Prague Planetarium
cc_pla3
2025
The gateway to the universe.
The Prague Planetarium has undergone a major modernization that goes far beyond a simple replacement of its projection technology. The renovation of the heritage-protected building, originally designed by architect Jaroslav Fragner in the 1950s, was far from straightforward. It required carefully stripping away layers of interventions accumulated over recent decades, thereby opening the way for the installation of a revolutionary LED projection system.
| Location | Prague |
|---|---|
| Year | 2022-2025 |
| Programme | |
| Costs | CZK 300 million |
| Size | 2481 m2 |
| Status | built |
| Authors | Adam Kössler, Krištof Hanzlík, Libor Mládek, Michal Fousek |
| Collaboration | Cosm, Spitz, Evans & Sutherland, TO SYSTEM, Atrea, Štěpán Thondel, Kinoexport, sysloop engineering, Rextron, Bohemik, CManagement, Altron |
| Photography |
The largest LED dome screen in the world
At the heart of the project is a new 22-metre-diameter dome screen developed by the American company COSM, featuring an extraordinary 45 million pixels. No other screen of this size and quality currently exists anywhere in the world.
The technology creates a fully immersive visual experience, surrounding audiences with a striking sense of depth, vibrant color reproduction, and exceptional realism. The result is a powerful spatial illusion that transforms the way people experience digital content, making them feel as if they are truly inside the scene.
Energy infrastructure of the future, sensitively integrated into a historic setting
The installation of the new technology also required new energy and technical infrastructure, which was integrated into the building with the utmost respect for its heritage-protected structure. The cooling and heat recovery systems were designed with consideration for the planetarium’s location in the heart of Stromovka Park – in summer, heat from the dome screen is stored in six geothermal boreholes (each 200 metres deep), and in winter it is used to heat the entire building. The dome itself has a thermal output comparable to that of three family houses, so the heat it generates is reused within the building.
A new auditorium and custom-designed seating
The central Zeiss Jena projection machine was relocated outside the main hall in agreement with the heritage authorities, freeing up space for a new auditorium concept. Architects from the collcoll studio designed a stepped geometric layout that visually elevates the audience above the horizon. Capacity was increased by 20% to 277 seats, while the spatial arrangement supports comfortable and safe circulation.
The seats were custom-designed in collaboration with a Czech manufacturer – they are reclining, ergonomic, and precisely comfortable enough to help visitors maintain their attention. Acoustic treatment concealed behind the projection dome further enhances the immersive sensation of an infinite universe.
A new identity for the supporting spaces as well
The renovation also extended to the foyer and visitor facilities. The original exhibition in the entrance area was replaced by a circular LED screen, which serves as an additional presentation surface. A newly designed cloakroom separates the flow of arriving and departing visitors, improving overall comfort.
During the summer, a new exhibition of simulators in the basement will also be opened to the public, and once the surrounding landscape works are completed, a shop will be added near the new exit. An inappropriately located ramp will be removed from the adjacent rose garden, and barrier-free access through the shop will significantly simplify accessibility.
Construction Site
Study
