PIA Planetarium Lahore
Explore the cosmos and aviation history at PIA Planetarium Lahore, featuring a retired Boeing aircraft and immersive star shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for photos & plane access
PIA Planetarium Lahore
Best Time
Best for photos & plane access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the cosmos and aviation history at PIA Planetarium Lahore, featuring a retired Boeing aircraft and immersive star shows.
"A unique blend of aviation history and cosmic exploration, despite maintenance needs."
✈️ Cockpit Access Fee
An extra Rs. 100 grants access to the Boeing aircraft's cockpit for an even more immersive experience.
Show Minimums
Planetarium shows often require 25-30 people. Weekend evenings are best to ensure entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inside the Boeing 720-047B
PIA Planetarium Grounds
Step inside a retired PIA Boeing aircraft, explore the cockpit, and relive aviation history. A dream for aviation enthusiasts!
Cosmic Dome Show
Planetarium Dome Theater
Journey through galaxies and constellations under a simulated night sky. An immersive and educational celestial experience.
Aviation History Exhibits
PIA Planetarium Grounds
Discover Pakistan's aviation heritage, especially from the 1960s and 70s, with this iconic landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Maintenance
Daylight for Best Photos & Plane Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Cockpit Access Fee
An extra Rs. 100 grants access to the Boeing aircraft's cockpit for an even more immersive experience.
Show Minimums
Planetarium shows often require 25-30 people. Weekend evenings are best to ensure entry.
Photo Ops Galore
The retired PIA plane is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially during the day.
Manage Maintenance Expectations
While historic, the facility's maintenance is lacking. Focus on the unique aviation and space aspects.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Cockpit Access Fee
An extra Rs. 100 grants access to the Boeing aircraft's cockpit for an even more immersive experience.
Show Minimums
Planetarium shows often require 25-30 people. Weekend evenings are best to ensure entry.
Photo Ops Galore
The retired PIA plane is a fantastic backdrop for photos, especially during the day.
Manage Maintenance Expectations
While historic, the facility's maintenance is lacking. Focus on the unique aviation and space aspects.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The PIA Planetarium Lahore offers a unique blend of aviation history and cosmic exploration, with visitors particularly enjoying the chance to enter a retired Boeing aircraft and its cockpit. However, many reviews highlight significant issues with maintenance and outdated technology within the planetarium itself, suggesting visitors manage expectations regarding the facility's upkeep. +1
"PIA Planetarium Lahore is one of the most fascinating educational and recreational landmarks of the city — a place where science, imagination, and wonder come together under one starry dome. Established by Pakistan International Airlines, this planetarium has inspired generations of students, families, and astronomy lovers with its cosmic shows and exhibits about space, stars, and the mysteries of the universe.
The main attraction here is the large dome-shaped theater, where visitors are seated beneath a vast simulated night sky. The show takes you on a breathtaking journey through galaxies, constellations, and planets — an experience that feels both humbling and magical. It’s a place where curiosity meets learning, and where children often see the wonders of space for the first time.
Located near Chauburji and surrounded by greenery, the PIA Planetarium also offers an ideal environment for peaceful family visits. The lawns are well-maintained, and the area remains calm compared to the busy city streets nearby. The planetarium’s structure itself is iconic — easily recognizable from afar, with a model of a real PIA aircraft installed in the grounds, symbolizing Pakistan’s aspiration to reach for the skies.
Though it could benefit from modernization and regular maintenance, the spirit of the place remains inspiring. It continues to remind visitors — especially young dreamers — that knowledge is not limited to classrooms; it expands as wide as the universe itself.
✨ Beneath the silent dome, the stars still whisper to those who dare to dream"
Red
"PIA Planetarium is a unique place for those who love aviation and airplanes. The highlight is that you can actually go inside the aircraft and even step into the cockpit, which makes the visit exciting, especially for children and aviation enthusiasts. It also reflects the aviation history of Pakistan from the 1960s and 70s.
Best time to visit is during the day so you can take good pictures in daylight. The official timings are 3PM to 9PM.
However, despite its historical value, the place is in extremely poor condition. Maintenance is almost ignored – the building, surroundings, and even the plane itself are not looked after properly. Management really needs to preserve and restore this aviation marvel so that future generations can also learn and enjoy it.
Overall, it is worth visiting for aviation lovers, but you should keep your expectations low regarding facilities and maintenance."
Rashid Farooq
"A great place for the people who love aviation and airplanes. You can go inside the airplane as well as in the cockpit of the plane.
Make sure you visit during the daylight so you can get good pictures in daylight. Timings are 3PM to 9PM.
The place has a beautiful history but it is very very very poorly maintained. The management should take care of this aviation marvel of history.
