Bells HardingstoneThe Johannesburg Planetarium, now known as the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, has undergone a remarkable transformation. After closing for extensive renovations in 2023, the facility reopened in February 2025 as a cutting-edge, 360° immersive digital theatre that is now the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. This guide provides everything you need to know for your visit in 2026.
Johannesburg Planetarium: Shows, Tickets and Visiting Guide (2026)
Quick Reference
Venue Information
- Name: Wits Anglo American Digital Dome (formerly Johannesburg Planetarium / Wits Planetarium)
- Address: Yale Road, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg
- Contact: 011 717 1390
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: digitaldome.wits.ac.za
- Social Media:
- Facebook: @WitsPlanetarium
- Instagram: @witsdigitaldome
What’s New: The Digital Dome Transformation
The original Johannesburg Planetarium opened in October 1960 as the first full-sized planetarium in Africa, using a Zeiss Mark IV Projector that served the facility for over 60 years. After a major refurbishment made possible through a R90 million investment from Anglo American and Wits University, the new Wits Anglo American Digital Dome opened on 1 February 2025.
Technology Upgrades
Planetarium Features: Old vs. New
- Projection:
- Original (pre‑2023): Zeiss Mark IV optical projector
- New Digital Dome: 10 digital projectors, 8K full dome resolution
- Sound System:
- Original: Standard audio
- New Digital Dome: 8.2 channel surround sound
- Seats:
- Original: 450 seats
- New Digital Dome: Comfortable reclining seats
- Content:
- Original: Astronomy only
- New Digital Dome: Astronomy, wildlife, documentaries, digital arts
The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome is now the largest digital dome in the southern hemisphere.
Shows and Screenings (2026)
The Digital Dome offers a variety of shows catering to different age groups and interests. All shows require booking through Webtickets.
!AITSA – Award-Winning Documentary
!AITSA is an award-winning South African documentary film by Dane Dodds that explores the intersection of ancient Khoi/San spiritual knowledge and modern radio astronomy at the SKA site in the Great Karoo. Through breathtaking visuals and powerful storytelling, the film reflects on how cutting-edge science meets ancient wisdom.
Show Details
- Cost: From R130 per person
- Duration: Feature‑length documentary
- Note: Not a fulldome show; does not include interactive night sky viewing
- Upcoming Dates:
- Sunday, 22 February 2026 at 11:00 AM
- Saturday, 28 March 2026 at 2:00 PM
- Saturday, 11 April 2026 at 2:00 PM
AfriVerse – Step Inside Our Stories
AfriVerse invites audiences to step inside Africa’s imagination through powerful immersive storytelling. It includes Kwasukasukela (a reimagining of African creation myths) and conservation journeys covering rhinos, pangolins, and marine life.
Show Details
- Cost: R130 per person
- Note: Does not include live night sky viewing
- Upcoming Dates:
- Saturday, 7 March 2026 at 2:00 PM
- Sunday, 22 March 2026 at 11:00 AM
Close Encounters
A wildlife film that takes audiences on an immersive virtual safari, bringing them face-to-face with Africa’s most iconic animals. Directed by Telmo dos Reis, it offers breathtaking visuals, spatial surround sound, and expert storytelling by ranger Shane Raw.
Show Details
- Cost: R130 per person
- Upcoming Dates:
- Saturday, 14 March 2026 at 2:00 PM
- Sunday, 19 April 2026 at 11:00 AM
Children’s Shows (Ages 5-12)
3-2-1 Liftoff!
Alan is a brilliant but underestimated hamster scientist living in a junkyard. When a mysterious crash leaves a damaged robot in his garden, a fast-paced adventure begins. Suitable for ages 6 to 12.
Show Details
- Cost: R45 for children and pensioners; R75 for adults
- Special (Human Rights Day): R30 for children, students, and pensioners; R50 for adults
- When: Select Saturdays at 10:00 AM (running from 7 February to 11 April 2026)
Little Explorers
An interactive science-filled space adventure where young viewers become “little explorers” on a guided journey through the Universe. They travel through the Solar System, discover other stars, and learn how scientists use telescopes and light. Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Show Details
- Cost: R45 for children, students, and pensioners; R75 for adults
- When: Select Saturdays at 10:00 AM (running from 31 January to 25 April 2026)
Mysteries of Your Brain
An immersive, animated adventure into the human brain, exploring how the brain works and what makes human brains special. Your tour guides are a curious girl and her crow companion. Suitable for ages 8 and up.
Show Details
- Cost: R45 for children, students, and pensioners; R75 for adults
- When: Select Saturdays at 10:00 AM (running until 18 April 2026)
The Sky Tonight (Traditional Planetarium Show)
This hour-long live planetarium show explores what is visible in the evening sky, from bright planets and seasonal constellations to the Moon and deep-sky wonders. Designed for teens and adults, but curious children above 5 with good attention spans are welcome.
Show Details
- Cost: R45 for children, students, and pensioners; R75 for adults
- When: Select Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 PM; Select Saturdays at 10:00 AM (running until 25 April 2026)
School Shows
School groups can book shows at a reduced rate. For school show enquiries and bookings, email [email protected].
