About Us

The ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre is a cutting-edge free astronomy centre for the public located at the site of ESO Headquarters in Garching bei München, providing you with an immersive experience that will leave you in awe of the Universe we live in. The ESO Supernova provides school classes and families with an unforgettable learning experience, where even the most abstract and distant topics in astronomy and physics are explained and visualised in an innovative way.

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The heart of the ESO Supernova is a planetarium with state-of-the-art projection technology. Its scientifically accurate three-dimensional astronomical database ensures a unique and authentic immersive experience, allowing you to fly to the stars and beyond. Our programme of shows, suitable for all ages, is displayed on the 360-degree dome that is 14 metres in diameter. Each show also contains a live component, delivered by one of our presenters. All shows are offered in German and English.

Go up the ramp from the entrance area to experience our engaging exhibition. By walking along the 284-metre-long path and investigating the 13 themes on display, you will be introduced to the science and technology behind modern astronomy and learn about our place in the Universe. All 2200 m² of the exhibition are packed with fascinating, interactive and virtually enhanced exhibition material. You will enjoy a multisensory experience of the Universe through music, acoustics, light, touch and visual impressions. All content is provided in English and German.

If you still have time, visit the Void. You can relax in the comfortable leisure area of this huge room, and enjoy the illusion of being under the southern sky, as lights mounted on the glass dome roof recreate some of the constellations visible from the southern hemisphere, where the ESO telescopes are located. Here you can also join one of the daily guided tours.

If you’re tired after spending several hours in the exhibition area and the planetarium, you can also relax in the picnic area, which provides several large tables and benches. Bring your own food, use our vending machines, or grab some food from the various nearby snack bars and restaurants on the surrounding campus. Right next to the picnic area you can also find the cloakroom, where you can store your backpacks and jackets in the lockers provided.

The ESO Supernova offers an extended educational programme, including special planetarium shows and guided tours for children of all ages (from Kindergarten to Grade 13), workshops, educational material for teachers to be used in the visitor centre or in the classroom and much more. Everything is available in both English and German.

The ESO Supernova also has two seminar rooms, Scorpius and Sagittarius, which are available for school workshops and special events.

After enjoying a day at the ESO Supernova, the ESOshop is an excellent place to stop and buy a souvenir of your experience. The shop offers a wide selection of educational and other intriguing items!