Planetarium History

Erection of the steel rod network for the Rome Planetarium | ZEISS Archive

The structure from 1928 is still in use

Erection of the steel rod network for the Rome Planetarium in 1928 | ZEISS Archive

The Planetarium in Rome under construction in 1928 © ZEISS Archive

The first planetarium in Rome, opened on October 28, 1928, and in operation until the 1980s, was housed in an ancient building from the 3rd century and was unique in this respect. The Zeiss Planetarium with its 19.6-m dome was located in the Aula Ottagona, part of the complex of the ancient Baths of Diocletian. Originating as a thermal building in ancient Rome, it has performed very different functions over the centuries. Here, for the first time, the projection dome was integrated into an existing building, under the huge ancient vaulted ceiling. Inside the planetarium was arranged in such a way that it did not alter the large Roman vaulted ceiling but allowed for a view of it in the annular space between the old and new structures. The steel rod network dome support structure still exists today in the new Museum of Rescued Art and provides an effective contrast to the stone vaulted ceiling. The Zeiss projector was not on wheels as usual but was fixed in place. The planetarium hall could seat 370 people. The main entrance on the Via Romita still bears the inscription "Planetario". The projector also survived and is on display at the Astronomy Museum in Rome.

Credit:

ZEISS Archive

About the Image

Image ID

czj1357qu

Category

Planetarium History

Release

1928

Related product

n.a.

Size

7638 x 10429 px

Author

unknown

Source

ZEISS Archive

Credit

ZEISS Archive

License

CC BY-NC-SA

About the Content

Title

Planetario di Roma 1928

Object

The first planetarium in Rome, opened on October 28, 1928, was housed in an ancient building and was unique in this respect. Here, for the first time, the projection dome with 19.6 m diameter was integrated into an existing building.

Location

Rome, Italy

Keywords

planetario di roma, zeiss planetarium, planetarium history, rome, inner dome, steel rod network

Date

1928

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