Alfa Planetarium

Alfa Planetarium
Alfa Planetarium, museum, astronomical observatory and IMAX Dome system, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
Date openedOctober 11, 1978 (1978-10-11)
Date closedSeptember 4, 2020 (2020-09-04)
LocationMonterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
Memberships
  • Association of Science Technology Centers
  • Giant Screen Cinema Association
  • Asociación Mexicana de Museos y Centros de Ciencia y Tecnología
  • Red de Popularización de Ciencia
  • Federación Mexicana de Amigos de Museos
Major exhibitsIMAX Dome System, Aviary, Gorilla Island
DirectorJulia Moreira

Alfa Planetarium (Spanish: Planetario Alfa) was a planetarium located in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. This institution was created by ALFA (Mexico) in 1978 to promote science and technology in Latin America. It included an interactive science museum, an Omnimax system cinema, an aviary and an area for temporary exhibits and events. The Alfa Planetarium was one of the most visited cultural centers in Mexico. While its main focus was on science, it also had some art pieces.

It was closed definitively on the 4th of September 2020, after 42 years of operation. The main reasons behind the decision were the lack of investment in upgrades required due to rapidly advancing technology, a reduction in revenue due to sanitary measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lack of public investment in cultural projects. It is thought to have had over 15.2 million visitors during its entire run. By the end of its life, it had over 500 pieces in its permanent exhibitions.