The oldest working planetarium in the world

The planetarium room and the impressive radar form the oldest still-functioning planetarium in the world. But there is still more to see! Discover Eisinga's former wool combing establishment, astronomical instruments, a screening room, changing exhibitions and a focus on modern astronomy.

The current position of the planetarium

View the current position of the planetarium (and therefore of the planets).

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Saturn
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...in days

The permanent exhibition

In addition to the Planetarium room, the planetarium offers a beautiful collection of astronomical instruments and a contemporary exhibition about our solar system and the universe. Other permanent parts of the museum include Eisinga's former wool combing establishment and an extensive collection of historical astronomical instruments. Modern astronomy is also represented. Non-stop documentaries are shown in the screening room. Experience how Eisinga lived in the historic house and digitally browse through Eisinga's beautiful mathematical and astronomical manuscripts! The interactive permanent exhibition 'De Ruimte' (Space) has been open to the public since 2016.

View our extensive interactive expo

How does a telescope work, what causes solar and lunar eclipses, and how much do you weigh on the moon? These and more questions will be answered in the interactive exhibition ‘De Ruimte’ (Space). Put the earth in motion yourself, let Eisinga's radar turn, and look for the right answer to all kinds of questions.

Brasserie De Stadstuin

In the mood for a drink or bite to eat after your visit to the planetarium? The cosy Planetarium Café and Brasserie De Stadstuin are both located in the former Van Balen coffee-roasting house, which is fully decorated in Art Nouveau style. After your visit to the Planetarium, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with a sweet snack, lunch or dinner. Brasserie De Stadstuin is also a great location for meetings or events. For more information: Brasserie De Stadstuin, +31 (0) 517-382106, www.brasseriedestadstuin.nl

Planeten Pils

A delicious 'ice cold' beer, named after the world famous Planetarium. With Eise Eisinga's portrait on it, it's a 'heavenly' beer.

Temporary Exhibition

The Astronomic Cabinet of Paulus and Ghiesbregt 

A spectacular astronomical cabinet from 1771 by Jean Paulus and Prof. Ghiesbregt is currently set up in the temporary exhibition space. After long wanderings, this Belgian instrument came into possession of Bert Degenaar, a famous Dutch antique collector. On his behalf, the instruments were completely restored and made functional again by horologist Pieter de Ruiter. 

The 3 meter wide and over 2.5 meter high cabinet is equipped with various globes, planetariums (including an unprecedented representation of the 5th-century worldview of Martianus Capella) and the 16th-century heliocentric worldview of Copernicus. A number of dials provide information about various time indications, calendars, the position of the planets, the phases of the moon, the orbit of Jupiter's four largest moons and much more. The exposition also includes a large collection of original drawings of the various instruments. 

Eise Eisingastraat 3
8801 KE Franeker
telefoon 0517 - 393 070
Vragen of opmerkingen?
info@eisinga-planetarium.nl

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    Met trots mogen wij ons sinds 19 september 2023 UNESCO's Werelderfgoed noemen!
    We can proudly call ourselves UNESCO World Heritage since September 19, 2023!
    Wir sind stolz, dass wir uns seit dem 19. September 2023 UNESCO-Welterbe nennen dürfen.