Cosmodrome

About the museum

Cosmodrome is a planetarium and public observatory in the Kattevennen nature and recreation area, north-east of Genk city centre. For a long time it was called the Europlanetarium. Its origins lie with a group of young people from Genk who began popular science work after the Moon landing of 1969 and joined the Vereniging voor Sterrenkunde (astronomical society) in 1972. They dreamed of a full-fledged public observatory, which opened in 1984; the members largely built the dome themselves.

In the 1990s the planetarium was added, as part of the transformation of the Limburg mining municipalities towards tourism. It opened on 20 December 1991, with a projector from East Germany under a dome 12.5 metres across. Later extensions brought an auditorium, office space and a planet trail to Kattevennen. Since its development into Cosmodrome, it has also been one of the gateways to Hoge Kempen National Park.

Today you can visit 360° shows for young and old, from playful children's shows to more substantial films. After the show, an Astroranger shows the real night sky of that evening. Your ticket also gives access to the exhibition “Reis door de ruimte”, about the solar system and the Einstein Telescope, including real meteorites. At the observatory you can observe the sky, take courses, and there is a monthly sky calendar and themed evenings.

Highlights

• 360° shows under the planetarium dome, also for preschoolers from age 3
• Exhibition “Reis door de ruimte” with real meteorites, included in the ticket
• An Astroranger shows the real night sky after the show
• Observatory with observing evenings and courses
• Located in Kattevennen, a gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park

Permanent exhibitions

• 360°-voorstellingen in het planetarium – Public shows under the dome for young and old, from children's shows to more in-depth films; afterwards an Astroranger shows the real night sky of that evening.
• Reis door de ruimte – Exhibition on the solar system and the story behind the Einstein Telescope, with real meteorites, a question about how much you would weigh on Mars, and the scientists who shaped our picture of the universe.

Founded

1991

Operated by

Stad Genk

Admission & discounts

Prices apply to the public shows; the ticket also gives access to the exhibition. Members of Cosmodrome and holders of Riebedebie enter free; with a Bokrijk or Plopsa pass you get 50% off your ticket. Tickets can be bought online in the ticket shop.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A lift takes you to the exhibition and the planetarium. The observatory can only be reached by stairs and is therefore not wheelchair-accessible. Dogs and other pets are not admitted to the planetarium or the exhibition, except guide dogs; they may enter the visitor reception.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

There are shows for different ages, for example “Op reis met Seppe Supernova” for children aged 3 to 6, and shows from age 5, 6 or 8; the recommended age is stated for each show. Children under 4 pay nothing. Next to the reception building is a playground (Speelplaneet), and on the estate you will also find minigolf and walking routes.

Getting there & parking

From the E314 (Genk–Aachen), take exit 32 towards Genk-Oost, turn left at the first roundabout and left again at the next traffic light, to the Kattevennen entrance gate via the Bronsbosstraat. From Genk city centre, follow the Europalaan towards Maasmechelen/As along the Molenvijverpark.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

At the visitor reception you can get drinks and small snacks, with a terrace by the playground when the weather is good. There are also walking and cycling maps of Hoge Kempen National Park and an astroshop with telescopes and binoculars. The brasserie at Cosmodrome is temporarily closed due to a takeover; the estate also has the eatery Manege Taverne Kattevenia (closed on Mondays). A cloakroom is at the entrance to the exhibition and the 360° room. Picnicking is possible at the Corpus picnic area behind the reception building.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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