Planetarium de Vaulx-en-Velin Observatory
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Planetarium de Vaulx-en-Velin has drawn crowds to the outskirts of Lyon, France, since 1995, combining a large dome theatre with an outdoor observatory garden.
About Planetarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Built in 1995 as a scientific outreach facility, it is the fourth largest planetarium in France and attracts roughly 90,000 visitors a year. Its 15-metre dome runs a SkySkan Dark Matter 8K projection system with 360-degree spatial sound, and the site includes 1,200 square metres of exhibition space.
Telescopes & research
Beyond the dome, the planetarium's Astronomical Garden spans 3,600 square metres and includes an educational course and an observatory for solar and stellar observation, extending the experience from screen to sky.
Location & getting there
The planetarium is located at Place de la Nation in Vaulx-en-Velin, on the edge of Lyon, France, easily reached from the city.
Visiting Planetarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
The site offers dome shows, an 8K digital simulator, educational labs, and its Astronomical Garden, and it also has rental spaces available for companies and associations. Check the official page for current show times before visiting.
See your named star from here
The Astronomical Garden's observatory for solar and stellar observation makes Planetarium de Vaulx-en-Velin a natural spot to seek out the coordinates of a star you've named through Star Register. Look it up in the star catalogue.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
