Jena, July 15, 2026. The Zeiss-Planetarium in Jena celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 18 and reopens its doors following extensive modernization just in time for the jubilee. The milestone birthday is accompanied by a diverse summer cultural and leisure program throughout the ‘Lichtstadt’.
- Event: 100th Anniversary and reopening of the Zeiss-Planetarium Jena
- Main Events: FullDome Festival (July 15–17), anniversary shows at the planetarium, Kulturarena (July 8–August 23)
- Location: Zeiss-Planetarium Jena, Am Planetarium 5, 07743 Jena
- More Information: www.visit-jena.de
A Century Under the Starry Sky: The Modernized Planetarium
The Zeiss-Planetarium Jena is the oldest large-scale planetarium in the world. Since its opening on July 18, 1926, it has inspired generations of visitors. In its anniversary year of 2026, the scientific cultural institution presents itself with state-of-the-art technology following comprehensive modernization. New sound and projection systems, as well as a specialized projection screen, promise guests even higher-contrast 360-degree experiences.
The Zeiss-Planetarium reopens after renovations just in time for the start of the renowned FullDome Festival, which takes place from July 15 to 17. With around 800 entries from 30 nations, the festival is considered one of the most significant 360-degree film festivals worldwide. Further anniversary program highlights include the live show “Yass – Rocking the Century” featuring hits from a century of pop history on July 19, and the sci-fi rock concert “NORÐIR” on August 21.
Summer Cultural and Leisure Offers in Jena
Parallel to the festivities at the planetarium, Jena offers a wide range of open-air events and outdoor activities. The central highlight of the Jena summer is the Kulturarena, which takes place from July 8 to August 23 on the theater square. The international festival offers a varied program of live concerts, film nights, and special events for children. Tickets and details are available on the website www.kulturarena.de.
Those seeking nature will find a green oasis in the Paradiespark, located near the city center directly along the Saale river. In addition to sports opportunities such as slacklining, skating, and jogging, the river offers options for water sports enthusiasts. Through local providers such as Saalestrand Kanu, kayaks and inflatable boats can be rented for tours in the picturesque Saale valley. Hikers are drawn to the SaaleHorizontale, a 91-kilometer quality hiking trail that offers spectacular views of the shell limestone slopes and the skyline of the university city.
🏛️ History & Building: The “Wonder of Jena”
The technological success story began as early as the summer of 1924 on the roof of the Jena Zeiss works. There, the world’s first functional planetarium projector was presented to the public under a temporary dome. Due to overwhelming interest, construction of the current, permanent planetarium began shortly thereafter not far from that location. The striking concrete dome has a span of 25 meters and today houses one of the most visited educational institutions in Thuringia, with up to 170,000 guests per year.
Important Events at a Glance
The Jena event calendar offers numerous highlights in the coming months. The most important dates at a glance:
- July 15–17, 2026: FullDome Festival at the Zeiss-Planetarium
- July 8–August 23, 2026: Kulturarena on the Jena theater square
- July 25–26, 2026: Jena Pottery Market in the city center
- September 11–20, 2026: Old Town Festival Jena
- September 13, 2026: Season opening concert of the Jena Philharmonic at the Volkshaus
- October 10, 2026: Saale-Horizontale hike with the Lauf- und Wander-Paradies e.V.
- October 16–18, 2026: Historical battle reenactment (220 years of the Battle of Jena and Auerstedt)
- November 20, 2026: Long Night of the Sciences throughout Jena
A complete directory of all events can be found online at www.jena-veranstaltungen.de.
Source:
Kulturarena, Flussromantik und Festival unterm Sternenzelt – Sommerreisetipp Jena ☀️ TOUREAL
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.