M.P. Birla Planetarium

Location: Intersection of Chowringhee and Theatre Road.

Time to Visit: 1230hrs - 1830hrs.

Preferred Timings: Evening time is the best, between 1500hrs - 1700hrs.

Admission Fee: Rs.15/-

How to Reach: Local buses, mini buses and metered taxis are readily available from various parts of the city. One can also avail the efficient underground metro rail.

Photography / Video charges: Strictly prohibited.

Nearest Railway Station: Howrah.

Nearest Metro Station: Maidan.

Nearest Functional Metro Station: Maidan.

Nearest International Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

Time required for sightseeing: 1 hour.

If you are aspiring to be a rocket scientist or have the urge to explore the fascinating realms of outer space, the Birla Planetarium is the place to venture. Towards the end of the Jawaharlal Nehru Road (formerly Chowringhee) stands a dome shaped white building, which in itself is an enigma of sorts in Kolkata's tourist landmarks. The location of this majestic Planetarium with Victoria Memorial, St.Paul's Cathedral and Maidan all within walking distances from the planetarium, makes for a truly spectacular outing.

Ever since its inception way back in the year 1963, this planetarium has been projecting the fascinating celestial world of astronomy and space science to the discerning public. The planetarium is equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets like the Celestron C-14 Telescope, Solar Filters, the Cal Zeiss Universal Planetarium projector and wide range of special effects projectors. Needless to say, with the availability of such sophisticated equipments, the planetarium unravels the mysterious world of outer space in its dome shaped miniature sky every day, which makes for a truly awesome celestial display.

The concept of setting up a planetarium was solely due to the visionary outlook of the present Director - Prof. R. Subramaniyam that the project was successful. Prof. Subramaniyam is a remarkable man and an internationally acclaimed astronomer who is now the President of The International Planetarium Director's Congress. He is the first Asian to be elected to this honorable post.

Under the astute leadership of Prof. Subramaniyam, the M.P.Birla Planetarium has evolved spectacularly over the past few decades. Apart from the customary seven astronomical shows every day, the Planetarium has been at the forefront as far as astronomical expeditions and research is concerned, particularly when there is any special celestial event like a solar or lunar eclipse.

Special Event / Annual Event

Astronomical and Outer Space exhibitions and symposiums are held on a regular basis. Check out with the Planetarium Help desk at: 22481515

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Fort William.