[1] The building of a space museum in Rizal Park was proposed by Philippine Weather Bureau chief and Philippine Astronomical Society founder Maximo Sacro Jr. to National Museum Director Godofredo Alcasid Sr. in 1970.

It was presented to then National Parks and Development Committee chair and First Lady Imelda Marcos who approved the project and immediately instructed the Bureau of Public Works to prepare plans for the building.

The planetarium cost US$100,000 to build with funding provided by the Japanese government as part of its war reparation to the Philippines.

804-A was signed by then President Ferdinand Marcos on September 30, 1975 which formally established the National Planetarium.

[6] It featured four daily regular shows and a permanent exhibit in the main building featuring paintings of Philippine astronomical myths and beliefs and diorama representations of the Solar System, major constellations and astronomists.