But still it is a good place for airplanes and aviation lovers. You can go there and see what aviation used to look like in 1960s or 70s"
AADIL RAO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The PIA Planetarium Lahore is located near Chauburji Chowk. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing services, or local buses that frequent the area. It's a recognizable landmark, making it relatively easy to find.
Yes, the planetarium is situated in a well-connected part of Lahore. Many public transport routes pass through or near Chauburji, making it accessible for those using local buses.
While specific details on dedicated parking are scarce, visitors often find space to park their vehicles in the vicinity, especially during less crowded times. It's advisable to arrive a bit early if you're driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary: Rs. 70 for adults and Rs. 50 for children for the plane exhibit. The planetarium show costs Rs. 100 for adults and Rs. 70 for children. An additional Rs. 100 allows cockpit access.
The planetarium is typically open from 3 PM to 9 PM. However, shows may require a minimum number of attendees, so weekend evenings are often recommended.
Advance booking is generally not required, but shows may be canceled or delayed if the minimum attendance of 25-30 people isn't met. Visiting on weekend evenings increases the likelihood of shows running.
Yes, you can purchase a separate ticket for the aircraft exhibit, which allows you to explore the plane and its cockpit. This is a popular option for aviation enthusiasts.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the immersive cosmic shows in the dome theater and the opportunity to explore a retired PIA Boeing 720-047B aircraft, including its cockpit.
Absolutely! Children are often fascinated by the space shows and the chance to climb aboard a real airplane and sit in the cockpit. It's a great educational and fun outing.
Reviews indicate that while the historical significance is high, the maintenance of the facility, including the building and the aircraft, is poor. Visitors are advised to manage expectations.
Yes, photography is allowed, and many visitors recommend visiting during daylight hours to get the best shots of the aircraft and the surrounding grounds.
Established by Pakistan International Airlines, it's a landmark that has inspired generations and showcases Pakistan's aviation history, particularly from the 1960s and 70s.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities mentioned within the planetarium itself. Visitors usually bring their own snacks or dine at restaurants in the surrounding areas of Lahore.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food in designated areas or before entering the main attractions to maintain the cleanliness of the exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The retired Boeing aircraft, especially its exterior and cockpit, offers excellent photo opportunities. The planetarium's dome structure itself is also iconic.
Photography inside the dome during the show is usually restricted to avoid disturbing the experience. However, general photography of the exhibits and the aircraft is permitted.
Visiting during daylight hours is highly recommended for the best lighting and clarity, particularly for capturing detailed shots of the aircraft.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the facility's maintenance could be improved, the sheer excitement of the aircraft and the wonder of the planetarium experience make it a memorable trip. Pack some snacks, as food options on-site are limited, and enjoy a day of discovery and fun.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
While the planetarium shows offer a different kind of journey, the real draw here is the tangible link to aviation heritage. Be prepared for less-than-perfect maintenance, but focus on the historical significance and the unique access to the aircraft. Visiting during daylight hours will give you the best light for photography.
📚 Students & Educational Trips
Furthermore, the opportunity to explore a real aircraft, including its cockpit, offers a hands-on learning experience about aeronautics and the evolution of air travel. It's a great destination for school trips that want to combine science with a touch of history and adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aviation Marvel
This experience is particularly thrilling for children and anyone interested in the mechanics and history of flight. The opportunity to sit in the pilot's seat and imagine soaring through the skies is a highlight that sets this planetarium apart. It’s a chance to understand what aviation was like in the 1960s and 70s, a period of significant growth for Pakistan International Airlines.
Despite its historical value, reviews consistently point out that the aircraft, like the rest of the facility, suffers from poor maintenance. However, for those who appreciate aviation heritage, the chance to get up close and personal with such an iconic aircraft often outweighs these concerns.
The Cosmic Dome Experience
These shows offer insights into celestial phenomena, the vastness of space, and the ongoing exploration of the cosmos. For many, especially students and young visitors, it's their first introduction to astronomy, making it a memorable and formative experience. The 360-degree view under the dome creates a sense of wonder and can be quite humbling.
However, some reviews suggest that the projection technology might be outdated compared to modern digital planetariums. Additionally, shows often require a minimum of 25-30 attendees, which can be a hurdle for smaller groups or solo visitors. It's advisable to visit during peak times, like weekend evenings, to ensure the show proceeds.
Navigating Maintenance and Modernization
This lack of maintenance can detract from the overall visitor experience, with some describing the planetarium show as 'trash' or 'boring' due to outdated technology and presentation. While the historical significance and the unique opportunity to explore the aircraft are praised, the neglected state of the facilities is a common point of disappointment.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of inspiration remains. The planetarium continues to serve as a reminder of Pakistan's aviation aspirations and the wonders of the universe. For enthusiasts, the chance to connect with aviation history and gaze at the stars, even with some wear and tear, is still considered worthwhile.
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