Casa das Ciencias y Planetario, La Coruna

Attraction and Museum in La Coruna

Casa das Ciencias y Planetario
Casa das Ciencias y Planetario
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Che-wiki

Casa das Ciencias y Planetario is La Coruna's classic hands-on science museum, set inside leafy Parque de Santa Margarita, a short hop from the city center. It's the kind of place where you can touch, test, and tinker your way through physics, astronomy, and everyday science—great for kids, but surprisingly fun for adults too.

Because it sits in a pleasant park, it's an easy add-on to a walking tour that links central La Coruna's main sights with green spaces and viewpoints. Many visitors pair it with a stroll through Santa Margarita Park itself, then continue on to other family-friendly museums in the city.

History and Significance of the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

Casa das Ciencias was created as part of La Coruna’s push to make science accessible to the public through interactive learning rather than “look but don’t touch” displays. Its park setting reinforces that idea: science here feels like an afternoon out, not a formal museum appointment.

Over time, the planetarium became a key part of the experience, turning abstract astronomy into something you can actually visualize. For locals, it’s also a beloved school-trip destination—one of those places many Coruñeses remember from childhood and later revisit with their own families.

Today, it remains an important piece of the city’s wider network of science-focused attractions, offering a low-cost, high-engagement option that complements La Coruna’s coastal landmarks and historic center.

Things to See and Do in the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

Start with the interactive galleries: expect hands-on stations that demonstrate core ideas in physics and mechanics, plus visual, experiment-driven exhibits that work well even if you don’t speak much Spanish. If you’re visiting with children, the “try it yourself” format keeps energy high and boredom low.

The planetarium is the headline extra—worth planning around if you want the full experience. Sessions can vary by day and season, so it’s smart to confirm what’s running when you arrive; some visitors note that the planetarium can occasionally be closed or not operating during their visit.

Don’t rush the setting, either. Santa Margarita Park is part of the appeal: it’s ideal for a pre-visit picnic, a post-visit decompression walk, or simply letting kids burn off steam after a few hours indoors.

How to Get to the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

The nearest airports are A Coruña Airport (LCG) for the quickest arrival, with Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ) offering more flight options and typically easy onward connections. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to La Coruna on Booking.com.

La Coruna is well connected by train to other Galician cities and major hubs in Spain, making it straightforward to arrive at the main station and continue by taxi, bus, or a longer walk depending on where you're staying. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re driving, you’ll find the museum within the city road network, and it’s generally easiest to aim for Santa Margarita Park and then follow local signage for Casa das Ciencias. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

  • Official website: https://www.coruna.gal/mc2/es/casa-de-las-ciencias
  • Entrance fee: General: €2; Planetarium supplement: €2; Reduced: €1; Reduced planetarium supplement: €1.
  • Opening hours: (Winter) January – February; Monday – Friday: 10:00–18:00; Saturday – Sunday: 11:00–19:00. (Spring) March – June; Daily: 10:00–19:00. (Summer) July – August; Daily: 10:00–20:00. (Autumn) September – December; Daily: 10:00–19:00.
  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are calmer, especially outside school-holiday periods. If you want a planetarium session, arrive early enough to sort tickets and timings without rushing.
  • How long to spend: Plan 2–4 hours if you want to fully enjoy the interactive exhibits. Add extra time if you’re combining it with a park stroll or a planetarium session.
  • Accessibility: The site is designed for public visitors and school groups, but the park approach and internal layouts can vary by area. If you have specific mobility needs, it’s worth confirming access details before you go.
  • Facilities: Expect visitor basics like restrooms and staffed reception, with helpful staff frequently mentioned in reviews. Bring water/snacks for the park, and plan a café stop elsewhere if you want a full meal.

Where to Stay Close to the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

For most travelers, the best base is central La Coruna so you can walk to restaurants, the old town, and transport, then reach Casa das Ciencias easily by taxi or bus.

NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre A polished, full-service option near the waterfront—great if you want comfort, facilities, and an easy hop to the city’s main sights after your museum visit.

