Planetário José Baptista Pereira
1 / 10

UFRGS Planetarium

4.6
·398 reviews·, Brazil

An educational space within UFRGS, offering solar system models and presentations, though visitor experiences vary greatly.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, potentially more focused experience.

CrowdLow
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Planetário José Baptista Pereira

UFRGS Planetarium

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, potentially more focused experience.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An educational space within UFRGS, offering solar system models and presentations, though visitor experiences vary greatly.

4.6
(398 reviews)

"Reviews highlight a significant gap between expectations and reality, with many finding presentations infantile and the planetarium experience lacking."

Vertical photo
TIP

📞 Confirm Hours Before Visiting

Always check the planetarium's current operating hours and presentation schedules online or by phone before you go.

🤔 Manage Presentation Expectations

Be aware that some shows might be more child-oriented than expected.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Solar System Models

Solar System Models

Exhibition Area

Paper figures simulating the solar system offer a visual representation of celestial bodies.

Educational Space

Educational Space

Main Hall

An interesting space with potential for learning, though its full utilization may vary.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Opening Hours & Availability

The UFRGS Planetarium's operating hours can be limited and subject to change, with some areas potentially closed for renovations. Always verify current schedules and specific presentation times before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Manage Expectations for Presentations

While advertised for adults, some presentations may be geared towards a younger audience. The planetarium's core projection capabilities might be under renovation or limited, so confirm what type of celestial experience is offered. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, potentially more focused experience.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Check for specific presentation times.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📞 Confirm Hours Before Visiting

Always check the planetarium's current operating hours and presentation schedules online or by phone before you go. Reddit

🤔 Manage Presentation Expectations

Be aware that some shows might be more child-oriented than expected. Reddit

🚗 Check for Parking

Inquire about available parking options near the planetarium. Reddit

💡 Inquire About Renovations

Ask if any areas or exhibits are closed for maintenance or upgrades. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📞 Confirm Hours Before Visiting

Always check the planetarium's current operating hours and presentation schedules online or by phone before you go. Reddit

🤔 Manage Presentation Expectations

Be aware that some shows might be more child-oriented than expected. Reddit

🚗 Check for Parking

Inquire about available parking options near the planetarium. Reddit

💡 Inquire About Renovations

Ask if any areas or exhibits are closed for maintenance or upgrades. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(398 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitor experiences at the UFRGS Planetarium are highly polarized. While some find it 'cool,' a significant number express extreme disappointment, citing infantile presentations, poor seating, outdated visuals, and a lack of actual celestial projections. Many feel the facility is underutilized and not living up to its potential as a planetarium. Reddit

"Its cool"

Ricardo Farias

"ruim, muito ruim... fui a uma apresentação as 18h de domingo. supostamente para adultos... a apresentação foi infantil. a posição das poltronas horrível. o aproveitamento do "planetário" nulo, inexistente. nenhuma projeção de estrelas, planetas, nada sobre movimentos celestes. apresentaram alguns vídeos, aparentemente feitos na década de 1990, horríveis, que seriam muito melhor aproveitados se passados em um um telão plano. um desserviço para a comunidade e um desperdício de espaço, tempo e infraestrutura!"

Rodrigo

"SE PUDESSE DARIA 0 ESTRELA!!!
ERA MELHOR ESTAR FECHADO!!
NÃO TEM NENHUMA ATRAÇÃO!!!
SALA PLANETÁRIA FECHADA!!!
APENAS FIGURAS EM PAPEL SIMULANDO O SISTEMA SOLAR NA PAREDE!!!
E PASMEM!!!! NÃO TEM SEQUER UM TELESCÓPIO!!!!
POR ISSO FECHA ÀS 17HS.
NEM PRECISAVA ESTAR ABERTO!!!
ATENÇÃO CONTRIBUINTE DE POA!!
O SALARIO DESSES ASPONES É PAGO COM O DINHEIRO DOS SEUS IMPOSTOS!!!!"

Jason Dias

What People Like

Interesting space
Solar system models

What People Dislike

Infantile presentations
Poor seating
Outdated videos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The UFRGS Planetarium is located within the campus of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. Public transportation options, including buses, are available to reach the university area. It's advisable to check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Reddit

Information regarding specific parking availability directly at the planetarium can be limited. Visitors may need to utilize general university parking facilities or street parking in the surrounding area. It's recommended to confirm parking arrangements in advance. Reddit

From downtown Porto Alegre, you can take several bus lines that head towards the UFRGS campus. Using a navigation app on your phone will help you identify the most direct routes and stops closest to the planetarium. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees and ticketing policies can vary. It's essential to check the official UFRGS Planetarium website or contact them directly for the most current pricing information and any potential discounts. Reddit

Advance booking for presentations is often recommended, especially for popular shows or during peak times. Confirming the booking process and availability is crucial to secure your spot. Reddit

The operating hours for the UFRGS Planetarium can be limited and may change. It's highly advised to check their official schedule for the day you plan to visit, as some reviews indicate it closes early. Reddit

While some presentations might be advertised for adults, reviews suggest they can sometimes be more child-oriented. It's best to inquire about the specific content and target audience for each scheduled presentation. Reddit

Information on accessibility for individuals with disabilities should be sought directly from the planetarium. Inquire about ramps, accessible seating, and any other accommodations they may offer. Reddit

🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience

The planetarium features exhibits, including paper models of the solar system. However, some core planetarium functions, like star projections, may be limited or unavailable due to renovations. Reddit+1

Based on visitor feedback, there may not be telescopes available for public use at the planetarium. Reddit

Reviews mention that the seating arrangement can be problematic, with some finding the positions to be 'horrible' and not conducive to optimal viewing. Reddit

Presentations can vary, with some being described as 'infantile' even when intended for adults. The content might include older videos, and the effectiveness of the planetarium dome for projections is questioned. Reddit

Given the potential limitations in exhibits and presentations, and the risk of finding it closed or under renovation, a day trip might be a gamble. It's crucial to confirm operational status and offerings beforehand. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, planetariums do not have extensive dining facilities. It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, or bring your own snacks if permitted. Check the official website for any specific policies. Reddit

The planetarium is located on the UFRGS campus, which usually has nearby cafes or restaurants catering to students and staff. Exploring the surrounding university area will likely reveal dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, casual photography for personal use might be allowed, but flash photography or professional shoots may be restricted. It's best to check with staff upon arrival. Reddit

While the interior might have limited visual appeal due to potential renovations or older exhibits, the exterior of the UFRGS campus offers opportunities for architectural or campus life photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families planning a visit to the UFRGS Planetarium should be aware that presentations, even those advertised for adults, may be geared towards a younger audience. Reddit While there are models of the solar system, the core planetarium experience might be limited due to renovations or outdated equipment. Reddit+1 It's crucial to call ahead and confirm what specific shows or exhibits will be available on your visit day to ensure it aligns with your children's interests and to avoid disappointment, especially after a long journey. Reddit

🤔 Budget Travelers

The UFRGS Planetarium is part of a public university, which often means more affordable admission prices compared to private institutions. However, the value proposition is a key consideration. Given the mixed reviews and potential for limited offerings, budget travelers should weigh the cost against the expected experience. Reddit+1 Confirming the exact cost and what is included in the admission fee is essential before committing. If the primary goal is a comprehensive astronomical experience, other venues might offer better value, even if they come at a slightly higher price point.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Planetarium Experience

The UFRGS Planetarium, situated within the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, aims to be an educational hub for astronomy. However, recent visitor feedback suggests a significant disconnect between expectations and reality. Many reviews highlight issues with the planetarium's core functionality, with one user expressing extreme disappointment over the lack of actual star projections and celestial movement demonstrations. Reddit

Instead of a traditional planetarium show, visitors have reported seeing older videos, some dating back to the 1990s, which are deemed unsuitable for a flat screen, let alone a dome. The seating arrangement has also been criticized as 'horrible,' further detracting from the viewing experience. The absence of telescopes, a common feature in astronomical facilities, has also been noted. Reddit

Furthermore, the planetarium's operational status can be unpredictable. There are reports of it being closed for renovations or simply not having scheduled presentations, leading to 'lost trips' for families who traveled with high expectations. Reddit This inconsistency in operation and presentation quality makes it crucial for potential visitors to thoroughly research and confirm current offerings before planning their visit.

Navigating Visitor Feedback and Expectations

Visitor reviews for the UFRGS Planetarium are starkly divided, ranging from 'cool' to overwhelmingly negative. A recurring theme in the negative feedback is the perceived lack of attraction and outdated content. One particularly scathing review describes the experience as a 'disservice to the community' and a 'waste of space, time, and infrastructure,' emphasizing the absence of any real astronomical engagement. Reddit

This sentiment is echoed by others who found the presentations to be 'infantile' and the 'planetarium' itself to be 'null, non-existent.' The disappointment stems from the expectation of a dynamic, educational experience involving celestial bodies, which is reportedly not being met. The mention of 'paper figures simulating the solar system' as a primary exhibit further underscores this gap between what a planetarium typically offers and what visitors are encountering. Reddit

It's important for prospective visitors to temper their expectations. While the space might hold potential, the current reality, as reflected in reviews, suggests that it may not deliver the immersive astronomical journey one might anticipate from a planetarium. Confirming the exact nature of presentations and exhibits on the day of the visit is highly recommended. Reddit

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