Sri Lanka Planetarium - White building with golden dome at dusk
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Sri Lanka Planetarium

4.2
·524 reviews·Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's first and only planetarium since 1965, offering immersive dome shows and educational astronomy experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturdays, 10 AM & 2 PM

Exclusive public showtimes

CrowdMedium
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Sri Lanka Planetarium - White building with golden dome at dusk

Sri Lanka Planetarium

Best Time

Saturdays, 10 AM & 2 PM

Exclusive public showtimes

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Sri Lanka's first and only planetarium since 1965, offering immersive dome shows and educational astronomy experiences.

4.2
(524 reviews)

"A must-visit for astronomy lovers, offering an educational journey through space at an unbeatable price."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Saturday Public Shows Only

Plan your visit for a Saturday; these are the only days for public shows .

💰 Affordable Entry

Tickets are very reasonably priced at LKR 250, making it a budget-friendly outing .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dome Projection Shows

Dome Projection Shows

Immersive journey through space, planets, and stars on a 30-foot dome. Educational and fun for all ages .

Reddit
Live Astronomy Briefings

Live Astronomy Briefings

Expert-led sessions complement the documentaries, offering insights into constellations and the night sky .

TikTok
Educational Documentaries

Educational Documentaries

Three short, well-presented films covering space exploration and astronomical wonders, ideal for students .

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Saturday Showtimes are Key

Public shows at the Sri Lanka Planetarium are exclusively on Saturdays. Plan your visit for either the 10 AM or 2 PM slot to catch the dome presentations and live briefings. Booking in advance is recommended if possible, though online booking isn't yet available.Reddit

Comfort and Content Considerations

While the planetarium offers a unique educational experience, be aware that seating isn't the most comfortable, and the content can feel a bit dated, focusing on older space exploration topics.Reddit Infants are not recommended due to potential disturbances in the dark auditorium.Reddit

Best Times

When
Saturdays, 10 AM & 2 PM
Why
Exclusive public showtimes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you been to Fresno's Planetarium? 💫 The Downing Planetarium at Fresno State is open to the public one weekend per month. (Next shows coming up Aug 22-23!) Watch an educational show projected on the 30-foot dome. After the show, learn how to find constellations as the night sky projected above you via the Minolta MS10 star projector. Then, go outside and find the stars using a real telescope. ...
@cassiescompass
32.8K likes • 319.7K views

🎯 Saturday Public Shows Only

Plan your visit for a Saturday; these are the only days for public shows.Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Tickets are very reasonably priced at LKR 250, making it a budget-friendly outing.Reddit

The Sir Thomas Planetarium 🪐 #brisbane #sirthomasplanetarium #brisbanethingstodo
@rubynightt
18.6K likes • 257K views
Replying to @lihlen1 Check Webtickets for more information on available shows. #thingstodoinjohannesburg #witsangloamericandigitaldome #webtickets #Planetarium #starsgazing #planetariumdate #affordablethingstodoinjohannesburg
@mo.traveljournal
14.6K likes • 200.7K views

👶 No Infants Allowed

To avoid disturbing others, infants are not permitted in the auditorium.Reddit

🌌 Outdated Content

Shows focus on older space topics; don't expect recent discoveries.Reddit

reddit.com

Colombo Planetarium help

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Saturday Public Shows Only

Plan your visit for a Saturday; these are the only days for public shows.Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Tickets are very reasonably priced at LKR 250, making it a budget-friendly outing.Reddit

👶 No Infants Allowed

To avoid disturbing others, infants are not permitted in the auditorium.Reddit

🌌 Outdated Content

Shows focus on older space topics; don't expect recent discoveries.Reddit

💺 Uncomfortable Seating

Seats aren't the most comfortable, and you might strain your neck to see the dome.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(524 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Sri Lanka Planetarium for its unique dome projection shows, educational value, and incredibly affordable ticket prices, making it a must-visit for astronomy lovers and students. However, some find the content a bit dated and the seating uncomfortable, with a notable absence of online booking.

"The only planetarium in Sri Lanka with dome projection is truly worth visiting at least once. It offers not only a unique experience but also great educational value. The visit includes around 1.5 hours of engaging activities, featuring three short documentaries and live briefings. These sessions are especially beneficial for school children as they are well presented and informative.

However, it’s important to note that infants should not be brought along due to the dark environment. They may cry and become restless, which can disturb others. If this happens, parents are required to leave the auditorium.

The planetarium has seating for approximately 500 people. While the seats are not particularly comfortable, the affordable ticket price of just LKR 250 makes this a minor issue. Public Shows are held on Saturdays at 10 AM and 2 PM.

It would be great if an online ticket booking system could be introduced as it would make the process more convenient for visitors. Overall it’s an excellent experience that’s highly recommended especially for students."

Dilan Keshawa

"I had a good experience visiting the planetarium. Because I never visited before. It’s a nice place with a pleasant atmosphere. The shows were interesting, but there wasn’t much to see outside of the main exhibits. The ticket price for adults is 250. For more information, you can check their website.

One downside is that the content in the show felt outdated— it mainly covers old space exploration topics with simple animations, and there’s no mention of modern advancements or recent discoveries.

Additionally, the seating was uncomfortable. Since the projections are on the dome, you have to strain your neck to watch. Overall, it’s a solid place to visit, especially if you’re interested in astronomy, but don’t expect to find a ton of exhibits."

