SESH

The Zeiss Großplanetarium, located in the Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin, Germany, stands as one of the most unique venues in the city, blending the wonders of science, architecture, and nightlife. Originally inaugurated in 1987 to coincide with Berlin’s 750th anniversary, the planetarium was constructed during the era of the German Democratic Republic and was named after the prestigious Carl Zeiss company, a pioneering force in optical technology. Its iconic dome, with a diameter of 23 meters, was designed not only to project the cosmos but also as a striking piece of modernist architecture.

After the reunification of Berlin, the Zeiss Großplanetarium continued to operate, modernizing its projection systems and expanding its programming to include concerts, multimedia events, and as a venue for Berlin’s vibrant club scene. The planetarium gained particular notoriety in the 2010s as a site for avant-garde electronic music nights and immersive parties, embodying the city’s reputation as a capital of experimentation and creative crossover between the arts and nightlife. Its ability to host both scientific events and high-profile music performances in a visually spectacular dome has made it culturally significant, not only as a landmark of East German design but also as a forward-thinking space for Berlin’s ever-evolving subculture.

While the structure itself has remained the same, extensive renovations from 2014 to 2016 revitalized both its audio-visual capacities and public spaces, ensuring it could meet the demands of contemporary audiences without sacrificing its historic character. The atmosphere inside—under the star-studded projection of the cosmos—sets it apart from traditional clubs, and over the years, it has become a destination for both locals and visitors seeking a blend of space-age wonder and cutting-edge music. Notable artists who have performed at Zeiss Großplanetarium include international electronic acts such as Moderat, Jeff Mills, and Jon Hopkins, as well as local talents like Ellen Allien and Âme.

The venue has hosted showcases for Berlin Atonal, performances by ambient master Nils Frahm, DJ sets by Palms Trax, and multidisciplinary events featuring artists like Planningtorock and Pantha du Prince, solidifying its reputation as a hotspot for pioneering audio-visual experiences in the heart of Berlin.