Melia Maria Pita A classic seafront stay with a prime promenade location, ideal for couples or anyone who wants that “La Coruna by the sea” feel.

Hotel Riazor A reliable mid-range pick close to the beach and walkable areas—handy if you’re balancing museum time with coastal strolls.

Eurostars Atlántico Convenient for transport and central access, making it a practical choice if you’re fitting Casa das Ciencias into a tight itinerary.

Hostal Hotil A budget-friendly central option that keeps you close to dining and city life, leaving more room in the budget for other attractions.

Is the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario Worth Visiting?

Yes—especially if you like interactive museums, are traveling with kids, or want a relaxed indoor activity that isn’t weather-dependent. Reviews consistently highlight friendly staff, lots of hands-on experiences, and the fact that adults can enjoy it just as much as children.

Honest Pivot: if you’re short on time and only want La Coruna’s “iconic” outdoor landmarks, you might prioritize the seafront, viewpoints, and historic streets instead. Also, if the planetarium is a must for you, consider confirming it’s operating on your visit day so you don’t feel disappointed.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,845)

With a strong 4.5/5 rating from thousands of visitors, Casa das Ciencias y Planetario is widely seen as a worthwhile stop in La Coruna. Reviewers consistently praise the interactive, hands-on exhibits, the friendly and helpful staff, and how well the museum works for families while still entertaining adults. Common drawbacks include occasional disappointment when the planetarium isn't operating during a visit, and some visitors note that English explanations can be limited in parts of the museum.

J L Shen
6 months ago
"Fantastic museum—well worth a visit! The staff are all so friendly and helpful. We spent 3–4 hours there. Not only did my 7-year-old daughter loveall the interactive experiences, but we adults did too! It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in a lovely setting. Another plus was the English translations throughout the museum...."
Keith Perry
a month ago
"Interesting science museum. Focused on younger visitors but still interesting for adults. Unfortunately the planetarium was closed when we visited."
Ocunfurco Ocunfurco
5 months ago
"Great place to take your children. There are lots of interactive attractions to investigate. The staff are great. Worth the visit"

For Different Travelers

Casa das Ciencias y Planetario is flexible: it can be a quick, low-cost stop or a half-day anchor, depending on your pace and whether you add the planetarium. The park location makes it easy to combine with downtime, especially if you're traveling with mixed ages and interests.

Families with Kids

This is one of the easiest wins in La Coruna for families: interactive stations keep kids engaged without needing long explanations. The park setting also helps with transitions—snack breaks and outdoor play are right there.

If you’re visiting during busy periods, aim for earlier entry so kids can explore the most popular hands-on areas without queues. Consider building the day around it: museum first, then a park break, then a simple dinner nearby.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the museum works best as a light, playful break from sightseeing—especially on a rainy day or when you want something different from churches and viewpoints. The planetarium can add a cozy, date-like feel if a session lines up.

Pair it with a walk: start in central La Coruna, wander toward Santa Margarita Park, then finish with a sunset promenade by the water. It's a nice way to balance culture with relaxed time together.

Budget Travelers

With low entry prices, Casa das Ciencias is a strong value activity, particularly if you’re traveling longer and want affordable, high-quality indoor options. You can also keep costs down by using the park for a picnic-style meal.

If you’re choosing between multiple paid attractions, this one tends to deliver a lot of time-on-site for the money. Consider whether you want to add the planetarium supplement, or save it for another day.

History Buffs

While it’s not a traditional history museum, it does offer context on how science is communicated and taught through public institutions. The experience is more about ideas and experiments than artifacts.

If you’re a history-first traveler, treat it as a “palette cleanser” between historic neighborhoods and monuments. It’s especially worthwhile if you enjoy the history of technology, astronomy, or public education.

FAQs for Visiting Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

Getting There

Yes, many visitors can walk it depending on where they’re staying, and the route is pleasant if you like city-and-park walks. If you’re short on time, a quick taxi or bus ride is the easiest option.
From A Coruña Airport (LCG), the simplest approach is to get into the city first and then continue by taxi or public transport. From Santiago (SCQ), plan extra time for the longer transfer.
Yes, it fits well with a half-day plan, especially if you pair it with Santa Margarita Park and then return to the center. It’s also easy to combine with other family-friendly museums.

