Planetario de Pamplona

Planetario de Pamplona is Spain's largest planetarium, standing in the Ermitagaña district of Pamplona (Iruña), the capital of Navarre. Its distinctive cylindrical structure in ochre and blue tones has drawn stargazers and curious families since 1993, offering a very different kind of attraction in a city best known for the San Fermín running of the bulls.

What's inside?

The heart of the building is a projection dome 20 metres in diameter — one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. Visitors recline in tilted seats and watch more than nine thousand stars appear across the curved ceiling above them. Sessions blend education with spectacle, covering subjects such as the structure of the Solar System, the history of space exploration, or simply what the Navarre night sky looks like on any given evening. Beyond the dome, the centre has spent decades running exhibitions, talks and workshops aimed at spreading scientific and STEM literacy, drawing more than 200,000 visitors a year — a clear sign of how embedded it is in the region's cultural life.

How do you get there?

The planetarium sits on Calle Sancho Ramírez, s/n, in the Ermitagaña neighbourhood, a short distance from Pamplona's city centre. It is served by city bus routes, though it's worth checking current lines and stops before setting off, since the network is occasionally adjusted. Drivers will find parking available in the surrounding streets.

Important note before you plan a visit

The building is currently undergoing a major renovation, and the original headquarters is temporarily closed to the public, with some educational and public programming relocated elsewhere in the meantime. A new, modernised Planetario de Pamplona is expected to open in the first half of 2027, with considerably more space dedicated to public activities. Before planning a trip, check the official website or a local tourist information point for the current status — session schedules and public access may keep changing while the works are underway.

When should you go?

During normal operation, dome sessions ran mainly on weekdays and Saturdays, with morning slots and, on certain days, afternoon and evening screenings as well. Booking ahead is advisable, particularly during summer and school holidays, when demand from families with children tends to peak. For visitors combining a trip to Pamplona with the old town, the cathedral or the city walls, the planetarium makes a solid addition to the itinerary — especially on a rainy day, when an indoor attraction like this one comes into its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Planetario de Pamplona currently open to visitors? The venue is being rebuilt, and its former headquarters is temporarily closed. The new building is expected to open in the first half of 2027. Check the official website for the latest status before planning your visit.

How long do the dome sessions last? Under normal operation, guided sessions run for about 60 minutes and combine a live view of the starry sky with themed astronomical presentations.

Who is this attraction suited for? The planetarium appeals to families with children as well as adults with an interest in astronomy — its programmes are designed to be accessible and engaging across age groups.

Where exactly is it located? The address is Calle Sancho Ramírez, s/n, in the Ermitagaña district, close to central Pamplona and reachable by city bus.