HONOURING TIME & SPACE

THE RE-OPENING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH PLANETARIUM

By Akosua Dufie Adasi

Cover Photo: Tamara Aschenbrenner

Imagine: it’s 1958 and man has yet to land on the moon. Sitting among the stars is a far away dream fuelled by ripening curiosity. But then, a new idea emerges: Canada’s first public planetarium. When it finally opens in 1960, you’re dazzled with the possibilities—and you enter a room with a magical giant projector that gives you pristine 360° views of the stars and planets. Suddenly, a new and enchanting world is within reach.

Many of us will still never go to space, no matter how much we may want to. But the re-opening of the historic Queen Elizabeth Planetarium means that world is accessible once again. Now renovated, the elegant marble floors lead to the interior of the dome, where the giant refractor and 360° views are accompanied by LED screens all in the effort to continue the dream once realized between 1960 and 1983.

The Queen Elizabeth Planetarium is the crown of Coronation Park, with its iconic bright gold dome designed by Walter Teller and R.F Duke to look like a flying saucer. The planetarium was named to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II the following year. The sidewalks surrounding this bold landmark are decorated with mosaics depicting the 12 zodiacs to represent their star constellations and add a decorative touch to the already stunning building. The mosaics were designed and made by German immigrant artist Heinrich Eichner, who used stones from nearby riverbeds to construct his masterpieces.

The recent restoration project was a means to preserve the heritage and history of the original building whilst creating a space for new generations to appreciate the wonders of space. New upgrades include LED lights and new mechanical systems to further enhance the experience and bring it all to life. The newly restored planetarium is intended to once again bring together the community in the interest of learning and will support public programs and events for the nearby science centre.

We as a community celebrated the re-opening in late September 2023, nearly 40 years after the planetarium’s closure. Initially led by Ian McLennan, the first director of the planetarium, this historical landmark has been the home of curiosity and wonder. To commemorate the re-opening and honour the legacy, the street on which it’s located was renamed to Ian McLennan Way. Follow in his footsteps to discover the possibilities and celebrate a strong and scientifically wondrous future in and beyond Edmonton.

Queen Elizabeth Planetarium: Coronation Park, 13500–112 Ave. | 780-442-5311