Tickets & Entry

Typically, tickets are purchased at reception for exhibits and planetarium sessions. On certain free-entry days, planetarium sessions may require online reservation the day before.
No, the planetarium is usually an added supplement on top of the general entry. If you’re keen on astronomy, it’s worth budgeting for both.
Yes, reduced pricing is commonly available for groups like under-16s and seniors, and some visitors may qualify for free entry. Bring any documentation you might need.

Visiting Experience

Yes—many exhibits are designed to be played with, and adults often find the physics concepts genuinely fun. It’s a good solo visit too if you like interactive learning.
Some visitors report that English support can be limited, though others mention helpful translations. The hands-on, visual nature of many exhibits makes it workable even without much text.
You can still have a great museum visit, but it may change the “headline” experience. If the planetarium is your priority, check availability when you arrive and adjust your day accordingly.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s a natural stop if your walking route includes Santa Margarita Park or you want a break from coastal sightseeing. It’s especially useful as a rainy-day anchor.
Do the museum first, then take a park break, then head back toward the center for food and a waterfront walk. This keeps the day balanced and low-stress.
Mornings tend to be calmer, while afternoons can be livelier with families. If you’re aiming for a planetarium session, choose the time that best matches the schedule.

Photography

Policies can vary by exhibit and special areas, so it’s best to ask staff at reception. In general, be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions.
Planetariums often restrict photography during shows to avoid disturbing others. Assume you may not be able to photograph during the session unless told otherwise.
Santa Margarita Park offers greenery and relaxed city views, making it a nice backdrop. For classic La Coruna shots, head to the seafront promenade afterward.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, you can expect basic visitor facilities like restrooms. If you have specific needs, staff can usually point you to the most convenient options.
Generally yes for a family-focused museum, though some areas may be tighter than others. If you’re visiting at peak times, a compact stroller can be easier to manage.
Yes, staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask about exhibit highlights or planetarium timings.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Don’t rely on a full café experience on-site; plan for meals elsewhere. The park is excellent for a simple snack break.
Head back toward central La Coruna for the widest choice of casual restaurants and tapas-style spots. This also sets you up well for an evening promenade.
Yes—Santa Margarita Park is ideal for a picnic. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend your visit without rushing.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s one of the best indoor options in La Coruna when the weather turns. You can comfortably spend a few hours inside.
Arrive with enough buffer to buy tickets and find your way without stress. If it’s busy, that extra time makes a big difference.
It’s in a well-used city park area and generally feels comfortable for daytime visits. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings in crowded moments.

Nearby Attractions to the Casa das Ciencias y Planetario

  • Domus (Casa del Hombre): An interactive museum focused on the human body and how we live, great for curious minds.
  • Aquarium Finisterrae: A popular ocean-focused aquarium with engaging exhibits that pair well with a science-museum day.
  • Parque de Santa Margarita: The green park setting around the museum, perfect for a walk, picnic, or kid-friendly downtime.
  • Playa de Riazor: A central city beach ideal for a post-museum stroll along the sand and promenade.
  • Torre de Hércules: La Coruna's iconic lighthouse and viewpoint, a must for coastal scenery and big Atlantic views.

The Casa das Ciencias y Planetario appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Coruna!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Winter) January - February; Monday - Friday: 10:00-18:00; Saturday - Sunday: 11:00-19:00.

(Spring) March - June; Daily: 10:00-19:00.

(Summer) July - August; Daily: 10:00-20:00.

(Autumn) September - December; Daily: 10:00-19:00.

Price:

General: €2; Planetarium supplement: €2; Reduced: €1; Reduced planetarium supplement: €1.

Address: Parque de Santa Margarita s/n, 15005 A Coruña, La Coruña, Spain
La Coruna: 4 km
Telephone: +34 981 18 98 44
Official Website

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