(Linz/Prague, November 13, 2025) Yesterday, on November 12—the very date on which the Czech Republic joined ESA in 2008—the Earth from Space exhibition opened at the Prague Planetarium, celebrating the enduring fascination of observing our planet from above. The exhibition features four interactive installations and immersive data visualizations, conceived and produced by Ars Electronica Solutions in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) on behalf of the European Space Agency (ESA).

With playful concepts and applications, Ars Electronica Solutions once again embraces the idea of “Science Experience” in its exhibition design—including lighting and sound design. Visitors can explore in an accessible and engaging way the roles satellites play, how data on climate, environment, and geography are collected, and how this information helps us better understand global change.

With this concept, the team builds on ESA’s Φ-Experience—an educational initiative first realized through the visitor center at the Earth Observation site (ESRIN) in Frascati, which Ars Electronica Solutions co-developed.

Discover the World from Above

At a touch table, visitors can explore dynamic satellite images of land, oceans, ice, and atmosphere using data from the ESA and the Copernicus program to track long-term environmental changes. Through intuitive zooming, panning, and switching between maps and animations, satellites, launch vehicles, as well as control and research centers can easily be discovered via touch interaction.

Geographical data of the Czech Republic are presented on a three-dimensional elevation model as dynamic data visualizations. Using a touch interface, visitors can select various data layers and video content, and explore with a magnifier or slider how topographic and climatic changes are represented.

The Earth Within Reach

With the Globe, Ars Electronica Solutions created a representation of our planet onto which atmospheric satellite data from the ESA are projected. Through interactive controls, visitors can select global content and explore measurable phenomena related to climate and global warming.

To better contextualize the information from each station, an interactive info screen is located at the center of the exhibition. It provides background knowledge about the ESA and the three main installations, while also serving as a guide through the newly opened exhibition. In the future, the Prague Planetarium plans to expand its offerings with additional exhibitions.

Statements

“We are proud to celebrate the 17-year anniversary since the Czech Republic joined ESA, and what better way than with the launch of the Earth from Space exhibit at the Prague Planetarium. The eye-catching interactive visualizations which have been developed are sure to inspire young people and fuel the curiosity of future generations of European scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. This exhibit showcases the best of ESA’s Earth Observation missions, allowing visitors to explore local, regional, and global changes monitored from space, and demonstrating how this knowledge can be used to help protect our planet.”

Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth Observation Programmes, ESA

“We are delighted that, following the tremendous success of opening our new LED Planetarium, we can now offer visitors another unique experience – the interactive exhibition ESA: Earth from Space, which can otherwise be seen only at the European Space Agency’s own centres. As an educational institution, we feel a great responsibility to promote science and technology. Earth observation is a fascinating field that demonstrates how modern technologies help us better understand our planet – from climate change to urban development and agriculture. With this exhibition, we want to show that space technologies are not distant or abstract, but contribute every day to improving life on Earth.”
Jakub Rozehnal, Director of Planetum (Observatory and Planetarium Prague)

Earth from Space by ESA
Term: from 12 November 2025
Regular opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday to Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Prague Planetarium 
Royal Game Reserve 233170 00 Prague 7

Ars Electronica Solutions

Ars Electronica Solutions designs and implements interactive, multisensory worlds of experience. Since its foundation in 2011, this division of Ars Electronica has been developing creative and individual concepts for exhibitions, brand worlds, trade fairs and events. The focus is on tailor-made solutions that are created in close cooperation with customers. 

Prague Planetarium

The Prague Planetarium is one of three facilities belonging to the Czech institution Planetum. In addition to the recently modernized LED planetarium, Planetum also runs the Štefánik Observatory and the Đáblice Observatory. All three locations aim to bring visitors closer to the universe in a fun and understandable way. 

European Space Agency 

The European Space Agency is dedicated to the peaceful exploration of space for the benefit of humanity. Founded in 1975, 22 countries now participate in ESA to push the boundaries of science and technology and promote economic growth in Europe.

Earth from Space by ESA / Ars Electronica Solutions (AT), DLR (DE), ESA (INT)

Photo: Planetum

Earth from Space by ESA / Ars Electronica Solutions (AT), DLR (DE), ESA (INT)

Photo: Planetum