A New Supernova over Munich

An architecturally stunning venue for your events

State of the art digital planetarium

Inspiring younger generations to appreciate and understand the Universe around us

Bringing ESO’s telescopes from Chile to you

Experience the Universe

Curriculum-based educational workshops for students and teachers

Press Release

Exciting new programme at the ESO Supernova

January–March 2019 activities can now be booked online

Our January–March 2019 programme for the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre is now available online, and the exciting lineup of activities and shows for this period can be booked online. Starting with the first quarter of 2019, visitors wishing ...

3 Dec 2018

Announcement

Science in School: Issue 45 now available

The latest issue of the free magazine Science in School is now available online and in printed form. This European journal for science teachers offers up-to-date information on cutting-edge science, teaching materials and projects in science education, interviews with inspiring ...

30 Nov 2018

Announcement

ESO Supernova Receives Gold Rating for Sustainability

Following a thorough assessment, the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB — Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) has awarded the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre the gold certificate for sustainability. This award recognises the ways in which the ESO Supernova adheres ...

1 Nov 2018

Announcement

New Planetarium Show: The Planets

Expedition into the Solar System

The ESO Supernova is proud to announce a new show in its line-up. The Planets — Expedition into the Solar System, jointly created by 19 planetariums in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, including the ESO Supernova, explores the planets of our Solar ...

31 Oct 2018

Announcement

Winter Astronomy Camp 2018 ESO bursary winner announced

The winner of the ESO-offered bursary for the Winter AstroCamp 2018 has now been selected from 95 applications from 15 countries. ESO is delighted to announce that James Weyringer, an Austrian citizen, is the winner of the ESO bursary. The ...

23 Oct 2018

Announcement

ESO to host its first Teacher Training Workshop for Danish educators

On 15 and 16 October 2018 ESO will host a Teacher Training Workshop initiated by Denmark’s Physics and Chemistry Association (Copenhagen/Zealand division). The participants will attend lectures and laboratory visits, engage in hands-on sessions and benefit from the ...

9 Oct 2018

Announcement

Programme for the ESO Open House Day 2018 Now Available

ESO, the world’s most productive ground-based observatory, will open its doors to the public on Saturday 13 October 2018 between 11:00 and 18:00 CEST. The ESO Open House Day event will be held at ESO’s Headquarters ...

8 Oct 2018

Announcement

Mexica Archeoastronomy: New Free Planetarium Show

ESO is proud to announce the release of the English version of Mexica Archaeoastronomy: Between Space and Time, a brand new open-source planetarium show illustrating the important role played by astronomical observation in the evolution of pre-Hispanic cultures in central ...

8 Oct 2018

Announcement

ESO Open House Day 2018

On Saturday 13 October 2018 between 11:00 and 18:00 CEST, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) will open its doors to the public at its headquarters in Garching bei München, Germany. This event forms part of the Open House ...

13 Sep 2018

Press Release

New Planetarium Show: The Sun, Our Living Star

Discover the impact of our planet’s powerhouse on life on Earth

ESO is proud to announce a brand new addition to its collection of free high-quality planetarium materials produced by world-renowned astrophotographers, artists, technicians and musicians. The Sun, Our Living Star tells the story of our nearest star — our planet’s ...

6 Sep 2018

Press Release

Exciting Autumn Programme at the ESO Supernova

The latest range of planetarium shows, tours and events available from October to December

The ESO Supernova team have been working hard to prepare the final programme for 2018, which includes exciting events and shows for our Planetarium & Visitor centre. We are delighted to announce that our October–December programme is now available online ...

3 Sep 2018

Announcement

Winter AstroCamp 2018 applications open

ESO and its Science Outreach Network are collaborating with the science education event organiser Sterrenlab and the Astronomical Observatory of the Autonomous Region of the Aosta Valley (OAVdA) to organise the sixth ESO Astronomy Camp. The camp will take place ...

8 Aug 2018

Press Release

Captivating new programme at the ESO Supernova

Exciting new range of planetarium shows and events available from July

Over the past months, the ESO Supernova team has been preparing an amazing new programme of exciting events and shows for our Planetarium & Visitor centre. We are delighted to announce that our July–September programme is now available online and ...

11 Jul 2018

Announcement

Science in School: Issue 44 now available

The latest issue of the free magazine Science in School is now available online and in print. This European journal for science teachers offers up-to-date information on cutting-edge science, teaching materials and projects in science education, interviews with inspiring scientists ...

26 Jun 2018

Press Release

New Planetarium Show: Europe to the Stars

Experience ESO’s 50-year history of exploring the Southern Skies

ESO is proud to announce the release of Europe to the Stars, a brand new open-source planetarium show that tells the story of ESO’s exploration of the southern sky. This stunning movie takes viewers on an epic journey behind ...

14 Jun 2018

Press Release

Discover your Place in Space at the ESO Supernova

Astronomy and art combine in Hubble-inspired travelling exhibition

From 17 May to 2 September 2018, the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre will display it’s first temporary exhibition — Our Place in Space. This small free-of-charge showcase of art and science is inspired by the spectacular images of the ...

17 May 2018

Press Release

ESO Supernova Offers Unforgettable Learning Experiences

Extensive educational programme available at the new ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre

The cutting-edge ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre provides unforgettable learning experiences for students of all ages. Engaging workshops, tours and two new educational planetarium shows all capture the night sky’s incredible ability to inspire a love for science in ...

11 May 2018

Press Release

A New Supernova Over Munich

Inauguration of the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre

On 26 April 2018, the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre was officially inaugurated, and its doors will be open to the public from tomorrow 28 April 2018. The centre, located at ESO Headquarters in Garching, Germany provides visitors with an ...

27 Apr 2018

Press Release

ESO Supernova Programme Now Available Online

Over the past months, the ESO Supernova team has been keenly working on the preparation of the programme for the exciting new planetarium and visitor centre, due to open to the public on 28 April 2018. We are delighted to ...

21 Mar 2018

Press Release

ESO Supernova has a new partner: Softmachine Immersive Productions GmbH comes into play

Technology partnership signed with award-winning local studio

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has signed a three-year partnership agreement with Softmachine Immersive Productions GmbH as a Technology Partner of the ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre. Softmachine is an award-winning and innovative animation studio producing 360° fulldome content ...

31 Aug 2017

The building is donated by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung.

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Opening Hours

The ESO Supernova will be closed from the 24th of December until the 8th of January

Mon	Closed
Tue	Closed
Wed	09:00 - 17:00
Thu	09:00 - 17:00
Fri	09:00 - 17:00
Sat	12:00 - 17:00
Sun	12:00 - 17:00

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Data2Dome Planetarium System

Behind the scenes at ESO: Showing you the road to the stars

Total Solar Eclipse 2019

From Earth to the Universe

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Special Events

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The ESO Supernova in Numbers

4980 m² Net area

2192 m² Exhibition area

14 Metres diameter planetarium dome

25° Planetarium inclination

109 Planetarium seats

17.4 Metres building height

50 000–100 000 Per year visitor capacity

28. April 2018 Opening date

Opening Hours

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The ESO Supernova in Numbers

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