Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium Inauguration Medal, Lisbon, 1965

ANRO-1584

Obverse: Detailed depiction of a Zeiss planetarium projector, used to simulate the night sky and celestial movements. The inscription surrounding the image reads: PLANETÁRIO C. GULBENKIAN LISBOA-PORTUGAL.

Reverse: Large anchor, symbolizing the maritime connection. The inscription reads: PLANETÁRIO C. GULBENKIAN MARINHA at the top, and INAUGURADO EM 20-VII-1965 (Portuguese for "Inaugurated on July 20, 1965") at the bottom, commemorating the date of its establishment.

Specifications: Bronze, 79mm, ±180g
Artist / Engraver: Machado
Mint:
Edge: Plain
Mintage:
Reference:
Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no. 184

The Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium, inaugurated on July 20, 1965, is located within the Maritime Museum complex in Belém, Lisbon. The Maritime Museum, established in 1863, is one of Portugal’s most important cultural institutions, dedicated to preserving the country’s maritime legacy. Its collection includes ship models, navigational instruments, and artifacts from the Age of Discovery, showcasing Portugal’s role in global exploration. The planetarium, funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, was built to advance public understanding of astronomy and features a state-of-the-art Zeiss projector, which recreates celestial movements with remarkable accuracy. Together, the museum and planetarium highlight Portugal’s historical connection between oceanic navigation and the study of the stars.