Jodrell Bank Observatory has officially opened its latest attraction of the First Light Pavilion.
The state-of-the-art Pavilion is courtesy of an investment worth £21.5m, aided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
First Light features a 76 metre glass-topped dome which has the shape and scale of the Lovell Telescope, the focal point of Jodrell Bank.
The building work was designed by international architecture firm HASSELL.
The hallmarks of Jodrell Bank’s pioneering scientists and engineers, who have shaped space exploration, can be found in the Pavilion to celebrate their important work.
Leading exhibition designers Casson Mann helped create the Jodrell Bank experience. Meanwhile, award-winning digital media studio Squint/Opera created the interactive projected animations onto the Telescope.
During their visit, guests can check out the Space Dome, featuring an auditorium with an immersive curved screen and shows in all its glory the skies, stars and planets. On hand is an expert to share knowledge of the planetarium and space in general.
Teresa Anderson, Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement says: “It’s a project that has involved an incredible team of creative, skilled and committed people, all of whom have put their hearts into it. The result something really special and unique – there is nothing like it anywhere in the world – and it will stand at Jodrell Bank for generations to come, offering people of all ages a chance to be inspired by our place in the Universe.”
