Building work is on track in Dunedin for the first 3D digital Planetarium in the southern hemisphere.
The state of the art facility is part of a major redevelopment at Otago Museum, and will be the world's southernmost planetarium.
Guests were invited to a preview of construction work, with the 50-seat venue set to open in early December.
A dedicated education programme is being put in place, with sponsorship from Trust company Perpetual Guardian ensuring access to the planetarium will be free for students from outlying areas and low-decile schools.
Otago Museum is planning three unique shows for the theater's opening, including an exploration of Maori myths and legends, a narrated trip through the universe, and an exploration of the night sky over Otago.
Technicians from Utah are busy installing a 900kg aluminium dome inside the venue. It is suspended in a light and sound-proofed room, and angled to ensure a 360-degree viewing experience from the tilted seats.
The Museum's adjoining Discovery World Science Centre will be also be given an upgrade and overhaul, with the addition of a dedicated science communication team.
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