TL;DR Planetario Luis Enrique Erro is Mexico City’s historic, IPN-run planetarium offering immersive 360° dome shows, interactive exhibits, and low-cost workshops — open Tue–Sun with weekday hours until 18:00 and weekend hours until 17:00. Shows run about an hour, admission is budget-friendly (general ~MXN 40; discounts for students, seniors, children), and the digital dome has strict entry rules (no admittance after ~5 minutes). Use public transit (Metro Politécnico/Lindavista), arrive early, and reserve school groups at least a month ahead. I’ll walk you through what to expect in 2025, how to plan a visit, and practical tips from my own visits and research.

Planetario Luis Enrique Erro Mexico City: Your Ultimate Guide to Stellar Experiences in 2025

Why this planetarium matters (and why I trust it)

I’ve been following Mexico City’s science outreach venues for years, and Planetario Luis Enrique Erro stands out because it was the country’s first public planetarium (opened in 1967) and remains run by the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN). That legacy shows in its steady investment in technology and programming: the facility was modernized and reopened in 2007 with substantial upgrades (including digital projection systems), and today it continues to deliver immersive astronomy experiences for families, students, and curious adults.

My confidence comes from visiting multiple shows and cross-referencing official information — IPN’s site and city cultural listings confirm the practical details you’ll need (hours, prices, reservation rules), while press and visitor pages document the planetarium’s history and digital-dome programming.

What you can experience inside

The core draw is the Domo de Inmersión Digital — a 360° projection dome that brings the night sky, planets, galaxies and narrated astronomy stories to life. Shows typically last about an hour and are designed for a broad audience (children from about 3 years up to adults). Projections and special programs range from tours of the solar system to star-formation documentaries and themed educational pieces.

• Immersive dome shows (≈60 minutes) — visual, narrated, family-friendly.
• Interactive exhibits and models — historical astronomy artifacts, spacecraft models, and hands-on displays complement the dome.
• Workshops and activities — practical, creative sessions that pair well with exhibits (IPN lists workshop access from low fees, often around MXN 30).
• Accessible programming — the venue promotes accessibility for visitors with disabilities.

Practical facts at a glance

• Ownership and operation: Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN).
• Address: Avenida Wilfrido Massieu, Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Gustavo A. Madero (consult site maps for exact entrance points).
• Nearest metro access: Metro Politécnico and Metro Lindavista (both convenient options depending on your route).
• Show duration: ~60 minutes; entry to the dome is typically allowed only until a few minutes after the projection starts (city listings indicate a 5-minute cutoff).
• Typical cost: General admission around MXN 40; discounted tickets (students with ID, INAPAM seniors, children under 12, and people with disabilities) are lower (city listings show MXN ~30 for discounts).

What’s changed and what’s stable in 2025

Over the decades the planetarium transitioned from an analog Mark 4 projector era to a modern digital dome (Digistar-class systems were part of past upgrades). What remains constant is its public mission: affordable astronomy outreach complemented by hands-on learning. In 2025 you’ll still find the immersive dome, low-cost workshops, and the IPN’s educational programming, but with rotating shows and periodic temporary exhibitions — so check the schedule before you go.

Single comparison table: Planetario Luis Enrique Erro vs. Typical Modern Planetarium Expectations

Feature	Planetario Luis Enrique Erro (what to expect)	Typical modern planetarium (general benchmark)
Admission cost	Very affordable (approx. MXN 40 general; MXN 30 discounts)	Wide range: free to premium MXN 100–400 depending on location and special shows
Projection system	Digital dome (immersive 360° shows; upgraded in 2007 and periodically modernized)	Digital 4K/8K dome systems or hybrid optical-digital setups
Show length	About 60 minutes	30–90 minutes common
Audience fit	Family-friendly, schools, general public, workshops for kids	Same, with more specialized adult or research-oriented events at major centers
Booking & access	Walk-up and group reservations; school groups require advance booking (IPN: reserve 1 month ahead)	Often online booking and reserved VIP experiences

How I plan a visit (my step-by-step routine)

When I prepare for a planetarium outing I follow a short checklist that minimizes hassle and maximizes enjoyment. Here’s the precise routine I recommend.

Practical Guide

1. Check the official schedule. Visit the IPN/planetario site or the CDMX cultural calendar a few days before (shows rotate, and special events may alter hours). For school visits, email or call the reservation numbers listed by IPN.
2. Buy or reserve tickets early if you can. Regular weekend slots can fill up for family-friendly shows. While the planetarium accepts walk-up visitors, I prefer to confirm availability — especially during holiday periods or themed festivals.
3. Plan your arrival time. Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes early. The dome admits only until about five minutes after the show starts, and arriving early lets you explore the exhibits and use the restroom beforehand.
4. Bring ID for discounts. Students (valid ID), INAPAM cardholders (seniors), and teachers qualify for reduced pricing — bring your credentials to the ticket window.
5. Prepare cash if needed. Some internal workshops or payments may require cash at the ticket window; the IPN site indicates certain payments are accepted in cash only, so keep small bills handy.
6. Travel logistics. Use Metro Politécnico or Lindavista and the local bus routes. If driving, allow extra time for Mexico City traffic and parking.
7. For school groups. Reserve at least one month in advance via the IPN reservation phone extensions or the reservation email; they run group scheduling Monday–Friday.

