Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre

Updated April 15, 2024

## Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre (Dhaka): A Practical Visitor Guide

If you’re mapping out a science-and-space stop in Dhaka, this dome theater and science center on Bijoy Sarani Avenue delivers immersive astronomy shows plus hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity across ages. Below is a straight-talk, fact-checked guide to plan your visit with zero fluff and maximum utility.

> Important name update (2025): In March 2025, the interim government officially changed the institution’s name from “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre” to simply “Novo Theatre, Dhaka.” You’ll still see both names on maps and older materials.

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### Where it is & what it is

– Location: Bijoy Sarani Avenue, Tejgaon, Dhaka (near the Bijoy Sarani corridor).
– What it is: Bangladesh’s flagship planetarium and science venue, opened to the public on 25 September 2004.
– Site size & seating: The complex spans ~5.46 acres and the main dome theater seats about 275 people—useful for gauging show capacity on busy days. Sun

Why it matters: This is the country’s key public gateway to astronomy education—domed projections simulate the night sky, planets, and deep-space phenomena to make concepts tangible for students and families alike.

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## Planning your visit

### Opening days & showtimes (what’s typical—and what’s changed)

– Typical weekly pattern (reference schedule): Historically, five daily planetarium shows ran on Sat/Sun/Mon/Tue/Thu at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00; Friday at 10:00, 11:30, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00; Wednesday was the weekly holiday. Treat this as a baseline, not a guarantee.
– Recent update from the official site: The theatre announced extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays, with exhibits open until 22:00 and the last planetarium show starting at 20:30 on those days. Always verify just before you go because times can change with events and holidays. Theatre

> Accuracy note: Schedules vary by season and special programming. Cross-check the latest times on the official portal and/or the Ministry e-ticketing page on the day of your visit.

### Tickets & booking

– Where to book: The official Ministry of Science & Technology e-ticket portal lists current shows and prices for Novo Theatre; you can book online there.
– Indicative price point: The portal has listed certain planet shows at ৳100 (Bangladeshi Taka) per person for a 60-minute session. Pricing can vary by program—check the exact show you want before paying.

Tip: Popular time slots (late afternoon/evening, school holidays) sell out. If you must visit at peak times, reserve online rather than queuing on site.

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## What you’ll experience inside

### The dome show

– The central attraction is the domed planetarium theater projecting a simulated sky and space journeys—ideal for first-time learners and anyone who benefits from visual, large-format storytelling.
– The venue periodically adds new show titles (e.g., star formation, night-sky tours) and capsule/3D experiences, so the program you see this month may differ from last month.

### Exhibits & science areas

– Beyond the main show, expect interactive science exhibits and themed galleries aimed at making physics and astronomy approachable for school groups and families. Places

For caregivers and educators: The seated, climate-controlled dome and structured 60-minute runtime make it manageable with kids; the seat count (~275) tells you why peak-hour tickets disappear fast. Sun

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## Practical logistics

### Getting there

– Address anchor: Bijoy Sarani Avenue, Tejgaon—this is a major corridor, so plan for traffic buffer time, especially on weekday afternoons.
– Rideshare vs. driving: Rideshare/taxi drop-off at the forecourt is easiest; street parking can be tight during show changeovers. (Common-sense local advice, not an official facility promise.)

### How long to allow

– Minimum: 90 minutes (ticket pickup + a 60-minute show + brief exhibit walk-through).
– Deeper dive: 2–2.5 hours if you want to explore exhibits without rushing or if you’re coordinating a class visit. (Time budgeting guidance; actual program lengths vary.

### Accessibility & inclusivity notes

– The venue is a public science institution with fixed seating in the dome. While specific accessibility statements are not prominently listed on English-language pages, staff can advise at the entrance or by phone/email prior to your visit. Use official contacts below for up-to-date, individualized information.

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## Essential facts at a glance

– Opened: 25 September 2004.
– Core function: Planetarium + science exhibits.
– Seating (main dome): ~275. Sun
– Typical weekly holiday: Wednesday (verify close to your date).
– Recent hours note: Thu–Fri late opening; last show 20:30 those days (subject to change). Theatre
– Official site: Novotheatre portal (programs, notices).
– Online tickets: Ministry e-ticketing portal.
– Sample listed ticket: ৳100 for certain 60-min planet shows (confirm exact show/time).

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## Contact & verification

If you need to confirm group bookings, accessibility accommodations, or day-of show status, use official channels:

– Website: novotheatre.gov.bd / novotheatre.portal.gov.bd (service notices, PDFs, and contact pages are posted there).
– E-ticket portal: eticket.most.gov.bd (choose Novo Theatre to see that day’s lineup and prices).
– Published contact references: Multiple directories list Bijoy Sharani, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215 with email/phone for the theatre administration (note that phone numbers can change; verify on the day).

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## What’s changed or potentially outdated (so you don’t get caught out)

– Name: Officially “Novo Theatre, Dhaka” since March 2025; older signage and many map pins still show the longer Bangabandhu name.
– Schedules: The Banglapedia timetable (five shows daily; Wednesday holiday) is a solid historical reference but not a live schedule. The official site has recently posted late hours on Thu/Fri with a 20:30 last show—verify on the day.
– Pricing: The e-ticket portal shows current prices by show; individual listings have appeared at ৳100 for 60-minute programs, but always check the specific session you’re buying.

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### Bottom line

For Dhaka visitors seeking a science-forward, time-bounded activity that works for kids, school groups, and curious adults, the Novo Theatre’s dome show plus exhibits are easy to slot into an afternoon or evening. Lock in tickets online, buffer for traffic, and double-check the official schedule the morning you go. You’ll avoid queues, get your preferred language/time slot, and walk into the dome ready for lift-off.

This guide is based on official notices, institutional references, and current booking portals. Where hours and prices are mentioned, they are explicitly flagged as time-sensitive to keep your planning accurate.

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