Planetarium Cottbus | Program & Opening Hours

The Planetarium Cottbus is much more than a place for classic star shows: As a space flight planetarium named after Yuri Gagarin, it combines astronomical education, family experiences, and special event formats under one dome. The official website shows current performances today and tomorrow, along with a repertoire of children's programs, astronomy shows, and music shows. This mix makes the venue interesting for Cottbus and the entire Lausitz region, as short fulldome experiences for younger visitors meet live evenings, thematic journeys through the solar system, and concerts in a unique atmosphere. It is also important for visitors that the dome hall is air-conditioned and the building is accessible. Those looking for an overview of the program, prices, and opening hours will find a clear structure with schedules, repertoire, and service information at the Planetarium Cottbus. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/start2/))

Program, Schedule, and Events at Planetarium Cottbus

The current search interest clearly revolves around the program, the schedule, and specific events. The homepage of the planetarium directly lists areas like 'Today's Program', 'Tomorrow's Program', and 'Schedules / Tickets'. This is particularly helpful for visitors because the offerings are not limited to a single show format but change continuously. The published schedules include family and children's formats such as 'The Dream Magic Tree', 'The Robber Hotzenplotz and the Moon Rocket', 'Didi and Dodo in Space', 'Captain Schnuppe's Space Journey', or 'A Constellation for Flappi', alongside astronomical productions like 'The Formation of the Solar System', 'The Special Children of the Universe', and 'Satelix'. Music shows are also a fixed part of the program, such as 'Queen Heaven', 'Space Rock Symphony', or 'Stars of Classic'. This shows that those searching for 'planetarium cottbus today' or 'planetarium cottbus events' will not find a static museum but an actively used event venue with a changing program. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/start2/))

The repertoire page confirms this diversity very clearly. It distinguishes between programs for children and families as well as offerings for astronomy and entertainment. For family shows, the information varies depending on the production, ranging from short programs for ages 4 and up to longer formats for older children and school classes. This is an important SEO note because many search queries around 'planetarium cottbus children's program' or 'planetarium cottbus children' specifically target this mix of entertainment and learning. At the same time, the repertoire shows that the planetarium is also attractive for schools, groups, and interested adults. So, anyone looking for a 'schedule February 2026' or simply the current weekly program will find regularly updated performances at the Planetarium Cottbus, ranging from poetic children's stories to scientifically oriented sky journeys. This keeps the venue relevant for both spontaneous visits and planned family outings and group appointments. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/alle/))

Opening Hours, Tickets, and Prices

Regarding opening hours, the Planetarium Cottbus presents a practical model: Regular office hours run from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while actual visiting hours take place from Monday to Sunday according to the event schedule. This means for visitors that there is no rigid daily opening time, but access is controlled through the schedule. This is exactly why the combination of 'planetarium cottbus opening hours' and 'planetarium cottbus program' is so strong: Those planning a visit should always check the schedule first. Additionally, the website points out that for events during school holidays, ticket reservations are advisable. This is a useful note for families and school holiday visits, as demand during these periods is typically higher. Thus, a simple location becomes a well-organized event venue with planable visiting windows and a clear ticket process. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/start2/))

The website also provides concrete and transparent information regarding prices. For regular planetarium shows, adults pay 8.00 euros, children and reduced tickets 6.00 euros. For short programs, the prices are 7.00 euros for adults and 5.00 euros for children and reduced tickets. Music shows are priced higher at 10.00 euros and 7.50 euros for reduced tickets. For groups and individual bookings, the planetarium specifies its own conditions: For astronomical shows, the price is 8.00 euros per person, but at least 150.00 euros for the entire group; for music shows, it is 10.00 euros per person and at least 200.00 euros per group. This is particularly relevant for schools, clubs, birthdays, or companies searching for 'planetarium cottbus prices' or special dates. The pricing structure shows that the venue is flexible for both classic individual visitors and larger groups. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/cennik/))

Children's Program, Family Shows, and Special Highlights

A central theme of search queries is the children's program, and here the Planetarium Cottbus has a lot to offer. The repertoire includes several productions specifically developed for children and families. These include 'Someone is Eating the Sun' from age 4, 'The Little Häwelmann' from age 5, 'The Moon on a Journey' from age 5, 'Didi and Dodo in Space' from age 6, 'About Frogs, Stars, and Planets' from age 7, and 'A Constellation for Flappi' as a short program from age 7. 'The Robber Hotzenplotz and the Moon Rocket' is also listed as an offering for younger school classes. This range is important because many families specifically search for suitable formats based on age, attention span, and interest. So, those searching for 'planetarium cottbus children's program' will find a truly differentiated offering rather than a single standard program. The planetarium connects imaginative characters, moon journeys, animal stories, and first astronomical terms to provide an accessible entry into the world of the sky. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/alle/))

