After nearly a decade standing empty, Budapest’s iconic Planetarium could finally be on the path to reopening, as the Hungarian government prepares to launch expert consultations on the future of the landmark attraction.
Several options on the table
Zoltán Tanács, Minister for Science and Technology, announced that discussions involving several government ministries will begin in early August with the aim of presenting a long-term proposal to the government. The initiative is expected to determine whether the facility will reopen in its current form, undergo a full renovation, or be replaced by a modern science museum and interactive experience centre.
According to the minister, officials are working towards a comprehensive strategy that would secure the Planetarium’s long-term future. Among the options under consideration are:
- a temporary reopening of the existing facility;
- a complete reconstruction of the current building;
- the creation of an entirely new science museum and educational experience centre.
Tanács said the objective is to develop a proposal that would make it possible for the Planetarium to welcome visitors once again, writes HVG.
A Budapest landmark closed since 2017
The TIT Planetarium first opened its doors in 1977 and quickly became one of Hungary’s best-known science attractions. For decades, it introduced generations of visitors to astronomy and space science, attracting an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 visitors annually.
However, the building was forced to close in 2017 after serious structural problems with its roof made it unsafe to operate. The deterioration had become increasingly apparent in previous years. In 2016, severe storm damage caused extensive leaks, forcing the Planetarium to suspend operations for six weeks during the summer.
Although emergency repairs were carried out and the roof was later restored with HUF 128 million (EUR 354,800) in funding by 2019, the comprehensive renovation needed to reopen the building never began. Plans for a full refurbishment were drawn up as early as 2018, but the project stalled.
Ownership complicates redevelopment
One of the main obstacles to restoring the Planetarium is its ownership structure. Although regarded as one of Budapest’s most beloved scientific attractions, the building is not owned by the Hungarian state.
Instead, it is operated by the Society for Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge (TIT), meaning that any major modernisation project would require substantial government funding and close cooperation between the owner and the state.
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They want to give the Planetarium a purpose
Following a recent site visit with experts from both the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Transport and Investment, Tanács argued that previous governments had failed to prioritise the Planetarium despite repair plans already being available.
He said the upcoming consultations are intended to finally resolve the future of a venue that provided unforgettable educational experiences for generations of Hungarians.
If the government approves the forthcoming proposal, Budapest’s long-shuttered Planetarium could once again become one of the capital’s leading science attractions, whether through the restoration of the historic building or the creation of an entirely new educational complex.
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