Attend a Planetarium Show

Overview

Located inside the historic ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the ARTIS Planetarium features a massive 20-meter dome screen that projects breathtaking high-definition, 360-degree simulations of the universe. When you book a ticket to the zoo, admission to the planetarium and its daily roster of space shows is fully included. It is an immersive way to travel across galaxies without ever leaving your seat.

Step-by-step Plan

1. Travel to the venue (30 mins): Take Tram 14 from central Amsterdam to the ARTIS/Holocaust Museum stop, or walk 10 minutes from the Waterlooplein metro station.
2. Explore the grounds (1.5 hours): Arrive in the morning or early afternoon to enjoy the botanical gardens, historic monuments, and the recently reopened aquarium.
3. Check the daily schedule (10 mins): Upon entry, check the digital boards or the information desk for the planetarium's showtimes, as they rotate throughout the day.
4. Queue up for the show (15 mins): Head to the distinctive dome-shaped planetarium building about 15 minutes before your chosen show starts to secure a good seat.
5. Enjoy the show (45 mins): Sit back in the reclining seats as the dome lights fade and you are whisked away on a high-definition journey through the solar system.

Reservations & Hours

• Hours: Open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.
• Reservations: It is highly recommended to book your ARTIS tickets online in advance to secure the best pricing. Entry to individual planetarium shows is first-come, first-served on the day of your visit.

What to Bring

• Smartphone or printed tickets.
• A light jacket or sweater (the planetarium dome is air-conditioned and can feel cool during the screening).
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the surrounding park.

Budget

• ARTIS Entrance Ticket: From €29.50 (online) up to €32.50 (at the counter) for adults (13+). Admission to the Planetarium is fully included.
• Public Transport: Approximately €3.50 each way via tram or metro.

Tips & Accessibility

• Language: Most regular shows are narrated in Dutch, but headsets with English audio translation are available at the entrance of the theater—simply ask the staff before entering.
• Accessibility: The planetarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with designated spaces and step-free access.
• Seating: The best views are typically near the middle or back rows, where you do not have to crane your neck as much to see the full 360-degree dome.

Backup Plan

If you prefer a historic alternative or the weather is perfect for a scenic train ride, head to Franeker in Friesland to visit the Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the oldest working mechanical planetarium in the world, beautifully built directly into the ceiling of a historic living room.