Vienna Planetarium in the Prater: A look into the starry sky
The Vienna Planetarium in Prater offers a fascinating journey through the cosmos. It is an ideal place to learn more about the sky and the universe. With the latest technology and impressive shows, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of stars and planets and experience astronomical phenomena up close. Families and children in particular can learn and experience a lot here in a playful way.
Short info:
- Where is it located? The Vienna Planetarium is located in Prater, Oswald-Thomas-Platz 1, 1020 Vienna, right next to the Ferris wheel.
- How do I get there? The planetarium is easily accessible by taking the U1 or U2 subway line to Praterstern station. From there it is only a few minutes' walk.
- What can I expect in the planetarium? Exciting interactive shows about planets, stars and space, as well as live lectures and special programs for children.
- How long does a visit to the planetarium last? A visit usually lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the show and type of event.
- Who is the planetarium suitable for? The planetarium is suitable for all age groups, but especially for families with children and those interested in astronomy.
- Are there entrance fees? Yes, there is a fee for admission. Prices vary depending on show and eventStandard price for adults without discount is € 11,-. Here you can Buy tickets.
- Is the planetarium barrier-free? Yes, the planetarium is wheelchair accessible.
- opening hours? starting 30 minutes before the performance
What is a planetarium anyway?
A planetarium is a facility in which the starry sky is projected into a dome around 20 meters in size using special projectors. No real stars are shown, but a lifelike replica that is very similar to the actual sky. This means that the stars can be viewed regardless of weather conditions and time of day. The planetarium works in a similar way to a cinema or theater and offers shows at fixed times. These usually last around an hour and are moderated live by experts. The dome is air-conditioned so that the room temperature is comfortable.
The difference between a planetarium and an observatory lies in the way the sky is observed: in a planetarium, a lifelike, artificial starry sky is projected onto a dome using special projectors. In an observatory, on the other hand, the real starry sky can be observed using a telescope.
Interactive Shows for Children: Space Fun for the Whole Family
The Vienna Planetarium, part of the Vienna Adult Education Centers, offers a variety of interactive and live-hosted shows specifically tailored to children and families. Unlike many other planetariums that play pre-recorded shows like films, the programs in Vienna are developed in-house – from the idea and concept to the technical implementation and didactic design. This creates a unique, lively experience that imparts knowledge in a playful and vivid way.
A highlight for children aged 4 to 7 is the popular series “Mission Space”. This consists of three parts:
- Mission Space 1: The Planets
- Mission Space 2: Sun, Moon and Stars
- Mission Space 3: The Milky Way (new to the program since July 2025)
All three shows last approximately 50 minutes and are hosted live. Children learn all about the solar system, celestial bodies, and our galaxy – presented in a vivid, exciting, and child-friendly way.
The offer is complemented by Space4Kids, a program for children ages 6 to 10. Here, young visitors learn more about planets, stars, and the universe. They can actively participate and explore the starry sky through play. This show is also hosted live and lasts approximately 50 minutes.
Exciting programs for adults and space enthusiasts
The Vienna Planetarium also offers a high-quality program with scientific content for adults. Of particular note is the new show “Black Hole – Journey into a Black Hole”, which has been part of the program since 2025. Here, the history of these mysterious objects is explained in a fascinating way.
Another special format is “Sky physics for pedestrians” with cabaret artist Gunkl and the planetarium's director, Michael Feuchtinger. This humorous live lecture presents complex cosmic concepts in an understandable and entertaining way – from star formation to black holes.
As part of the VHS Science Program Scientific lectures on topics such as astronomy, space travel, physics, and technology are also offered on an ongoing basis. These events are also organized by the Vienna Adult Education Centers and are characterized by high professional quality and understandable presentation.
A special feature of all adult programs at the Vienna Planetarium is the combination of in-depth content and live presentations by experts. This makes the visit not only informative but also interactive and lively.
The Vienna Planetarium thus offers a unique experience for children, young people, and adults alike. Thanks to the in-house development of all programs, consistent live presentations, and integration into the educational offerings of the Vienna Adult Education Centers, the Vienna Planetarium clearly distinguishes itself from traditional planetariums.
Image rights: Julius Silver, https://foto-julius.at
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