The Eise Eisinga Planetarium
Franeker, in the province of Friesland, is home to one of the most extraordinary scientific monuments in the Netherlands: the Eise Eisinga Planetarium. In this episode of Orange Horizons, discover how over 200 years ago, wool carder and amateur astronomer Eise Eisinga built a working model of the solar system on the ceiling of his living room.
What began as an attempt to counter fear and disinformation grew into a globally unique monument. The planetarium has officially been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023.
- Discover the world’s oldest working planetarium.
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Friesland.
- Learn how one man ingeniously explained the solar system.
🎧Listen to the episode about the Eise Eisinga Planetarium.
The story of the Eise Eisinga Planetarium begins in the 18th century, when many people still had very limited knowledge about astronomy. When a Frisian preacher predicted that an unusual alignment of the planets would bring about the end of the world, Eise Eisinga decided to prove otherwise. How? By building his own fully functioning planetarium.
Wooden gears and pendulums
Between 1774 and 1781, he built a mechanical model of the solar system at his residence in Franeker. Using wooden gears, pendulums and thousands of handmade parts, he made the planets move around the sun in real time. And the most impressive aspect? The system still works today and the calculations are remarkably accurate.
In this episode of Orange Horizons, you will not only discover how the planetarium works technically, but also its special story of curiosity, education and craftsmanship.
We will take you through the historic rooms of Eisinga's former home, past the original workshop and the instruments he used for his calculations. You will also hear how King William I was so impressed with the planetarium that he bought the building and opened it to the public.
We’ll share practical tips for your visit to this fantastic piece of UNESCO World Heritage.
Curious about why the Eise Eisinga Planetarium is considered one of the most special UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands? Listen to the episode using the player above or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Podimo and Pocket Casts.
