Amazing Facts about M. P. Birla Planetarium - "Explore the mysteries of the universe"
M.P. Birla Planetarium is a popular planetarium located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was opened in 1963 and named after M.P. Birla, a noted industrialist and philanthropist. The planetarium is known for its astronomical shows, where a Zeiss Mark IV star projector simulates the night sky, and special effects, animations, and surround sound create an immersive experience. The planetarium also has an astronomy gallery that displays various astronomical instruments and models, photographs, and other exhibits related to space and astronomy. The Planetarium is a popular destination for students, families, and anyone interested in astronomy and space science. It regularly hosts educational programs, workshops, and other astronomy and space exploration events.
The History of M. P. Birla Planetarium
M.P. Birla Planetarium was established in 1963; the Planetarium is named after M.P. Birla, a noted industrialist, and philanthropist. The idea of ​​establishing a planetarium in Kolkata was first proposed by the physics professor of the University of Calcutta, Birendranath Mukherjee, in the 1940s. In the 1950s, however, the project gained momentum with M.P. on support. The planetarium was designed by Indian architect S.K. Acharya and built by Batliboi and Company, an engineering firm. The planetarium took several years to build and was finally inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, on July 2, 1963. Since its inception, it has been a popular destination for students, families, and anyone interested in astronomy and space science. In 2017, the planetarium underwent a significant renovation, including a new digital projection system to improve the quality of the shows.
Ideal Time to Visit​
All Season
Ideal Duration​
3-4 Hours
How to Reach
By Road: You can easily visit this place by any public transport, private car or taxi.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station is Sealdah.
By Air: Nearest Airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
Distance from Nearest Railway Station / Airport
4.7 Km from Sealdah Railway Station and 21.5 Km from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
