Planetarium
Experience immersive fulldome cinema shows at NESCol’s Planetarium.
Located at City Campus, NESCol’s Planetarium is one of Scotland’s few permanent planetarium theatres and a hidden gem in the heart of Aberdeen.
Originally opened nearly 50 years ago, the iconic facility was recently transformed and now features a fulldome projector. With a domed ceiling, reclined seating and immersive sound system, it offers audiences a breathtaking, 360-degree visual experience.
The Planetarium hosts public showings, as well as sessions for schools and community groups.
Now showing
Throughout December we’re running screenings of the short film What Santa Sees – a 12 minute spectacular sleigh ride!
For 2026 we have three films to experience, each designed to inspire, educate and transport you across Earth and space! Public screenings will run every Monday evening from January 12.
See below for upcoming shows and to book tickets.
Find out more about bookings for community and school groups
What Santa Sees
For December only! Join Santa and his reindeer on their journey and discover the night sky through their eyes in a fun and engaging animation.
Cost: £2 per person
Duration: 12 minutes
The Sun, Our Living Star
The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. Discover the secrets of our star and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface.
Cost: £5 per person
Duration: 25 minutes
We Are Guardians
From the smallest bacteria to the largest ocean whale – explore how Earth’s ecosystems are connected, and the links between human activity and climate change.
Cost: £5 per person
Duration: 25 minutes
The Great Solar System Adventure
Join “The Great Schiaparelli” as he takes the audience on a death-defying space-time adventure within his wondrous Observatorium.
Cost: £5 per person
Duration: 25 minutes
Group bookings
The Planetarium can accommodate groups of up to 20 people.
Schools
To arrange a school visit, please email the Schools-College team: schools@nescol.ac.uk
School visits are free of charge.
Community groups
To book a showing for community groups such as Scouts and Guides, please contact: marketing@nescol.ac.uk.
There may be a small charge for these visits.
Private venue hire
The Planetarium is also available for private hire.
History
The Planetarium first opened in 1977 at Aberdeen College, which we now know as Aberdeen City Campus. It featured a £17,000 multi-lens analogue projector built by GOTO Japan and our Senior AV Technician Maurice Great – which was the cost of a house back then!
The facility was originally used for maritime courses and was an invaluable resource for seafarers until shipping technology took over. It was then given a new lease of life in the late 1990s, following a grant from the Royal Astronomical Society.
Unfortunately, the Planetarium was mostly closed to the general public in the decades that followed.
Last year, it was renovated and the analogue projector replaced with a fulldome digital projector. Now, the almost 50-year-old facility is ready to welcome visitors once again.
