Dynamic Earth

4.3
(2,940 reviews)
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS Scotland
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Observatories & Planetariums
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Attraction

About

Dynamic Earth – Edinburgh’s flagship science centre and planetarium – invites visitors on a captivating journey through the history of our planet and the cosmos. Situated on Holyrood Road just steps from the Scottish Parliament, the striking steel‑and‑membrane building was designed by Michael Hopkins and collaborators. Inside, families and curious explorers can experience the deep past of Earth with the immersive Deep Time Machine, walk around a towering iceberg exhibit, and feel the rumble of an earthquake in the Atlas of Earthquakes. The state‑of‑the‑art 360° Planetarium adds a celestial dimension with dome shows that bring stars, planets and space phenomena to life for all ages. The centre was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 and has since become Scotland’s largest interactive visitor attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. It is a not‑for‑profit charity, the Dynamic Earth Charitable Trust, and offers a range of educational programmes, corporate events and guided tours for schools and groups. The venue is home to a digital planetarium, a mobile planetarium, and hosts outdoor events in its amphitheatre, making it a versatile venue for both education and entertainment. Whether you’re a school group keen to learn about the Earth’s geological record, a family looking for hands‑on science, or a solo traveller fascinated by astronomy, Dynamic Earth offers an unforgettable experience that blends cutting‑edge science with striking architecture and interactive storytelling.

Highlights

  • Deep Time Machine
  • 360° Planetarium
  • Iceberg Exhibit
  • Earthquake Experience
  • Dome Architecture

Must-See Areas

Deep Time Machine
360° Planetarium
Iceberg Exhibit
Earthquake Experience

Good to Know

Good for

Families
School Groups
Science Enthusiasts
Curious Explorers
Dynamic Earth | Edinburgh | United Kingdom | TripAligner