Leipzig Panometer

The Leipzig Panometer is a former gas holder in the south of Leipzig where artist Yadegar Asisi displays his gigantic 360-degree panoramas. You climb a viewing tower in the middle of the round hall and find yourself surrounded by a strikingly realistic scene. Since January 2026 the panorama shows Antarctica, with icebergs, glaciers, penguins and whales. It is one of the most popular things to do in Leipzig, especially on a rainy day or with kids.

Where it is and how to get there

The Panometer is at Richard-Lehmann-Strasse 114, south of Leipzig's city center, close to the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Trams 9 and 16 and bus 70 stop nearby, and the MDR S-Bahn station is about a 15-minute walk away. Leipzig itself is roughly an hour and a quarter from Berlin by ICE train, and the Deutschlandticket covers the city's trams and buses. If you drive, parking at the Panometer is free; when it is full, use the free Park & Ride lot at the Battle of the Nations monument and take bus 70 two stops.

From gas tank to panorama hall

The brick rotunda was built in 1909–1910 to store town gas and was in use until 1977. It measures about 57 meters (187 feet) across. Asisi has shown his panoramas here since 2003, starting with "Everest" and followed by works such as "Rome 312," "Amazonia," "Leipzig 1813," "Titanic" and "New York 9/11." The neighboring smaller gas holder is now an event venue.

What to see: ANTARKTIS

The current panorama, ANTARKTIS, premiered in January 2026 and is scheduled to stay at least until early 2028. It is 32 meters tall.

• The lowest part shows marine life beneath the ice, while glaciers and icebergs rise above.
• Look for penguins, whales and seals hidden in the scene.
• The 15-meter viewing tower makes it seem as if you are floating on the water in front of the ice sheet. Binoculars rent for €2.
• Public tours (in German) run daily at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Asisi traveled to Antarctica himself in 2016 to research the work.

Opening hours and tickets

As of October 2026, the Panometer is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including public holidays, with last entry at 4 p.m. Tickets cost €16 for adults, €14 reduced and €8 for children aged 6 to 16; under-6s enter free. A family ticket starts at €35, and a combined ticket with the Dresden Panometer is €27. Online tickets are currently not available, so buy at the box office and expect lines on weekends and during school holidays. Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours.

All exhibition areas are wheelchair accessible except the viewing tower, which has stairs only. Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs excepted). The historic hall is not air-conditioned, and the Panometer recommends keeping your jacket on in fall and winter. There is a café on site.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy immersive art or are traveling with children. The Panometer pairs well with the nearby Monument to the Battle of the Nations. Afterward, take the tram back to the old town for St. Nicholas Church, the Old Town Hall, Auerbachs Keller and the Bach Museum.