Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli

About

Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli, situated in the picturesque Gardens of Porta Venezia, is Milan’s oldest and largest planetarium. Opened on 20 May 1930 and designed by architect Piero Portaluppi for Ulrico Höpli, the venue features a remarkable 19.6‑metre‑diameter dome illuminated by a Zeiss IV star projector that has been in continuous use since 1968. With a capacity of 300 seats, it welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year, offering a rich blend of public shows, guided observations, and interactive experiences for all ages. Since 1 July 2016 the planetarium has been managed by the LOfficina del Planetario, a non‑profit association dedicated to scientific outreach and education. The association curates school programs, university lectures, and specialised events such as the “Galactic Park” festival, VR concerts, and the “Cucina Sotto le Stelle” dinner‑experience. Its online portal provides an up‑to‑date schedule of shows, a convenient ticket‑purchase system, and a catalog of special and free programmes. Beyond the main dome, the site offers a variety of ancillary facilities: a gift‑card shop, a children’s area, and a virtual telescope gallery. The planetarium’s mission is to foster curiosity about the universe by making complex astronomical concepts accessible through immersive storytelling, hands‑on activities, and cutting‑edge visualisations. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer, a school group, or simply a curious traveler, the Civico Planetario Ulrico Höpli invites you to explore the night sky from the comfort of its historic dome and to experience the cosmos in an engaging, unforgettable way.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours