The building which accommodates the Astronomy Centre Rijeka is located on the ridge of the hill and the St Cross city park, overlooking commanding views of the bay of Rijeka and the hilly hinterland. It was built in 1941 as a military fortress.  In 2001, in its north-west tower a telescope was mounted protected by a sliding ceiling-dome and the first observatory in Rijeka was set up. The amount of HRK 12,5 million has been invested in the reconstruction and building of the Astronomy Centre Rijeka, so that this investment stands out as the largest capital investment in technical culture in Croatia.

The concept of the new Astronomy Centre is based on the functional connection of the planetarium contents with other premises of the centre and the observatory. In this way, the visitors and users of the centre have an opportunity to experience almost at the same time- the simulated and the actual image of the universe surrounding us.
The Astronomy Centre Rijeka will have educational, scientific and tourist importance to Rijeka as well as to a wider region. The new planetarium and the dome with 8 metre diameter, and the capacity of the hall of 52 seating places and sophisticated equipment that projects a simulated universe, is unique in Croatia and a wider region.

It is a unique experience to watch the sky in which through various simulations the universe and its secrets are revealed. In addition to the contents that will help us to understand better the astronomy and the world surrounding us in endless distances, the City of Rijeka has got a top-notch tourist attraction in which the guests of Rijeka will have the possibility to enjoy.

The possibilities offered by the mounted equipment are great, and the programmes of simulated universe will be adjusted according to different ages of visitors, lasting up to 50 minutes.

Due to the observatory with the telescope, a computer workshop and premises for scientific conferences, it will be also possible to perform scientific programmes in the observatory.
Those who wish to use the premises for relaxation and entertainment, can find there a cosy restaurant with a terrace with the attractive belvedere overlooking the bay of Rijeka and the hilly hinterland. The premises of the centre will also host solemn events, like the opening of temporary exhibitions, scientific gatherings, seminars etc.

The dome with the 8 metre diameter, has built in projectors and software equipment of the company Space System (RSA Cosmos). The telescope is MEADE LX 200 with 16" (406,4 mm) clear aperture which provides maximum practical visual power up to 800 times.
Presentations will be held at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. As the number of seating places is limited (52), visits should be announced in advance by calling the following phone number 051 455 700 from 12 (noon) to 2:00 p.m.
(I.N.)