Planetarium

It is very likely that this is the most sophisticated planetarium on planet Earth! Gathered under the dome is a unique multimedia orchestra of cosmic surround scenes, comprising image, sound and live performances. The fascination of our environment and the universe come alive in a moving and easily comprehensible presentation.

In the beginning there was the building: the water tower was constructed between 1912 and 1915 under the supervision of world famous master builder Fritz Schumacher and began its working life in the middle of World War I.

In 1925 the Hamburg Parliament decided to purchase a Zeiss planetarium (Modell II) which, following a long discussion regarding where it should be located, was installed in the Winterhuder Water Tower in 1929 – the Planetarium opened its doors in 1930.

The Planetarium has recently been newly equipped: this work included the installation of a new projection computer providing the Planetarium with “the best starry sky in the world”, according to Hamburg Planetarium Director Thomas Kraupe. The high tech equipment was custom designed in Jena; constructed over the period of a year; controls 30 additional computers via glass fibre cables and thus provides a whole new spectrum of possibilities. A multimedia "orchestra" of projectors creates an almost perfect simulation of near and far heavenly bodies in the 21m diameter domed hall and realistically communicates both cosmic events and also the uniqueness of our fragile planet Earth. But that is only a single part of the wide ranging programme on offer:

From children’s films; 3D trips through the Earth’s history to views of the future in millions of years; from classic and chill concerts to laser visualised monuments to Pink Floyd: it is unbelievably good fun to lie back in the reclined seats, relax and be amazed by what there is to see and hear!

Experience it for yourself – to find out more about current events at the Planetarium click here!