Planetarium

Torun's planetarium sits inside a converted 19th-century gas holder, its round brick shell a natural fit for a dome. Shows are projected onto the large dome inside, covering the night sky and space, and the setting nods to the city's most famous son, Nicolaus Copernicus, who was born here. It opened in 1994 and is one of the most visited planetariums in Poland.

Astronomy is Torun's calling card, and this is where the theme turns into something to do rather than just a name on a statue. It works on two levels. The building itself is a piece of industrial heritage, an old gasworks tank given a new life, and the dome shows are a comfortable, seated hour that suits families and rewards anyone curious about the sky. It is also one of the best indoor options in town when the weather turns.

The main draw is the dome shows, projected overhead while you sit back in the dark, with a programme that changes and includes sessions pitched at children as well as adults. Interactive exhibits on astronomy and physics sit alongside the dome. Screenings run to fixed start times and most are in Polish, with English shows or translation available at some sessions, so check the timetable before you go.

The planetarium occupies a gas holder from the old municipal gasworks, a circular brick drum built to store town gas in the 19th century. The shape that once held a rising gas tank now carries a projection dome, which is why the astronomy sits under industrial-era brick rather than a purpose-built shell. It is named after the astronomer Wladyslaw Dziewulski.

A single dome show runs under an hour. With one screening and a look at the exhibits, plan for an hour to ninety minutes. Add time if you queue for tickets on a busy day or take in more than one session.

Because everything is indoors and timed, this is a good rainy-day or winter stop, and a useful midday break from walking the old town. Weekends and school holidays are the busiest, so aim for a weekday session or book ahead. Choose a screening whose language and theme suit your group.

The planetarium is in the old town on ulica Franciszkanska, a short walk from the Old Town Market Square. Pair it with the Cathedral of St John, where Copernicus was baptised, and the House of Copernicus. See the Torun guide for getting into the city.

The Copernicus trail is all within a few minutes on foot:

• The House of Copernicus, the museum in his birthplace.
• The Old Town Hall and District Museum on the market square.
• The Leaning Tower down by the walls.

Most screenings are in Polish, but English shows or translation are offered at some sessions. Check the timetable and pick a suitable slot before you buy tickets.

Yes. The programme includes shows aimed at younger visitors, and the interactive exhibits give restless children something to do between screenings.