School Show Details
- Cost: R30 per person (school shows)
- Booking: Email [email protected]
Ticket Information
Pricing Summary (2026)
Show Prices
- Special Documentaries (e.g., !AITSA, AfriVerse, Close Encounters): R130 per person
- Standard Shows (3-2-1 Liftoff!, Little Explorers, Mysteries of Your Brain, The Sky Tonight):
- R45 for children, students, and pensioners
- R75 for adults
- School Shows: R30 per person
How to Book Tickets
Booking Methods
- Online: Book via Webtickets at www.webtickets.co.za
- At the Door: Available 30 minutes before each show, subject to availability
- Group Bookings: Must be arranged in advance
Important Notes:
– Tickets often sell out weeks in advance
– No children under 5 years of age are allowed
– Shows typically run for approximately one hour
Opening Hours
- Monday – Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Note: Hours may vary during holidays and special events. Check the official website for updates.
Visitor Information and Tips
Getting There
Detail & Information
- Address: Yale Road, Entrance 10, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein
- Parking: Available on the Wits campus. Reviews note parking can be a challenge during busy times; arrive early.
- Public Transport: Ride-hailing services (Uber/Bolt) are convenient options for reaching the campus.
Visitor Tips
Arrive Early
– Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to secure parking and find your seat
– Tickets can be collected at the door if purchased online
Seating
– The seats are comfortable and recline for optimal dome viewing
– For the best experience, aim for seats in the middle back area
– Note that legroom can be tight for taller individuals
What to Bring
– Printed ticket or confirmation on your phone
– Camera for photos outside the dome (photography during shows is not permitted)
– Warm clothing—the dome can be cool
Age Restrictions
– Children under 5 are not permitted for most shows
– Different shows have different minimum age recommendations (see show descriptions)
Visitor Reviews
The Digital Dome has received excellent feedback since its reopening:
“What a fun outing for a family with geeky teenagers. Since our light pollution makes viewing stars near impossible, the dome view of our night sky is awe-inspiring.”
“10x Ultra HD projectors coupled with 8.2 channel surround sound makes for a truly immersive experience. The seats are comfortable and can recline far enough for a good viewing of the dome.”
“Reopened and ready to go… Absolutely Fantastic… A massively educational experience for everyone to enjoy, central, safe parking and good online booking system.”
Overall Rating: 4.2/5 from 265 Google reviews
Educational Role
The Johannesburg Planetarium has played a significant role in astronomy education in South Africa since 1960, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors annually. The new Digital Dome continues this mission, serving as:
– A modern teaching venue for Wits University students
– A collaborative research space for scientists across disciplines (astrophysics, big data, digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology)
– A community outreach hub fostering interest in STEM among South African youth
The facility is also a primary resource for explaining astronomical events visible in the southern hemisphere sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: Is the Johannesburg Planetarium still open?
A: Yes. It reopened in February 2025 after major renovations and is now called the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.
Q: What happened to the old Zeiss projector?
A: The original Zeiss Mark IV projector, which served the planetarium for over 60 years, was replaced by 10 new digital projectors during the 2023-2025 renovation.
Q: How much does it cost to visit?
A: Prices vary by show. Standard shows cost R45 for children/students/pensioners and R75 for adults. Special documentaries cost R130 per person. School shows cost R30 per person.
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance via Webtickets as shows often sell out.
Q: Can children visit the planetarium?
A: Yes, there are dedicated children’s shows for ages 5-12. However, no children under 5 years of age are permitted.
Q: Is the planetarium wheelchair accessible?
A: The facility is located on the Wits University campus. For specific accessibility information, contact the venue directly on 011 717 1390.
Q: How long do shows last?
A: Most shows run for approximately one hour.
Practical Questions
Q: Where is the planetarium located?
A: Yale Road, Entrance 10, East Campus, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, parking is available on the Wits campus. Reviews note that parking can be a challenge during busy times—arrive early.
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm; Friday 9:30am-8:30pm; Saturday 10am-2:30pm; closed Sunday.
Q: Can I book a school group visit?
A: Yes. Email [email protected] to arrange school shows.
Q: Is there a gift shop or café?
A: The facility focuses on shows and educational programmes. Nearby cafes and restaurants are available in Braamfontein and the surrounding areas.
Q: What shows are currently playing?
A: Shows change throughout the year. Visit digitaldome.wits.ac.za or check Webtickets for the latest schedule.
Q: Can I host a private event at the Digital Dome?
A: The facility is available for special events and corporate functions. Contact the venue directly for enquiries.
Conclusion
The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome represents a new chapter for Johannesburg’s beloved planetarium. With its 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound, and diverse programming ranging from astronomy to wildlife documentaries, it offers a world-class experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you are a family with young children, a student, or simply curious about the cosmos, the Digital Dome invites you to explore the wonders of the universe—and beyond.
For the most current show schedules and ticket availability, visit the official website at digitaldome.wits.ac.za or book directly through Webtickets.
Note: All information is current as of March 2026. Show dates, times, prices, and operating hours are subject to change. Please verify details on the official website before visiting.