Prabhashwara Dissanayake

"One of the most fun and interesting places on the trip. The dome show takes you on a journey through space—planets, stars, and all that. It’s fun, relaxing, and educational at the same time. Definitely a spot kids will love."

Mohamed Minsaf

What People Like

Unique dome projection
Great educational value
Affordable ticket price

What People Dislike

Dated content
Uncomfortable seating
No online booking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Sri Lanka Planetarium is located in Colombo 07. While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in user content, it's generally accessible within Colombo. Taxis or ride-sharing services are common ways to reach attractions in the city.TikTok

Information regarding dedicated parking facilities is not widely available from user-generated content. It's advisable to check with the venue directly or consider public transport or ride-sharing services.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Public shows are exclusively held on Saturdays at 10 AM and 2 PM.Reddit It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.

Ticket prices are very affordable, with adults costing LKR 250. This makes it a great value for an educational experience.Reddit

Currently, there is no online ticket booking system available, which can be an inconvenience for visitors.Reddit You'll likely need to purchase tickets on-site on the day of the show.

Yes, infants are not allowed in the auditorium due to the dark environment and potential for disturbance. Parents with restless infants may be asked to leave.Reddit

A typical visit includes around 1.5 hours of engaging activities, featuring three short documentaries and live briefings.Reddit

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the dome projection show, which takes you on a journey through space, planets, and stars. There are also live briefings and educational documentaries.Reddit

Some visitors find the content to be a bit outdated, focusing on older space exploration topics with simple animations, rather than recent discoveries.Reddit

The seating is generally described as not particularly comfortable, and the dome projection may require you to strain your neck to watch.Reddit

Yes, the planetarium is highly recommended for school children due to its well-presented and informative sessions, offering great educational value.Reddit

The planetarium theater has seating for approximately 500 people.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information about food and dining facilities within or near the Sri Lanka Planetarium is not readily available in user-generated content. It's advisable to dine before or after your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography and videography rules are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews. However, it's common for planetariums to restrict flash photography and filming during shows to avoid disturbing the experience and the projection.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Sri Lanka Planetarium is a fantastic educational outing for families. The dome shows are described as fun, relaxing, and educational, perfect for sparking a child's interest in space.Reddit The live briefings and documentaries are well-presented and informative, making complex astronomical concepts accessible to younger minds.Reddit

However, parents should be aware that infants are not allowed in the auditorium due to the dark environment. This means the experience is best suited for children who can sit through a 1.5-hour show without becoming restless. While the seating isn't the most comfortable, the incredibly affordable ticket price makes it an accessible family activity.Reddit

📚 Students and Educational Groups

The Sri Lanka Planetarium is an invaluable resource for students looking to deepen their understanding of astronomy and space exploration. The shows are specifically highlighted as being well-presented and informative, offering great educational value.Reddit It's an ideal destination for school trips, providing a captivating way to learn about planets, stars, and the universe.

The combination of documentaries and live briefings offers a comprehensive learning experience. While some content might be older, the fundamental concepts of astronomy are effectively conveyed. The low ticket price further enhances its appeal as an educational excursion for academic institutions.Reddit

🔭 Astronomy Enthusiasts

For anyone with a passion for astronomy, the Sri Lanka Planetarium offers a unique and recommended experience. It's the first and only planetarium in the country, established in 1965, making it a significant landmark for science enthusiasts.Reddit The dome projection provides an immersive way to explore the wonders of the cosmos, from planets to distant stars.

While the content might not always be cutting-edge, the core educational value and the experience of a planetarium show itself are highly regarded. It's a place to connect with the vastness of space and appreciate the science behind it, even if the seating and presentation style are more traditional.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cosmic Journey: Understanding the Shows

The Sri Lanka Planetarium offers a unique immersive experience through its dome projection shows. These presentations are designed to transport visitors on a journey through the cosmos, showcasing planets, stars, and celestial phenomena.Reddit The shows typically include three short documentaries that are well-presented and informative, making them particularly beneficial for students and anyone interested in astronomy.Reddit

Complementing the visual documentaries are live briefings. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn about constellations and the night sky, often with the aid of a star projector, similar to what's described in other planetarium experiences.TikTok While the content is praised for its educational value, some reviews suggest it leans towards older space exploration topics and may not feature the latest astronomical discoveries.Reddit

Despite the potential for dated content and less-than-ideal seating, the overall experience is considered fun, relaxing, and educational. It's a chance to explore the wonders of the universe in an engaging format, making it a memorable outing for families and astronomy enthusiasts alike.Reddit

Planning Your Saturday Visit

For those looking to experience the Sri Lanka Planetarium, timing is crucial as public shows are exclusively held on Saturdays. Visitors can choose between two showtimes: 10 AM and 2 PM.Reddit This structure ensures that the planetarium can cater to the public while maintaining its educational focus.

While the planetarium has a seating capacity of around 500, the lack of an online ticket booking system can be a drawback, potentially leading to queues or sold-out shows.Reddit It's advisable to arrive a bit early to secure your tickets and preferred seating, especially if you're visiting with a group.

It's also important to note specific visitor guidelines. Infants are not permitted in the auditorium to ensure a disturbance-free experience for all attendees. This policy, along with the seating comfort and content considerations, are part of the unique visitor experience at this historic institution.Reddit

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