loan from NASA, one of the largest moon rocks displayed outside the United States. Interpretive displays explain how instruments in orbit and on planetary surfaces collect data that feeds into our understanding of climate, geology and the origins of life, linking distant phenomena to issues felt on Earth.

Family focus and hands‑on curiosity

The Planetarium is designed with families firmly in mind. Many shows are suitable for children, with programmes featuring animated journeys through the cosmos, volcanoes, dinosaurs or natural phenomena that appeal to younger audiences. During school holidays and weekends, additional talks, pop‑up science shows and short guided introductions often animate the exhibition spaces. Hands‑on elements encourage children to touch, play and ask questions rather than simply read display boards. Short film lengths and clear visual storytelling help maintain attention, while the mix of cinema, exhibits and café breaks makes it easy to structure a half‑day visit without overwhelming younger visitors.

Lakeside setting in the centre of Copenhagen

Located on Gammel Kongevej at the southern tip of Skt Jørgens Sø, the Planetarium sits within easy reach of central Copenhagen’s main districts. Large windows and the approach paths frame views across the lake toward the city, especially atmospheric on clear evenings when the dome’s interior star fields contrast with real twilight outside. Compact in footprint but vertically dramatic, the building offers a clear, simple layout: ticketing and foyer at ground level, exhibitions arranged around the core, and the dome theatre as the spatial and symbolic centre. The setting makes it an appealing indoor stop on days of rain, cold or wind, offering an all‑weather alternative to the city’s outdoor sights.

Practical visit details and timing

Typical visits last around one and a half to two hours, allowing time for one dome screening and a circuit of the exhibitions, with longer stays possible if you linger or schedule multiple films. Tickets are sold as combined admission for exhibitions plus a dome film, and there are reduced prices for children and students, as well as inclusion in some city sightseeing passes. Facilities include restrooms, a café‑restaurant and a small shop with science‑themed books, toys and souvenirs. Step‑free access and lifts make the building workable for visitors with limited mobility, and the central location means it fits easily into a wider day exploring Copenhagen’s museums, parks and historic streets.