Birla Planetarium, Kolkata - Timings, Entry Fee, History & Artifacts

At a distance of 9 km from Kolkata Railway Station, Birla Planetarium or M.P. Birla Planetarium is an iconic structure located near Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. Situated adjacent to St. Paul's Cathedral, it is the second-largest planetarium in the world and among the major Kolkata Tourist Places.

Birla Planetarium was founded in 1962 and was formally inaugurated in 1963 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India. Also known as Taramandal, it is the largest planetarium in Asia and one of the three planetariums present in India. Known for space science and astronomy museum, the planetarium houses numerous innovations and creativity, giving out knowledge to its fellow visitors. This is a must-visit place for children and students as it provides a great learning opportunity and generates interest among them.

Birla Planetarium is a single-storied circular structure whose architecture is based on the famous Buddhist Stupa at Sanchi. The dome has a diameter of 23 meters and can accommodate as many as 688 people. The Planetarium is equipped with high tech gadgets like Solar filters, Celestron C-14 Telescope, The Carl Zeiss Universal Planetarium projector and a huge variety of projectors for the special effects. With the help of all these gadgets, the Birla Planetarium reveals to its viewers the mysteries of the skies.

The Planetarium regularly holds many shows and programs in various languages including Hindi, English, and Bengali. Shows such as 'Zodiac signs and stars' on the various constellations in the sky, 'Journey to the Antarctic', and the 'New View of the Solar System' are held here at regular intervals. In addition to being a planetarium, it also has an electronics laboratory and an astronomy gallery that has a collection of paintings and astronomical models.

Video recordings or taking photographs are strictly prohibited inside the Planetarium. Manicured gardens add a charming grace to the planetarium complex.

Timings: 12 PM - 7 PM, Closed on 1st Thursday of every month

Show Timings: Hindi- 12.30 PM, 2.30 PM & 4.30 PM, English - 1.30 PM & 6.30 PM and Bengali- 3.30 PM & 5.30 PM

Extra Show: 10.30 AM (Hindi) & 11.30 AM (Bengali) on Sundays & Public Holidays

Entry: Rs. 100 for Person & Rs. 40 for Students in a group of 25 or more