Skip to main content

Ennead Architects’ Shanghai Planetarium Breaks Ground

News
shanghai planetarium night time view

Construction has started on Shanghai’s 409, 000-square-foot Shanghai Planetarium.

Based in the city’s Lingang district and due to open in 2020, it will operate as the new astronomical branch for the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. The museum will boast a 78-foot-tall solar telescope together with exterior exhibition space.

shanghai planetarium view

The museum will include:

  • A 68-foot Diameter Digital Sky Theater
  • An Education and Research Center
  • An IMAX theater
  • A 60-foot-Diameter Optical Planetarium
  • Permanent and temporary Exhibit Galleries
  • A Solar Telescope
  • Youth Observation Camp
  • Observatory

The international-competition-winning design of the building is inspired by astronomical principles in its three forms: the “oculus, ” the “inverted dome, ” and the “sphere.” This arrangement represents an astronomic tool being used to track the sun, moon, and stars.

New York design firm Ennead Architects‘ Partner Thomas Wong said, “In linking the new museum to both scientific purpose and to the celestial references of buildings throughout history, the exhibits and architecture will communicate more than scientific content: they will illuminate what it means to be human in a vast and largely unknown universe”.

shanghai planatarium night tiem view

All images kind courtesy Ennead Architects.

https://www.contractdesign.com/news/projects/Construction-Begins-on-Ennead-Architects-Shanghai-Planetarium-39650.shtml

Share this
charles read blooloop

Charles Read

Charles is managing director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.

More from this author

More from this author

Related content

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

Find out how to update