Do you remember gazing into the night sky as a child and your young imagination being sparked by thoughts of stars and space? Well, you can relive those childhood experiences in Malaysia's Planetarium Negara (also National Planetarium). Inside, you can experience looking at a great night sky without the need to go out, away from the city lights. You can watch a simulation of stars, constellations, and galaxies, and even feel like you're flying through space. You can also learn new stuff as the exhibition galleries feature displays on astronomy and space science.
The Planetarium
Taking three years to build, Planetarium Negara was officially opened on February 7, 1994. Its opening symbolized the Malaysian government's serious commitment to the development of space science and technology in the country. Currently, the planetarium is supervised by Malaysia's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment.
The 11,000 square meter planetarium complex sits on top of a hill east of the Lake Gardens. It is located in between the KL Bird Park and Muzium Negara. The complex is easily recognizable and stands out as a blue-domed structure resembling a mosque with a minaret-like tower attached to its left side.
Outdoor Ancient Observatory Park
Just outside the main planetarium building is the Outdoor Ancient Observatory Park. This is where models of ancient observatories are sited. Here you'll find a replica of the famous Stonehenge and get an insight into the Chinese and Indian astronomy systems. The park also extends to a picnic area with a space theme for families and friends to hang out.
The Exhibition Gallery
In the main hall are permanent exhibits related to astronomy and space science. One of these is the Arianne IV space engine, which is one of the engines used to launch MEASAT I, the first satellite of Malaysia. Another feature is the mock up of the inside of the International Space Station showing the sleeping and toilet arrangements. There is also the space suit of the first Malaysian astronaut and a replica of the Soyuz Capsule.
Space Theatre
Planetariums have historically been known for showing the motion of the night sky on the inside of a dome. Planetarium Negara is no exception. The centerpiece attraction of the planetarium is the Space Theatre. It screens Imax-style films projected on the interior part of the blue dome. Guests will get an enhanced view of the films from the comfortable reclining seats of the theatre.
Several films run throughout the day. Currently, the films being shown are the following:
Visitor Information
The Planetarium Negara is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00AM to 4:30PM. Entrance to the exhibition gallery is free while the Space Theatre is MYR12 for adults (foreigners) and MYR8 for children 2-12 years old. For more information, visit the planetarium's website here.
Planetarium Negara is located at 53 Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur. It is approximately 10 minutes from either the Muzium Negara MRT Station or the Kuala Lumpur Station of the KTM Commuter. It is also within a few steps from Stop 14 of the KL Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour.
Also read: City Sightseeing Onboard the KL Hop On Hop Off Bus
For those planning on coming to Kuala Lumpur on a trip, we definitely recommend a visit to Planetarium Negara. There is a ton to explore in the planetarium that will stimulate the imagination of kids and adults alike. And they're sure to make your day a whole lot brighter.
So what do you think of Planetarium Negara? Please leave your comments or questions in the box below.
Check out our other KL posts:
Kuala Lumpur: A Travel Guide for First Timers
Kuala Lumpur: A Budget Travel Guide for Juans
In Photos: Muzium Negara's Prehistory and the Malay Kingdoms Galleries (Part I)
In Photos: Muzium Negara's Colonial Era and Malaysia Today Galleries (Part II)
7 Interesting Facts About the Petronas Twin Towers
Hulo Hotel + Gallery: Waking Up Next to World-Class Art
The Planetarium
Taking three years to build, Planetarium Negara was officially opened on February 7, 1994. Its opening symbolized the Malaysian government's serious commitment to the development of space science and technology in the country. Currently, the planetarium is supervised by Malaysia's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment.
