This June, the stars over Prague will shine a little brighter—indoors. The Prague Planetarium reopened on June 14 after a two-year transformation, unveiling Europe’s first fully digital LED dome. Powered by Cosm’s cutting-edge CX System, the new 22-meter dome features a staggering 8K+ resolution display composed of 12,000 LED panels and 45 million diodes. More than just a technological upgrade, this marks a paradigm shift in how audiences experience astronomy, science, and immersive storytelling across the continent.
Europe’s first fully digital LED dome
The transition from projection-based to LED-based dome systems is quickly emerging as the next evolution in immersive environments. This milestone event in Prague is not only significant for Europe—it positions the planetarium as a global pioneer in digital visual storytelling. Let’s dive into the full scope of this innovation, and then explore how other major LED dome projects worldwide are reshaping entertainment landscapes.
Housed in one of Europe’s oldest and most respected planetariums, this new installation represents a leap toward the future of immersive education and cultural engagement. At the heart of the upgrade is Cosm’s CX System, a next-generation LED platform designed to eliminate the limitations of traditional projection domes.
This 22-meter dome doesn’t just offer sharper visuals—it delivers immersion on a sensory level. Integrated with Digistar 7 and Unreal Engine, the CX System provides scientifically accurate simulations and real-time 3D visualizations. The result? Vivid, high-fidelity recreations of astronomical phenomena, from nebulae to planetary flyovers, with brightness levels that are reportedly 100 times greater than conventional systems.
Cross-reflection and image distortion—common drawbacks in legacy domes—are now things of the past. According to Cosm COO Kirk Johnson, the Prague Planetarium’s new dome is “a global benchmark,” setting a new standard in experiential science and cultural exhibitions.
Prague Planetarium Unveiled Europe’s First Fully Digital LED Dome
As immersive LED domes gain momentum, several pioneering projects around the world have demonstrated the transformative power of this technology. Here are some of the most groundbreaking examples:
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Opened: 2023
Highlights: Known as the world’s largest spherical structure, the MSG Sphere redefines LED architecture with a fully programmable 16K LED interior and a massive 580,000 sq ft external LED surface. It features spatial audio and haptic seating, creating a multisensory experience that pushes the limits of live entertainment.
Location: Hollywood Park, California
Launched: Under development by Cosm
Technology: The CX System, similar to the Prague dome
Key Features: Designed as a public-facing venue for immersive sports, space, and art experiences, the Cosm Experience Center uses the same high-brightness, high-resolution LED dome platform. It’s set to become a model for next-gen digital theaters and broadcast experiences.
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Known for: One of the earliest adopters of immersive LED dome environments for digital arts
Focus: Experimental media, interactive performance art, and research into spatialized audiovisual experiences. While smaller in scale, SAT’s dome demonstrates how LED integration can serve not only science but creative expression.
Location: Macao, China
Application: Luxury leisure and entertainment
Technology: A fully immersive LED dome used for themed shows and brand experiences.
Significance: It reflects how the hospitality and tourism sectors are embracing LED dome tech to differentiate visitor attractions and offer repeatable, high-impact visual experiences.
The opening of Prague’s fully digital LED dome is more than a regional upgrade—it’s a clear signal of where immersive media is heading. As technology continues to evolve, LED domes offer a canvas limited only by imagination: education, entertainment, art, and even commercial branding are all finding new possibilities under these curved, ultra-high-resolution screens.
Kinglight – professional supplier of LEDs
Unlike traditional planetariums, LED domes provide not just clarity but flexibility. They allow for dynamic content updates, live data visualizations, and multi-user interactivity. From Hollywood to Macao, and now in the heart of Europe, LED domes are rapidly becoming central to the next era of audience engagement.
As more institutions adopt this platform, a global constellation of immersive LED spaces is beginning to form—each one offering a unique view into our universe and ourselves.