Additionally, there are current audience favorites and special program titles that frequently appear in the schedule. 'The Dream Magic Tree' appears as a children's audio play musical in fulldome form, 'Captain Schnuppe's Space Journey' as an innovative space adventure, and 'Satelix' as a journey into the world of satellites. For slightly older children, there are productions like 'The Special Children of the Universe', 'The Formation of the Solar System', or 'Dinosaurs – The Adventure of Flying'. This mix of fantasy, story, and natural science is a hallmark of the venue. It ensures that search queries like 'planetarium cottbus dream magic tree' or 'planetarium cottbus robber hotzenplotz' are directly associated with real, recurring titles. The family music show 'TABALUGA and the Signs of Time' also shows that the venue consciously focuses on intergenerational experiences. For parents, this is practical because they can choose between short, playful, and somewhat more demanding content based on their children's ages. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/pla_veranstaltungen/ver_plan_druck.php?date=0))

Those searching for 'planetarium cottbus queen heaven' or 'planetarium cottbus space rock symphony' are usually not looking for children's programs but for a special evening format. This is precisely where the planetarium showcases its strength: Music shows are not just additional programs but a fixed part of the offering. Titles like 'Queen Heaven', 'Space Rock Symphony', and 'Stars of Classic' transform the dome hall into an atmospheric performance space where image and sound closely interact. The official pricing logic clearly separates such formats from the classic planetarium shows, making planning easier for visitors. This creates a profile that appeals to families in the afternoon, music fans in the evening, and astronomy enthusiasts in between. This multiple use is particularly valuable for the Planetarium Cottbus brand because it covers search queries from various thematic clusters and positions the venue far beyond a mere school or lecture site. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/pla_veranstaltungen/ver_plan_druck.php?date=0))

Travel, Parking, and Accessible Visits

The travel information to the Planetarium Cottbus is explained very concretely on the website, which is particularly helpful for search queries regarding 'parking' or 'directions'. Public transport reaches the location via several lines: Bus line 10 to Georg Schlesinger Straße with a subsequent footpath, tram line 2 to Sandow, and lines 1, 3, or 4 to Marienstraße/Gladhouse. The walk from the main train station takes about 20 minutes; those getting off at Sandow station need about 10 minutes on foot. This information makes the location very easy to plan, especially for guests without a car, families with children, or visitors from the surrounding area. Furthermore, the directions are formulated so that one can find the venue without complicated navigation. For an event location, this is an important advantage because clear directions significantly lower the barrier for first-time visitors. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/anreise/))

There are also clear rules and good alternatives for parking. Those arriving by car should drive from W.-Brandt-Straße via Hainstraße into the residential area; there, the signs lead to freely usable parking spaces. Additionally, there are parking spaces at the Sandower Dreieck train station. There are two parking spaces for people with mobility impairments directly at the planetarium, but only with a blue parking permit. Normal parking directly at the building is only possible with special permission. The arrival of travel buses is also regulated: A stopping and parking area for two buses is located on Willy-Brandt-Straße, from there it is a five-minute walk. The official website also states that the dome hall is air-conditioned and that the building is accessible, including for deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, guests with mobility impairments, and guests with learning difficulties. This shows that the Planetarium Cottbus is not only content-wise but also organizationally oriented towards different visitor groups. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/anreise/))

History, Dome Hall, and Special Features

The history of the Planetarium Cottbus began as early as 1966 when initial plans for a planetarium were created during preparations for equipping an observatory. The building was finally opened on April 26, 1974. According to the chronicle, it was the first space flight planetarium of this size in the GDR, the second in Europe, and the seventh planetarium in the world. It was also named after the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. This historical classification is exciting for both search engines and visitors because it gives the place a clear profile: This is not just any modern leisure attraction, but a traditional educational and cultural site with a connection to space travel. For storytelling, this is ideal, as the connection of local history, astronomy, and space travel is rare and remains memorable. The original goal was also clearly formulated: to make astronomy teaching vivid and to provide schools in the region with a realistic view of star movements and planetary movements. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/pla_download/chronik.pdf))

After its reopening and modernization in 2013, the building has significantly improved in quality. The chronicle describes the renovation of the foyer, the dome hall, and the basement; additionally, new projection and lighting technology was introduced. The dome hall now has 91 fixed and 20 variable seats, totaling 111 seats, and is air-conditioned. An accessible restroom has also been created, and the building's facilities have been further developed for modern event operations. The official website also mentions the planetarium as a suitable place for individual events and even weddings, highlighting the versatility of the building. For visitors, this means: The planetarium is not only historically important but also functionally up to date. This mix of tradition, technology, and versatile use makes the Planetarium Cottbus a special address in the city. Those looking for a location with cultural value, family offerings, and real experience character will find a place here that convincingly combines science and emotion. ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/pla_download/chronik.pdf))

Sources:

• Planetarium Cottbus – Homepage, Program, and Opening Hours ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/start2/))
• Planetarium Cottbus – Repertoire and Programs ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/alle/))
• Planetarium Cottbus – Travel and Parking ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/anreise/))
• Planetarium Cottbus – Admission Prices 2026 ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/preise3/))
• Planetarium Cottbus – Group and Individual Events ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/gruppenindividuelle-veranstaltungen/))
• Planetarium Cottbus – Chronicle of the Space Flight Planetarium ([planetarium-cottbus.de](https://www.planetarium-cottbus.de/pla_download/chronik.pdf))