What is a planetarium?
Think of a planetarium as a tour bus of the Universe taking you on amazing journeys to explore and experience the wonders of the night sky. Combining real images from spacecraft and telescopes with advanced CGI, all projected onto a fully immersive dome, the planetarium can fly you into the heart of the Sun, transport you to distant galaxies, show you the birth of a star or land you on Mars.
The Peter Harrison Planetarium at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich is now London’s only planetarium, and features Europe's first digital laser planetarium projector.
Location
Now London's only planetarium, the Peter Harrison Planetarium is part of the Royal Observatory complex in Greenwich Park and is at the top of a steep hill.
Walking time from Greenwich Station or Cutty Sark DLR is usually approx 25 mins, or 20 mins from the National Maritime Museum. Pay & display parking is available on Blackheath Avenue. Please leave enough time as unfortunately latecomers cannot be admitted.
Access to the planetarium is through the Astronomy Centre in the Royal Observatory South Building - see floor plans.
The Planetarium is fitted with an induction loop system. Find out more about our Access provision.
Transport
road | tube & rail | cycle | bus | river
Cost
• FREE for Members
• Adults: £6.50
• Children (under 16s) and concessions: £4.50
• Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children OR 1 adult, 3 children): £17.50
You can also buy an 'Astro Ticket' (combined Royal Observatory admission + Planetarium ticket), saving up to £7 for families (£2 for individuals)
Tickets
Online: Book tickets online
E-mail: bookings@rmg.co.uk
(Bookings office open 10.00–16.00)
To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise that you pre-book tickets.
Tickets are available to purchase online until midnight the day before your visit. Tickets are available to purchase online and by calling 020 8312 6608 up to two hours before the show.
Tweet about thisPlanetarium show times
(to 2 March 2012)
Please note that the Peter Harrison Planetarium will be closed from 3 March for major refurbishment. It will reopen later in the spring providing visitors with a new and improved planetarium experience. Please check back for updates.
Weekends and holidays
| Time | Show | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 11.00 | Space Safari | 20 mins |
| 11.45 | The Secret Lives of Stars | 30 mins |
| 12.45 | Sky Tonight Live* | 25 mins |
| 13.30 | The Secret Lives of Stars | 30 mins |
| 14.30 | Meet the Neighbours | 25 mins |
| 15.15 | The Secret Lives of Stars* | 30 mins |
| 16.15 | Sky Tonight Live | 25 mins |
*During half-term (11-19 Feb) the Sky Tonight will be a special Chinese New Year themed show.
Weekdays (term-time)
| Time | Day | Show |
|---|---|---|
| 12.45,
13.45 |
Mondays, Wednesdays | Meet the Neighbours |
| Tuesdays | Space Safari | |
| Thursdays, Fridays | Solar System, Galaxy, Universe | |
| 14.45 | Monday–Friday | The Secret Lives of Stars |
| 15.45 | Monday–Friday | Sky Tonight Live |
Ages: All shows recommended for ages 5+ (under-5s will be admitted).
Space Safari is a special show for ages 7 and under.
Secret Lives of Stars – narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart, this spectacular new show explores the fascinating life history of the stars, from the smallest red dwarf to the largest blue giant. Using state-of-the art digital simulation, it charts the life of a star from birth to death and beyond, and looks at the impact this has on the universe around us.