It’s the kind of first date in the capital or weekend outing that sounds appealing but that you don’t end up doing until someone suggests it. The Madrid Planetarium opened in 1986 with the goal of bringing the universe closer to everyone who walked through its doors. And now, 40 years later, it continues to do so with a free exhibition celebrating its well-managed 40th anniversary.
It is now open to the public in the outdoor exhibition hall during its regular hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. There is no confirmed end date for the exhibition at this time, so there’s no need to rush just yet.
However, you’ll need to plan ahead for “Bach in Space,” as there’s only one date. It’s a piano concert where images of the cosmos captured by NASA and the ESA are projected throughout the performance. It takes place at the Capitol Theater, but it’s also another great option for lovers of the universe (and/or music).
21 November 2026 18:30
Teatro Capitol
What to Expect at the Madrid Planetarium Exhibition
Titled “40 Years Unveiling the Cosmos,” the exhibition traces the history of the Planetarium through the major milestones discovered thanks to data collected by space probes and large telescopes over the years. These are presented through images, videos, texts, and illustrations.
From the discovery of the Higgs boson to the 2026 Artemis II mission, including the first image of a supermassive black hole, these and many more discoveries are featured in the exhibition.
But despite being a special exhibition for the Madrid Planetarium to mark the occasion, this is by no means the first one it has hosted. In fact, its calendar is packed with all kinds of activities: workshops, lectures, astronomy courses, public telescope viewings, immersive films…
Everything is free except for the screenings, for which you must purchase tickets in advance.