Planétarium de Reims

About the museum

Reims’ first planetarium opened in 1980 in the former Jesuit college, with a small dome six metres in diameter. It closed in January 2013. A new building designed by the architect Jean-Paul Bonnemaison replaced it; it opened on 7 September 2013 after eighteen months of construction work, with an eight-metre dome, 48 seats and a Zeiss projector supplemented by digital projectors.

The venue offers public shows under the dome, presented live by science educators or screened as films, as well as school and group sessions. Before the show, visitors can explore the exhibition area, organised around the solar system, the story of the Universe and the Sun in the Universe.

One of the most remarkable objects is the astronomical clock by Jean Legros (1903–1978), a pharmacist from Reims who spent twenty-two years building it. Entirely mechanical, it shows the position of the stars and planets, calculates eclipses and the date of Easter. It forms part of the city’s scientific and technical heritage.

Highlights

• Shows under the dome led by science educators
• Free-access exhibition area on the solar system and the Universe
• Mechanical astronomical clock by Jean Legros
• Special shows for children aged 3 to 7
• Stargazing with the planetarium’s telescopes

Permanent exhibitions

• Espace muséographique – Three themes present the solar system, the story of the Universe and the place of the Sun in the Universe, free to access before or after the shows.
• Horloge astronomique de Jean Legros – A fully mechanical clock built by a Reims resident over twenty-two years, showing the position of the stars, calculating eclipses and the date of Easter.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Ville de Reims

Visitors per year

approx. 46,862

Admission & discounts

The exhibition area is free to access; the shows under the dome are paid. Short show (about 30 min, a film followed by a discussion with an educator): €4 for adults. Free for job seekers, RSA recipients and young people from the Mission locale, on presentation of proof. The planetarium is a partner of the Reims City Pass. Payment by bank card, cash, ANCV holiday vouchers or bank cheque.

Accessibility

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

Full access to the exhibition area; under the dome, a maximum of two wheelchairs per show. An induction loop system with radio transmission is available for hard-of-hearing visitors during shows. A braille guide to the solar system is available. Only guide dogs for the blind are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops

Special shows for children aged 3 to 7. Children under 3 are not admitted under the dome, and children under 5 are only admitted to the shows designed for them. Public shows are generally suitable from age 8.

Getting there & parking

The Franchet d’Esperey stop is located near the planetarium.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Companies can rent the premises for an evening with a cocktail or buffet reception; the package includes one or two shows under the dome. Prices and conditions on request.

Plan your visit