M P Birla Planetarium

M P Birla Planetarium is a prominent astronomy centre and planetarium located on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in central Kolkata, West Bengal, near the Maidan and Victoria Memorial. Inaugurated in 1962, it is one of the largest planetariums in Asia. Known for its distinctive domed architecture inspired by the Sanchi Stupa, it houses a Zeiss projector and hosts daily immersive shows on the cosmos, astronomy and space science for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can expect a large domed theatre with a central Zeiss star projector offering immersive audio-visual shows on astronomy, the solar system and the universe in English, Hindi and Bengali. The complex includes an astronomy gallery, small observatory with telescope, library and exhibition area. The building is set in landscaped grounds near the Maidan, with a circular auditorium seating several hundred people. Shows run at scheduled times throughout the afternoon and evening.

Established by industrialist M. P. Birla and inaugurated on 29 September 1962 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was the first planetarium in India and remains one of the largest in Asia. The architecture was designed to replicate the Sanchi Stupa, and the original projector was supplied by Carl Zeiss of Germany. It has been upgraded over decades and remains a pioneering centre for popular astronomy education in India.

A major centre for science popularization and astronomy education in eastern India, hosting regular shows, lectures and celestial events for students and the public. It is an iconic cultural and educational landmark of Kolkata and a common destination for school excursions and families.