The pyramid-like building has four floors housing an amphitheatre, a planetarium chamber, an exhibition space and an observatory.

The planetarium was built by Vadodara Municipal Corporation near the main gate and in a corner of Sayajibaug, a central garden on the banks of Vishwamitri river.

[1][2][3][4] The foundation of the planetarium was laid on 3 November 1974 by Mohan Dharia, Minister of State for Works and Housing, Government of India.

[5][6][7] It was named after Indian independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to commemorate his birth centenary.

[9] The building is surrounded by the Science Park spread over an area of 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft) which has 15 exhibits related to astronomy and physics.