Zeiss-Planetarium Jena in Germany reopened in July 2026 following a centenary modernisation combining fulldome projection, a refurbished star projector and immersive sound. The renewal supports the venue’s programme of astronomical presentations, fulldome films, educational events, concerts and immersive audiovisual productions.
The project addressed visible panel borders and joints in the former inner dome, alongside acoustic reflections that could concentrate sound in particular parts of the curved auditorium. Appointed by Ernst-Abbe-Stiftung Jena, acoustic consultancy Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG) developed a strategy integrating the protected dome, a new projection surface and concealed loudspeakers.
Projection and sound
The modernised auditorium brings together several components:
- Eleven ZEISS VELVET 4K projectors provide an 8K dome image, according to ZEISS.
- The existing ZEISS UNIVERSARIUM star projector received new star plates, LED illumination for the planets, cleaning and maintenance of its optical, mechanical and electrical components.
- An Endure Screens Micro Pro projection surface replaces the former segmented lining, providing a visually continuous field for fulldome content.
- Concealed HOLOPLOT X1 and X2 Matrix Arrays deliver immersive audio through the projection surface.
Acoustic design around the dome
WSDG assessed the new screen’s perforation and sound-transmission characteristics for use in front of the loudspeaker arrays. A sound-absorptive overlay behind the surface controls reverberation and acoustic focusing while retaining the uninterrupted white field needed for projection.
Using an acoustic model, WSDG refined the placement and balance of treatments to promote an enveloping, evenly distributed sound field. The design also addressed the cylindrical lower walls beneath the dome, with the aim of supporting the different acoustic demands of planetarium shows, films, education and live events.
