What to do in Rome: A Visit to the Planetarium and the Astronomical Museum

Rome never ceases to amaze. Every corner, every stone tells a millennia-old story. And yet, right in this city suspended between past and present, there is a place that invites us to look elsewhere—upward, toward the sky, toward the stars. A place where time is not measured in centuries or dynasties, but in galaxies, rotations, and constellations: the Rome Planetarium and the Astronomical Museum.
This experience is unlike any other in the city. You don’t go in to admire a fresco or a column, but to travel through the universe, comfortably seated beneath a dome of stars. Here, you can touch infinity, and discover that even the deepest darkness can shine with wonder. It’s an experience suited to everyone—adults and children, solo travelers and families in search of awe.

A Journey Through Science, Emotion, and Wonder
The Rome Planetarium reopened in 2022, fully renovated, and is now housed within the Museum of Roman Civilization, in the EUR district. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels different: quiet, intimate, almost sacred. The lights dim, the seats gently recline, and in a few moments, you are enveloped in darkness. And then—suddenly—the light of the stars.
The new digital projection system and the 14-meter dome transform each show into a fully immersive experience. The images are sharp, the movement fluid, the narration compelling. It’s not just an astronomy lesson—it’s a cosmic story, a waking dream. Stars ignite one by one, they move, they cross paths. Constellations take shape, planets rotate, galaxies expand before your eyes.
Each program at the Planetarium is designed to entertain and educate at once: from journeys through the Milky Way to immersive experiences on Mars, from mythological stories of the constellations to explorations of the birth of the universe. It’s like reading a magnificent 3D book, narrated by the warm voices of the astronomers who guide each journey.

The Astronomical Museum: The Sky Told from Earth
Next to the Planetarium, the Astronomical Museum tells the long story of humanity’s quest to understand the sky. This is not a place to explore in silence—it’s an interactive space, one to be touched, tested, and experienced.
Among the most fascinating items are ancient observation instruments, models of planetary orbits, sky projections, and historical reconstructions of celestial maps. Each room offers a small time-travel adventure—from Galileo’s telescope to modern space missions.
For the more curious, there are interactive stations that simulate night-sky observations, tools to understand the movement of celestial bodies, and panels explaining the theories that have transformed our view of the universe. All of this is presented in a clear and accessible way, even for younger visitors.

An Experience for All Ages (and All Seasons)
A visit to the Planetarium is a perfect break during a Roman stay. In a city where you often look ahead or down, the Planetarium invites you to look up, to be amazed.
It’s the ideal activity for the colder months, when rain or wind might steer you indoors. But it’s just as captivating in summer, when the real sky seems to blend with the one projected on the dome, creating endless moments of awe.
For those traveling with children, it’s a wonderful chance to spark their curiosity. For couples, an evening under the stars can become a romantic and unforgettable moment. For science lovers, it’s a small paradise in the heart of Rome.

How to Get There
The Planetarium is located in the EUR district, easily reachable from the city center via Metro Line B (EUR Palasport or EUR Fermi stops) or by several bus lines. One ticket grants access to both the Planetarium and the Astronomical Museum.
We recommend booking your shows in advance through the official website, especially on weekends or during school holidays.

In a city that has made eternity its symbol, the Rome Planetarium reminds us that there is a time even older—a time made of stars and constellations. It’s an invitation to slow down, breathe, and look beyond our daily horizon. If you’re in Rome and want to experience something different, surprising, and poetic, a visit to the Planetarium is something that will stay with you. You won’t leave with a postcard—but with a constellation of emotions that will continue to shine long after you’ve returned home.