Buenos Aires Planetarium

The Galileo Galilei Planetarium in Buenos Aires is the city’s main centre for astronomical outreach. Here, you’ll find a wealth of attractions related to astronomy, from specific shows to a museum featuring pieces of meteorites. This experience is perfect for the whole family, as both kids and adults can learn and be fascinated by the marvels of the cosmos. 

Let’s dive into what you can see at the Planetarium of Buenos Aires and everything you need to know to enjoy this incredible adventure.

The Planetarium

This five-story marvel houses a museum and two projection rooms, including a main auditorium and a smaller secondary space. Among its treasures is a collection of meteorites from northern Argentina. 

The highlight is the hemispherical projection room, boasting 360 reclining seats and a dome that spans 20 metres in diameter. Marvel at the incredible display of nearly 8,900 stars, planets, and satellites, all brought to life by a unique team of six Sky-Skan projectors with stunning 8K resolution—delivering a breathtaking 38 million pixels!

In the museum, you’ll find a lunar rock brought back by the Apollo XI mission, a gift from President Nixon. As you enter, don’t miss the three metallic meteorites that landed on Earth over 4,000 years ago, extracted from the soil of Chaco and Santiago del Estero. The path leading to the Planetarium features flagstones from Neuquén, containing ammonites—marine fossils that went extinct around 100 million years ago

Take a stroll by the adjacent lake, where you’ll find the sculpture “Surprised” by Italian artist Nicolás A. Ferrari, along with a monolith honouring the renowned astronomer Nicholas Copernicus.

The exterior of the Buenos Aires Planetarium, designed to resemble a spaceship, houses a unique scientific and technological dissemination centre in Argentina. This facility enables astronomical knowledge to extend beyond the academic realm, making it accessible to everyone.

The Story

The story of the Buenos Aires Planetarium began in 19588 when the vision of a city planetarium took shape. Designed by Argentine architect Enrique Jan, the Galileo Galilei Planetarium officially opened its doors on December 20, 1966, in honour of the famous mathematician and astronomer.

The first performance took place on June 13, 1967, for a group of school students, giving them a sneak peek of the Buenos Aires night sky. The Planetarium opened to the general public on April 5, 1968, and has since undergone several renovations. In 2017, it celebrated its 50th anniversary with significant updates, including augmented reality, simulators, interactive screens, and robotic experiences, all enhancing the immersive experience for visitors.

Location

You can find the Galileo Galilei Planetarium at the intersection of Avenida General Sarmiento and Belisario Roldán, nestled within Parque 3 de Febrero in the Palermo neighbourhood. It’s conveniently located across from the Rosedal de Buenos Aires and near a picturesque lake inhabited by ducks, making it the perfect spot to enjoy nature. The surrounding area also features Plaza Benjamín Gould, named after the North American astronomer known for his contributions to observational astronomy.

The Planetarium transforms into a stunning display of coloured lights at night, creating a magical ambience reminiscent of a sci-fi film.

In this square, the Planetarium shares its space with the lake of the same name, which beautifully reflects the iconic structure of this emblematic building during the day on its tranquil waters.

Activities for Everyone

Free Guided Tours: Available from Tuesday to Friday, with a capacity of 40 people. Tours start at 12 and 2 p.m., with tickets distributed 30 minutes in advance. On weekends, tours are at 2 and 4:30 p.m. Reservations can be made starting Friday on the Planetarium’s website.

Free Guided Tours in English: Held every Friday at 1:30 p.m. (except holidays), meeting the needs of non-Spanish speakers.

Telescopes: Join this activity on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. for a sky observation session. This activity is free and on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating up to 250 people (weather permitting).

Courses and Science Meetings: Enjoy free courses for all ages, and attend meetings with astronomy specialists. Tickets are free but require reservations.

Shows for Students: Engaging didactic shows aimed at young learners,  they can explore the wonders of space.

Astronomical Shows: Various shows are designed for children and general audiences, all set in highly realistic virtual environments. Tickets for these shows can be purchased online.

Tickets

It’s important to note that ticket purchases and reservations are made exclusively online through the Planetarium’s website. Please arrive early, as entry is not permitted once a show has started. People with disabilities, retirees, and children under 6 can enter for free (with prior online reservation). Entry fees vary for residents and tourists, so be sure to check the website for details.