See Brazil’s night sky projected high above you as you learn about deep space at the Planetário Professor Aristóteles Orsini. Equipped with a dome that spans 59 feet (18 metres) and a state-of-the-art Zeiss projector, the planetarium offers a fascinating, educational day out. Different programmes target children and adults, so there is something for the whole family to learn. The Planetário Professor Aristóteles Orsini presents a programme based on the solar system as seen from South America, so even if you’ve visited planetariums elsewhere in the world, you’ll find plenty to discover.

Walk around the planetarium to admire its size. Built in 1957, the Planetário Professor Aristóteles Orsini was the first planetarium in Brazil and immediately became a major attraction for the people of São Paulo. A recent refurbishment has expanded the planetarium and brought it up to date. Today, the planetarium can hold up to 300 visitors its Zeiss fibre-optic projector allows crystal clear displays of space to be displayed across the domed ceiling.

Arrive early and settle back for a child-friendly presentation that outlines the many stars, shapes and colours present in the sky above Brazil. Learn about the planets that can be seen in summer and the lifespan of stars. Each presentation lasts approximately 50 minutes. Join a post-show session to learn about more scientific matters relating to space, or to hear the technical details behind the planetarium.

Sign up for one of the planetarium’s weekend workshops. Learn how to make a star chart, a great family activity.

The Planetário Professor Aristóteles Orsini is located within Parque Ibirapuera and can be reached by bus, metro or on foot from many downtown locations. Parking is available inside the park if you have a Blue Zone card. There is also metered car parking just outside the park’s boundaries. The planetarium operates only on the weekend and is free of charge, but arrive early in summer to ensure you get a seat.