Kyiv Planetarium: History and What to See

Space is at once wonderful and mysterious, so it is no surprise that it has always captured our attention. What lies in its farthest depths? How many stars still send us their light even though they burned out long ago? What other secrets can we uncover by looking a little deeper into the structure of our Universe? The Kyiv Planetarium can help you find the answers.

The capital can truly be proud of its planetarium, one of the largest in Europe. It opened on January 1, 1952, on the initiative of the renowned astronomer Serhii Vsekhsviatskyi, who at the time headed the Department of Astronomy at Kyiv University. The former St. Alexander's Catholic Church was converted specially to house it and fitted with the latest technology of the day: the newest model of a "Planetarium" projector (which later gave its name to the whole complex) stood in the center of the hall, and a huge spherical screen 14.5 meters in diameter was stretched beneath the ceiling.

On its first day, the planetarium welcomed about 600 Kyivans. A lecture titled "Astronomy in the USSR" was given in the main hall by Volodymyr Tsesevych, director of the Odesa Astronomical Observatory.

At first, the planetarium served as a lecture hall where some of the most famous astronomers of the time spoke, including Serhii Vsekhsviatskyi himself, who also involved his students. Some lecturers even traveled around in special buses, telling anyone interested about the achievements of scientists in space exploration and the study of the Universe. But that was not the only attraction for city residents: the planetarium also displayed interesting instruments used to gather data about celestial bodies, and visitors could enjoy the starry sky through a telescope.

Over time, the number of visitors kept growing, and the management realized that a hall seating 170 people was far too small. The Znannia (Knowledge) Society, to which the Kyiv Planetarium belonged, decided to build a new home for it. The new building opened in 1987. Its dome measures 23 meters in diameter, and its equipment was expanded with a Great Zeiss IV opto-mechanical projector, which lets visitors enjoy a view of 6,500 stars of both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

In 2011, the ATMASFERA360 cultural and entertainment center opened at the planetarium, where adults and children can explore the beautiful world of the stars through interactive lectures and educational films. Couples can even arrange a romantic evening for two surrounded by hundreds of stars.

Have you dreamed of the stars for years but somehow never became an astronaut? Do you want to teach your children to recognize the constellations and see Mars, Jupiter, Venus and the Moon up close? Looking for a special evening with your partner? Or simply want to spend a fun day off with friends and the endless Universe? Have you already watched every Star Wars film and still want more? Then the Kyiv Planetarium is exactly the place for you.

Address: Kyiv, 57/3 Velyka Vasylkivska Street.