London Planetarium, Planetarium in Westminster, London, United Kingdom
London Planetarium is a projection hall in Westminster featuring a large domed screen that displays astronomical phenomena through digital technology. The technical setup includes precise star mapping and software that can recreate celestial movements in real time.
The facility opened its doors in 1958, bringing astronomical education to a wide London audience. Over the following decades, projection technology shifted from mechanical devices to digital systems, expanding what could be shown.
The projection hall serves as a bridge between science and the public, where school groups and adults learn about planetary positions and constellation patterns through guided sessions. Visitors can watch as simulated celestial bodies move across the curved screen, offering a sense of cosmic distances.
The location on Marylebone Road allows direct access from the pavement, while Baker Street and Regent's Park underground stations are reachable on foot within minutes. Visitors should be aware that shows take place in a darkened hall with seating angled upward toward the dome.
The archive preserves records of celestial events observed from the London site over decades. This collection documents how visibility of stars and planets has changed with increasing light pollution across the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.