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.
*Please note that, due to a mechanical fault, lift access to the Planetarium is currently unavailable. Access to the first floor facility is by stairs. Our teams are working to resolve the issue, but it is anticipated a replacement may not be installed until the summer break. We sincerely apologise for the disruption this causes. Please contact marketing@nescol.ac.uk if you are impacted by these changes to access and require a refund for tickets purchased or wish to rearrange your visit for a later date.
Now showing
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 2026.
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 recommended capacity for the Planetarium is 20 to ensure the optimum viewing experience. Groups of up to 27 may be accommodated, depending on the age group visiting.
School visits
School visits are free of charge. To arrange a school visit, please email schools@nescol.ac.uk.
Community groups
Community groups or charity organisations can book a one-hour session (two 25-minute shows) for £50.
Private hire
Private and corporate bookings are available at £100 per hour (two 25-minute shows).
What to expect
NESCol team
One of the NESCol team will be present to ensure the voyage runs smoothly! They will meet you at City Campus (entrance via Loch Street) and guide you to the Planetarium.
At the end of the screening, visitors will be led back to reception for return travel.
Duration
Each Planetarium show runs for around 25 minutes.
Café
Refreshments are available at our on-site café, subject to opening times.
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.
