The Peter Harrison Planetarium is now closed for an exciting transformation project taking place at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Instead, we've got a brand new planetarium experience open at the National Maritime Museum, as part of Astronomers Take Over!

About the planetarium shows

A family wearing colourful t-shirts and jeans look up at the planetarium show, part of Astronomers Take Over at the National Maritime Museum

The three planetarium shows on offer as part of Astronomers Take Over at the National Maritime Museum are as follows:

1. The Night Sky: for everyone over 7

The Night Sky planetarium show is a classic guide to the night sky presented live by an astronomer. Explore the night sky as it appears on the day of your visit; learn about the locations of various astronomical objects and how to spot them; and plan ahead for what else is coming up later in the season. Every day (or night!) is slightly different, so the content is constantly changing.

  • Younger children will not be admitted

2. Solar System Sightseeing: for over 5s

Tour the Solar System and learn about the wide range of environments within it, the challenges of exploring this vast region and what lies beyond! Everything in the Solar System is nearby in an astronomical sense, but compared to life on Earth, it is vast and varied. A journey around the celestial neighbourhood will reveal some of its workings and diverse environments including moons, asteroids, planets and more. There’s so much to see; the audience will be asked to help the astronomer choose what to concentrate on.

  • Younger children will not be admitted

3. Animals in Space! For under 5s

From their involvement in the space race to what we see in the stars themselves, animals have played a major role in space and our understanding of it. In this planetarium show, we'll visit the International Space Station and the Moon, explore constellations, and here and there you may just spot Royal Observatory Greenwich’s beloved mascot: Ted the bear...

  • No adults without children will be admitted

Plan your visit

How to book

Click through to our booking site and choose a combined Astronomers Take Over and planetarium show ticket. Members get a 25% discount on tickets.

Book tickets

Book Member tickets

Visiting the National Maritime Museum

Astronomers Take Over and the planetarium experience is located downstairs inside the National Maritime Museum

The Museum is a short walk from the centre of Greenwich, with regular DLR, rail, bus and river boat services available.

Plan your visit to the National Maritime Museum

Getting here

Learn more about space and astronomy

The Royal Observatory is the historic centre of UK astronomy.

The Observatory is just a short walk from Astronomers Take Over at the National Maritime Museum, so why not make the most of your day out in Greenwich and visit both places together? Find out more.

Frequently asked questions

Here's a link to the Astronomers Take Over FAQs page.

Astronomers Take Over

There's an exciting new experience open at the National Maritime Museum! Astronomers Take Over is a multi-zone, family-friendly experience, with an optional, intimate planetarium show

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