Czech Republic · 2026
At the Techmania Science Center in Plzeň, the boundaries between education and experience are becoming increasingly blurred. With the launch of its upgraded planetarium, the center takes a bold step forward in making science not only understandable, but truly unforgettable. As the first 3D planetarium of its kind in the Czech Republic, this installation signals a shift in how complex scientific concepts can be brought to life for audiences of all ages, transforming passive viewing into active discovery.
Barco solutions:
Key benefits:
Back in 2013, Techmania Science Center in Plzeň set a benchmark. Its 3D planetarium was among the most advanced in the Czech Republic, giving visitors a new way to explore space through immersive visuals and storytelling and positioning itself as a leading hub for science education and innovation in Central Europe.
But over a decade later, expectations had evolved. Visitors had become used to sharper images, smoother experiences, and more dynamic content. Behind the scenes, the original lamp-based system also demands more maintenance and operational effort.
The team set out to rethink its planetarium experience. But how do you reinvent something that was already ahead of its time?
The ambition was clear: create an environment where astronomy, real-time scientific data, and complex phenomena could be visualized in ways that are both accurate and engaging. Beyond traditional shows, the system needed to support flexible content formats, educational programs, and live presentations.
Equally important was strengthening the center’s appeal. In an increasingly competitive landscape for educational attractions, the planetarium had to become a key driver for visitor engagement and repeat visits.
Visualizing space is one thing. Making it understandable, immersive, and adaptable for different audiences is another. Techmania wanted to bring science closer to its audience in a more vivid and flexible way. That meant:
At the same time, the planetarium needed to remain a versatile space, supporting everything from school programs to public shows and real-time scientific visualizations.
To bring this vision to life, Techmania implemented a new projection system built around five Barco QDX-N4K25 laser-phosphor projectors.
Carefully installed and aligned across the dome, the five-projector setup works as a single visual engine. Together, they create a seamless 3D projection surface with a combined resolution of up to 6.5K, wrapping visitors in a fully immersive environment where every detail – from distant galaxies to complex scientific simulations – is rendered with clarity and depth.
Barco was chosen for its proven expertise in high-performance visualization and its strong reputation in demanding environments like planetariums. The combination of image quality, reliability, and long-term value made it a natural fit for Techmania’s ambitions.
The shift to laser-phosphor technology also brings operational advantages, significantly reducing maintenance needs compared to traditional lamp-based systems, while maintaining consistent performance over time. With multiple shows running daily and thousands of visitors each year, this reliability plays a crucial role.
And the new system allows Techmania to go beyond traditional shows. It supports real-time data visualization, up-to-date content such as recent space missions, and a broader mix of educational and public programming.
Since its official opening on April 9, the new planetarium has elevated the visitor experience to a new level. Astronomical details appear sharper. Colors feel richer. Motion is smoother. But more importantly, the experience feels more natural and engaging.
For visitors, it means a more compelling journey through the universe.
For Techmania, it means a solution that will continue to evolve alongside science itself.
