#314-2016:…read more Inaugurated on May 20th 1930, the Milan Planetarium is the largest on Italian soil and it is sponsored by the Milan City Hall. It was originally commissioned by Ulrico Hoepli and designed by the architect Portaluppi, later on it was donated to the City of Milano. Octagonal in shape, it can host up to 300 people on extremely uncomfortable revolving wooden chairs (I believe they haven't been changed since). Little less than 20 meters in diameter, the dome has an octagonal base and features the Milano skyline as it was originally in the 1930s. The Planetarium is equipped with a Zeiss projector that was installed in 1968 and has been in service since. I have been to this Planetarium several times but it was only recently that I have discovered how far things have evolved. I guess, the place needs to lure new viewers (namely of the teenage format). The show (5€ per per person) gives you pointers on how to spot stars, constellations and recites the stories behind said constellations delivered in a contemporary way (WhatsApp, Facebook, InstaGram are mentioned in the stories). I guess things have changed quite a bit since I first came to spot the stars. Worth mentioning that the Planetarium also houses the oldest and most important Amateur Astronomy Club in the city. There are many cultural events held here and in the outskirts of Milan (namely to watch real stars in the field) that make this place a MUST-GO for geeks, nerds and stargazers. If you are interested in knowing a little bit more about the events and the structure, here is the direct web link to consult: https://www.comune.milano.it/dseserver/webcity/Documenti.nsf/webHomePage?OpenForm&settore=SVIY-5HNGA3_HP

We were so excited to go. I even called ahead of time to make a reservation for the tour and I find…read moreout that they don't actually organize English speaking tours. If you want to have a tour, you have to organize a group of people to go with you by yourself. They don't even take names of English speakers that want to take the tour, to put them all together in a group. You are essentially written off by the secretary and they don't care to find a solution to the problem. Very disappointing.