Inaugurated on 3rd March 1977 by Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, the Nehru Planetarium is a part of the Nehru Centre in Mumbai. The Centre pragmatically promotes the teaching and thoughts of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru through its cultural and educational events. The Planetarium strives to infuse and spread the knowledge about Astronomy and Science through prodigious lectures, discussions and events, ensuring an enriching experience, both in learning and entertainment.
If space and science intrigues you, Nehru Planetarium is a place to visit during your stay in Mumbai, and of course, it is a great place to take your kids along!
Key Attractions of Nehru Planetarium
With its cylindrical structure and beautiful white dome, the unique architecture of the Planetarium itself captivates the attention of its visitors. It was designed by the famous Indian architect JM Kadri. Soon after its establishment, the Nehru Planetarium became important among students, astronomers and amateur scientists who were interested in space and astronomical studies. Mentioned below are the key highlights of the Planetarium and what it has to offer to its visitors!
Planetarium Shows
The special Planetarium’s sky shows are like the quintessential treat for everyone who visits the place and strives for an incomparable learning experience. ‘Tryst and Destiny‘ was the first show and it outlined the stars and constellations like they had donned the sky on the night of 14 August 1947. The second show “Mahatma – The Eternal Light‘ recreated the celestial configuration as on 2nd October 1869, the day Mahatma Gandhi was born combining it with other historic events from his life.
Since the very beginning, these shows have been luring the visitors and so far over 30 unique shows have been featured there. Currently, ‘The Wonders of the Universe‘ and ‘Invaders of Mars‘ are being featured there.
Planetarium Projectors
You cannot miss out the unique planetarium projectors – the primitive “Universal Planetarium Projector” and the new “Digistar 3 – Digital Planetarium Projector”. The former being the first projector there which was made by VEB Carl Zeiss Jena of German Democratic Republic and has successfully delivered 28 shows, ensuring a magnificent celestial experience for 96 lakh viewers in 26 years!
“Digistar 3 – Digital Planetarium Projector” planetarium equipment replaced the Carl Zeiss Universal Projector and guarantees majestic cosmic experience with a 3D graphic system, higher resolution and 5.1 surround sound system.
Public Lectures
Distinguished scientists, astronomers, scholars from India and abroad deliver talks and lectures that are held at the Hall of Culture in Discovery of India’s building of the Nehru Centre.
Events and Contests
All the exclusive events organised at the Planetarium inspire and encourage students to participate in contests and quizzes including Science elocution, Astronomy Quiz, Science Quiz, poetry and painting competitions, etc. and even special lectures related to the domain.
Experience the Cosmic World
Besides the sky shows, there are special arrangements for visitors to watch celestial phenomena through telegraphs that are installed outside the Planetarium and to capture the eclipses, meteor showers and other events of heavenly bodies.
Other Attractions
As the Planetarium is one part of Nehru Centre, there is more to explore when you are there. Here are a few other options:
- Learn about India through ‘Discovery of India‘ exposition that covers the country artistically, philosophically and intellectually across 14 galleries!
- Visit the Art Gallery that exhibits and encourages the works of young talents.
- If interested, you may attend cultural programmes at the Cultural Wing where young artists showcase their talent through elating performances like drama, dance, music, etc.
- Special national and international exhibitions are organised at the Exhibition Halls in the Nehru Centre.
- Popular as a reference library, the Nehru Centre Library has a wide collection of over 30,000 books on religion, astronomy, social science, literature, biographies, geography, history, and various other disciplines. With its alluring ambiance, well equipped cyber-centre, audio-visual facilities, kids section, and of course the various workshops and programmes organised for students, teachers and other professionals, makes it a perfect escape for an avid reader.
- A spree in the premises of the Nehru Centre is itself a kind of an experience as there you would find more than 1000 varieties of plants, including many rare species.
- A walk in the premises of the Nehru Centre is itself a kind of an experience as there you would find more than 1000 varieties of plants, including many rare species.
- You can also attend ‘Sky Observation’ (only on Sundays) from 7:00 to 8:00 pm free of cost, except monsoon.
Address: Nehru Centre Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai – 400018, India.
How to Reach Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai:
The Planetarium is accessible through public transport like cab, auto bus and local train, besides private vehicle.
BEST (Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport) buses to Nehru Planetarium:
A1, A2, A4, 28, 33, 37, 39, 57, 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,91, 92, 93, 125, 151, 153, 154, 166, 385, 302, 357 & 521 Ltd
Nearest Bus Stop: Nehru Planetarium
Nearest Railway Station: Mumbai Mahalakshmi (Western Line), Byculla (Central Railway Line)
Booking hours for the show:
11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Show Timings:
12:00 noon and 4:30 pm (Hindi), 1:30 pm (Marathi), 3:00 pm (English)
Library timings:
10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Monday to Friday, 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays)
10:00 a.m. To 2:00 pm (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact Details:
Phone : 91 22 2496 4676 – 80
Fax: 91 22 2497 3827
E-mail: info@nehru-centre.org
Website: www.nehru-centre.org
For any queries regarding show bookings write to kiran@nehru-centre.org or call (022) 2492 0510.
Quick Tips:
School groups need to report half an hour before the show time.
Nehru Planetarium is closed on Mondays and during festivals like Holi, Gokulastami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi, Dussehra, Diwali and Bhaubeej.
It is better to book tickets in advance for special planetarium shows particularly during vacations and festivals.
Also, if you are going for the show, try to be seated 15 minutes before the show time as thereafter the entry is prohibited.
The tickets for the show can be booked online and even a week in advance from the booking window.
There is a canteen that offers limited and average options. So it is better to make your own arrangements for the same.
