M. P. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is one of the largest planetariums in Asia, opened in 1963 on Jawaharlal Nehru Road near the Victoria Memorial. It runs dome shows on space and astronomy, in more than one language. Show times and ticket prices change, so check the official source before you go (last checked October 2026 from secondary sources).
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 96, Jawaharlal Nehru Road (Chowringhee), near Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata |
| Opened | 1962-63 (sources differ; commonly cited as 1963) |
| Built by | M. P. Birla Foundation |
| Languages | Bengali, Hindi and English (reported) |
| Show format | Dome theatre |
| Reported hours | Around noon to evening; confirm |
History
The planetarium was set up by the M. P. Birla Foundation and opened to the public in the early 1960s, with the dedication usually given as 1963; some sources mention September 1962 for its start, so the exact date varies. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, according to commonly cited accounts. It was among the first planetariums in India and was described at the time as the largest in Asia, and one of the largest in the world. These superlatives are often repeated and may not apply today, since many newer and larger planetariums have been built.
The building
It is a large white dome-like structure in an Indian-inspired design, inspired by the Sanchi stupa, according to many descriptions. Its location is easy to find, next to St. Paul’s Cathedral and Rabindra Sadan, near the Victoria Memorial.
What is the experience like?
Inside, an auditorium has reclining seats arranged to look upward at a domed ceiling. A projector shows the sky, stars, planets, constellations and other astronomical events. Narration is provided in a language. The shows generally take around 30 to 45 minutes. Topics have included the solar system, stars, the Moon, the sky as seen from India, and general introduction to astronomy.
The lobby has a small exhibition space, where you can see models and photos of space missions and instruments. Some visitors find that it is more for school students than serious astronomy buffs, but it is a good family outing.
Shows, timings and tickets (verify before going)
The planetarium’s own tickets page lists general entry at Rs 150 and a student rate of Rs 100 for groups of 25 or more, and its homepage lists seven shows a day: Hindi at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00, English at 13:00 and 18:00, and Bengali at 15:00 and 17:00. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before each show, and online booking is through BookMyShow. One tourism listing gives lower prices (Rs 140 and Rs 70) and a closure on the first Thursday of each month; we could not confirm either, so treat the official Rs 150 as the current price and check the closed day before you go. Show slots and the film running at 18:00 can change. Secondary sources describe daily shows in the afternoon and early evening, with different slots for each language. Tickets are generally inexpensive and can be bought at the counter, with online booking at times. Rather than rely on a number I cannot verify, please check these before you go:
- Today’s show list and the language of each show
- Ticket price for children and adults
- Whether online booking is available
- Weekly closed day or maintenance closures
- Age limits for young children, as some shows are not suitable for very small kids
A useful tip is to arrive about 30 minutes before the show, since seats are limited and walk-in tickets can sell out on weekends and school holidays.
Tips for visitors
- Phones should be silent, and photography inside the dome is not allowed in most planetariums
- Dress comfortably, as the hall may be cool
- Plan to combine the visit with the Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Nandan
- School groups usually come on weekdays, so weekends can be less crowded in some seasons, but this varies
- The seats recline, so people with neck issues should sit comfortably and take breaks
How to reach
The planetarium is a short walk from Rabindra Sadan Metro station, and not far from Maidan and Park Street. Buses along Chowringhee Road and app cabs make it simple to reach. Parking nearby is limited on busy days.
Is it worth it for kids and students?
Yes, for school-age children it is an easy introduction to astronomy. For older students preparing for science exams or space-related projects, it offers visuals that can help in understanding the celestial sphere. However, adults looking for advanced content might find it basic.
About planetariums in India
India has several planetariums, in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune and Bengaluru. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is one of the older ones. The early projector used in these domes can show thousands of stars to an audience, and modern digital systems can show full-dome films. It is worth asking the staff which type of projection is in use during your visit.
Combine with the Science City
If you enjoy this, Science City Kolkata, on the EM Bypass, has bigger exhibits and is worth a separate trip. Check its timings and tickets separately.
Conclusion
Birla Planetarium is a classic Kolkata outing for families and students, easy to fit into a day around the Maidan. Confirm show timings, language and ticket price before you set out, and you will have a relaxed hour under the dome.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Birla Planetarium in Kolkata?
It is on Jawaharlal Nehru Road (Chowringhee), near Rabindra Sadan and the Victoria Memorial.
When was Birla Planetarium opened?
It opened to the public on 29 September 1962 and was formally inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 2 July 1963, according to the planetarium’s history page and Wikipedia.
In which languages are the shows held?
Reportedly Bengali, Hindi and English. Check the schedule for each day.
How much is the Birla Planetarium ticket?
The price changes, and I could not verify the current rate. Check at the counter or the official source.
How long is a show?
Shows are generally about 30 to 45 minutes.
