Did you know that our galaxy is called the Milky Way and that it contains 200 billion stars? Well, you can find out more about our Universe, the Solar System, the life and death of stars and our planet Earth, all without leaving Madrid!
Because we propose a great plan for the whole family this autumn-winter. An activity that will introduce you to the world of astronomy in a fun and dynamic way. Next to the Tierno Galván Park is located the Madrid Planetarium. A modern building, recently refurbished, with a large white dome of 3 metres in diameter where you will find the largest projection room that you can't miss.
What the Planetarium offers
The planetarium is divided into several rooms, some dedicated to the exhibitions The museum has a scientific information room with photographs that will leave you open-mouthed. Another large spherical room where images of the starry sky are projected It also has several rooms for smaller screenings with semi-spherical screens. They also organise workshops for children and aimed at schools, together with talks, conferences and documentaries for all audiences.
Here's how to plan your visit with children on any given weekend to the Madrid Planetarium.
Exhibitions
The first good news is that access to the exhibitions is free. The theme of each room changes throughout the year. Here are the current ones if you are interested in taking a tour of the Planetarium.
Imitators of the sky: optical-mechanical planetariums
At the entrance, in the foyer of the Planetarium itself, the machinery with which projections have been made here for years is on display. It is called Spacemaster and is an engineering and technological device that simulates the movements of stars and planets.
The Colours of the Deep Sky
This exhibition of astronomical images can be seen thanks to the astrophotographer Rogelio Bernal Andreo, which he took during a trip along the Californian coast in 2007. It shows spectacular snapshots of the Milky Way as it has never been seen before.
Europe in space (ESA)
This is an exhibition that brings the more orthodox public closer to the European Space Agency and its missions throughout its history. For example, you can see the missions to the solar system. These include: Mars Express (journey to Mars), Venus Express (journey to Venus), Rosetta or makes reference to future missions such as to Mercury, known as BepiColombo.
Climate change: understanding to survive
This is the third exhibition currently on display at the Planetarium. Through objects such as a fossil piece, a model or a virtual globe, it offers us a very real vision of what is happening on our planet due to global warming and our consumption habits. A reflection on what could happen to planet Earth if climate change persists.
Projections
At the moment there are several projections prepared by the Planetarium. They are open to the public and tickets must be obtained in advance.
Dark Universe
Surprising images from the latest scientific studies at the Hayden Planetarium in New York. These images aim to answer multiple questions such as: What lies beyond our cosmic horizon? What is the dark matter in the galaxies, which together with dark energy makes up 95% of the total mass and energy content of the universe? In short, the deepest mysteries about the cosmic universe.
Screening schedule
Tuesday to Friday: 6.30 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 18.45 h.
Duration: 25 minutes
Chloe's Heaven
Aimed at children from 3 to 7 years old. It is a fun film in which children can learn about the sky. Day and night, how the moon changes shape and why. They will learn more about the sun, the planets and the stars.
Screening schedule
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 10.30 a.m., 11.45 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.
Duration: 35 minutes
Spherium
It is the name of the ship in which two protagonists, Alia and Len, inhabitants of an unknown planet, travel through the Universe in search of a place where they can live. Screening for all audiences.
Screening schedule
Tuesday to Friday: 5.30 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 13.00 h.
Duration: 35 minutes.
Audiovisuals
Equally interesting are the audiovisuals with astronomical content that have been prepared and which are projected on the rear projection screen. They can be viewed free of charge. There are several, with different themes:
Earth and the Universe
Here you go on an incredible journey from a galaxy to our planet. You will get to know stars, globular clustersb or nebulae, which are actually stellar nurseries.
Duration: 10 minutes.
Beacons in the night
An interesting and scientific approach to the stars: where are they born, what are they made of? Or that the Sun is a star in its mature stage.
Duration: 11 minutes.
Worlds of fire
The life of the stars, how they die or what happens after their death in a 7-minute projection.
Our place in the Universe
We can learn more about the Solar System, the nebulae where stars are formed, galaxies, the Milky Way and much more.
Duration: 12 minutes
Workshops
Little Astronomers 2.0 Aimed at the youngest members of the public at weekends. These are a series of activities and games based on astronomy, for children between 6 and 8 years old. There are 4 different types of workshops and they last one hour. They are called Mysterious Planet, Constellation Detectives, Universe Far Away and Space Academy: 3, 2, 1, 0... we're taking off!
The other workshop is for older children, aged 9 to 12. It is called El Camino del Sol. And the aim is to discover a lot of things about this star through play. For example, children will learn that the sun does not always rise exactly in the east and sets in the west.
Timetable
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 11.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.
Places are limited (maximum 15 children per workshop) and they are in high demand, so early registration is recommended. They are free of charge. To attend the workshop you must call to book. The telephone number is: 91-467 34 61 from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Timetable
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: from 11.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and from 12.45 p.m. to 1.45 p.m.
How to get there
The Madrid Planetarium is in Parque Tierno Galván, next to the M-30.
Address: Avenida del Planetario 16.
It can be reached by public transport:
BusLines 8, 102, 148, 152 and 156.
Metro: Line 6, stop Méndez Álvaro
Suburban: Lines C5, C7b and C10 Méndez Álvaro
If you decide to come by car you should know that it is SER Blue Zone. You will have to take out a ticket for the time you spend on your visit. Remember that there is no charge on Saturdays after 3 p.m. and on Sundays and public holidays.
To make it easier for you to get there, click here.
Timetable
Tuesday to Friday
Mornings: from 9.30 a.m. to 1.45 p.m.
Afternoons: from 17 to 19.45 h.
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Mornings: from 11 a.m. to 1.45 p.m.
Afternoons: from 17.00 to 20.45 h.
Monday closed
Prices
Access to the exhibitions and audiovisuals is free of charge.
Adults: 3,60 €
Children up to 14 years old/ over 65 years old: 1,65€
Children under 2 years of age: Free of charge
Groups by arrangement, minimum 15 persons: 2,80 €
Special sessions for schools: 1,65 €
This ticket includes a visit to the Planetarium, the video room and the free audiovisuals.
The programming of activities, exhibitions and screenings is divided into two periods: during the school year and during the summer holidays.
You can see more activities in our section with children in Madrid