The 11,000 square meter planetarium complex sits on top of a hill east of the Lake Gardens. It is located in between the KL Bird Park and Muzium Negara. The complex is easily recognizable and stands out as a blue-domed structure resembling a mosque with a minaret-like tower attached to its left side.
 |
| The blue mosque-like structure of the planetarium |
Just outside the main planetarium building is the Outdoor Ancient Observatory Park. This is where models of ancient observatories are sited. Here you'll find a replica of the famous Stonehenge and get an insight into the Chinese and Indian astronomy systems. The park also extends to a picnic area with a space theme for families and friends to hang out.
 |
| Entrance of the planetarium complex |
 |
| Jai Singh Observatory of India |
 |
| The Stonehenge replica made of fiberglass |
The Exhibition Gallery
In the main hall are permanent exhibits related to astronomy and space science. One of these is the Arianne IV space engine, which is one of the engines used to launch MEASAT I, the first satellite of Malaysia. Another feature is the mock up of the inside of the International Space Station showing the sleeping and toilet arrangements. There is also the space suit of the first Malaysian astronaut and a replica of the Soyuz Capsule.
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| The Space Exhibit Gallery |
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| How Life Evolves display |
 |
| The composition of stars based on the Periodic Table of Elements |
 |
| Exhibit on the life cycle of a star |
 |
| The red planet exhibit |
 |
| Land rovers used to explore Mars |
 |
| Technologies born from space exploration that impact our daily lives |
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| Chronological order of becoming an astronaut |
 |
| The Viking Rocket Engine of the Arianne IV |
 |
| Illustrating the journey to the International Space Station |
 |
| Soyuz Capsule used for going back to Earth |
 |
| Al-Khwarizmi, one of the greatest scientific minds of the medieval period |
 |
| The Orland-D Space Suit |
 |
| Bust of Yuri Gagarin, the first human on space |
 |
| Experiments inside the Space Lab |
 |
| Replica of a glove box used by astronauts |
 |
| Toilet in the International Space Station |
 |
| Astronauts sleep inside sleeping bags while in space |
Planetariums have historically been known for showing the motion of the night sky on the inside of a dome. Planetarium Negara is no exception. The centerpiece attraction of the planetarium is the Space Theatre. It screens Imax-style films projected on the interior part of the blue dome. Guests will get an enhanced view of the films from the comfortable reclining seats of the theatre.
 |
| Inside the Space Theatre |
Film
|
Duration
|
Schedules
|
The Accidental Astronauts
|
30 min
|
10:00AM and 2:00PM
|
Journey to a Billion Suns
|
30 min
|
11:00AM and 3:00PM
|
Solar Storms
|
20 min
|
12:00NN and 4:00PM
|
Earth, Moon and Sun
|
26 min
|
1:00PM (except Fridays)
|
Visitor Information
The Planetarium Negara is open on Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00AM to 4:30PM. Entrance to the exhibition gallery is free while the Space Theatre is MYR12 for adults (foreigners) and MYR8 for children 2-12 years old. For more information, visit the planetarium's website here.
Planetarium Negara is located at 53 Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur. It is approximately 10 minutes from either the Muzium Negara MRT Station or the Kuala Lumpur Station of the KTM Commuter. It is also within a few steps from Stop 14 of the KL Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour.
Also read: City Sightseeing Onboard the KL Hop On Hop Off Bus
For those planning on coming to Kuala Lumpur on a trip, we definitely recommend a visit to Planetarium Negara. There is a ton to explore in the planetarium that will stimulate the imagination of kids and adults alike. And they're sure to make your day a whole lot brighter.
So what do you think of Planetarium Negara? Please leave your comments or questions in the box below.
Check out our other KL posts:
Kuala Lumpur: A Travel Guide for First Timers
Kuala Lumpur: A Budget Travel Guide for Juans
In Photos: Muzium Negara's Prehistory and the Malay Kingdoms Galleries (Part I)
In Photos: Muzium Negara's Colonial Era and Malaysia Today Galleries (Part II)
7 Interesting Facts About the Petronas Twin Towers
Hulo Hotel + Gallery: Waking Up Next to World-Class Art
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