The ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre in Garching bei München is a state‑of‑the‑art astronomy hub operated by the European Southern Observatory. Opened in 2018, its striking architecture, inspired by a double‑star system on the brink of a supernova, houses Germany’s largest tilted planetarium dome, 14 metres in diameter, offering immersive 360‑degree shows. The 2,200 m² interactive exhibition brings the universe to life with real data from ESO’s telescopes in Chile, covering topics from the Solar System to distant galaxies. Guided tours, lectures, and school programmes make it a centre for science education as well as public fascination. Visitors can explore the cosmos regardless of weather, combining planetarium experiences with hands‑on exhibits. Located on the Garching Science Campus, the ESO Supernova blends cutting‑edge research with public outreach, inspiring curiosity and wonder about our place in the universe.
Munich GermanyThe ESO Supernova Planetarium & Visitor Centre is located at Karl-Schwarzschild-Str. 2, 85748 Garching bei München, just north-east of Munich. Situated within the European Southern Observatory headquarters, it is easily accessible by public transport, just a short walk from the Garching Forschungszentrum U6 subway station. The modern facility features a 14-meter diameter tilted planetarium dome, interactive exhibitions, and a 2,200 square meter exhibition space that offers hands-on displays of astronomical concepts and visualizations based on real observations from ESO telescopes. The visitor center provides immersive educational experiences about the universe, making it a popular destination for families, students, and astronomy enthusiasts. Garching itself is a thriving science campus with numerous research institutes and surrounded by parks and modern urban amenities, blending cutting-edge science with a calm, green environment.