What to bring and what to leave at home

• Bring: valid ID for discounts, cash for small purchases and workshops, a light sweater (domes can be cool), and a camera (no flash for shows).
• Leave: food and drink inside the dome, noisy toys, and late arrivals (the entry cutoff is strict).

Best times to visit & program highlights

Weekdays (Tuesday–Friday) are the least crowded: IPN posts operating hours from 10:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, and 10:00–17:00 on weekends, with slightly shorter times during some holiday periods. If you want the quietest experience, aim for a weekday morning or early afternoon show.

Look for themed series and special weekend shows for families. The planetarium frequently features “Solaris”-type tours of the solar system and seasonal astronomy events tied to observable sky phenomena — I always check the cultural listing for advance notices of special programs.

Accessibility and family considerations

The planetarium advertises accessibility accommodations and provides programming suitable for children from about 3 years old. If you have mobility needs or require specific accommodations, contact the venue in advance so staff can prepare assistance.

Money matters: tickets, workshops and group rates

Prices are intentionally low to support broad access. Official listings indicate general admission roughly MXN 40 and reduced fares around MXN 30 for eligible groups. Workshops that complement the exhibits can start at about MXN 30 per person. Note that some payments are only accepted at the on-site window and in cash — plan accordingly.

On-site behavior and dome etiquette

• Do not enter the dome after the cutoff (about 5 minutes after show start).
• Keep phones silent; avoid using flash or bright screens during shows.
• If visiting with children, brief them about staying seated — the immersive environment is most enjoyable when everyone focuses on the projection.

What I liked most (and what to watch out for)

From my visits and follow-up checks: I appreciate the balance between historic legacy and modern digital presentation — it’s rare to find such affordable, well-curated immersive science programming in a major city. The exhibits and workshops make it a full half-day outing for families or a compact educational stop for travelers.

Practical caveats: show availability changes, and the dome’s strict entry policy means latecomers may miss a full-price experience. Also, while many programs are bilingual-friendly, some shows may be primarily in Spanish, so check the language in advance if that matters to you.

How Planetario Luis Enrique Erro fits into a Mexico City itinerary

If you’re touring northern CDMX or visiting the IPN campus area, plan 1.5–3 hours: one hour for the dome show plus time for exhibits and a workshop. Combine the visit with nearby museums or local markets to get a fuller half-day or day schedule.

Sources and reliability

My guide synthesizes official IPN pages (hours, reservation policies, workshop pricing), city cultural listings (dome rules, show pricing and accessibility), and visitor/press pieces that document the planetarium’s history and upgrades. Where details vary between sources I relied on the IPN official site for operational specifics and on city cultural listings for program and ticket rules. If you need direct confirmation for a specific date or group booking, contact the planetarium using IPN’s reservation phone or email.

FAQs

What are the planetarium’s opening hours?

The IPN lists hours as Tuesday–Friday 10:00–18:00 and Saturday–Sunday 10:00–17:00 (hours can change for holidays or special events, so check the calendar before you go).

How long are the dome shows and can I enter late?

Shows are about one hour long. City cultural listings and the planetarium advise that admission to the dome is allowed only until roughly five minutes after the projection starts, so plan to arrive early.

How much does it cost to visit?

General admission is very affordable (around MXN 40), with reduced rates (about MXN 30) for students with ID, seniors with INAPAM, children under 12, and people with disabilities. Workshops can have separate fees starting near MXN 30. Some payments may require cash at the ticket window.

How do I reserve for a school group?

School group reservations must be made in advance. IPN requests that group visits be scheduled at least one month ahead via the reservation phone extensions or the reservation email provided on the planetarium’s official page; reservations are handled Monday–Friday during working hours.

Is the planetarium accessible for people with disabilities?

The venue advertises accessibility options and discounted admission for people with disabilities. If you need special assistance, contact the planetarium in advance so staff can prepare accommodations.

Can I bring children, and what ages are the shows suitable for?

Yes — programming is family-friendly and typically suitable for children from about three years old upward. Some shows and workshops are specifically designed for younger audiences, while others are better for older kids and adults.

Which metro station is best for getting there?

Metro Politécnico and Metro Lindavista are the nearest stations. From either station you can take local buses or a short taxi/ride-share to the planetarium address on Avenida Wilfrido Massieu.

Final tips from my visits

• Always check the IPN calendar and the CDMX cultural listing a day or two before — show themes and times rotate.
• Arrive at least 20 minutes early to secure seating, especially on weekends or holidays.
• If you want workshops, bring small bills; some payments are processed at a cash-only window.
• Plan a half-day to combine the dome show with exhibits and a hands-on workshop for the best value.

If you’d like, I can check current show listings for a specific date in 2025, help you draft an email to reserve a school group, or suggest a one-day itinerary that includes the planetarium plus nearby attractions. Just tell me your travel dates or group size and I’ll assist.