After a three-year renovation and nearly $8.8 million invested in the latest technologies, the Bogota Planetarium reopened to the public on March 21.
Bogota’s planetarium first opened in 1969, appropriately coinciding with man’s arrival on the moon. Now, over 40 years later, investors have poured millions of dollars into renovations, resulting in a tourist attraction that truly is out of this world.
The traditional dome has become the first in the country to be remodeled using “Nanoseam” technology, which is claimed to offer “the smoothest, most uniform surface available.” According to the director of Fleet science center, being in a Nanoseam dome “is like sitting inside a giant eggshell.”
The super smooth surface is combined with a digital projection “power dome” to give visitors the ultimate stargazing experience.
The new planetarium also features a comprehensive space museum, covering over 6,450 sq. feet, where visitors can appreciate alternative ways of viewing the universe using 35 visual, audio and interactive activities.
Another novelty feature is the terrace, which offers a 360-degree view of the Parque de la Independencia and Plaza Santamaria. Parents can also rest assured that children will be kept busy with specially designed science and astronomy workshops for kids.
The planetarium is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. Visitors can choose to visit the museum for COP 8,000 ($4.40), the dome for COP 6,000 ($3.30) or both attractions for COP 12,000 ($6.60). The attraction is located in street 26 B, number 5-93, near the Plaza Santamaria and the Parque de la Independencia and reservations can be made by contacting reservas.planetariodebogota@gmail.com.