Sri Lanka Planetarium, Science museum and planetarium in Bauddhaloka district, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Planetarium is a science facility with a large dome structure that serves as both a museum and a place for astronomical shows. Visitors can explore exhibits related to space, stars, and scientific discovery in a dedicated indoor space designed for education and learning.
The facility was established in 1965 as part of a major initiative to develop science education in the country. It was built with international support and has served as a center for sharing knowledge about astronomy and the universe ever since.
The facility incorporates architectural elements from international structures, including the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Cathedral of Brasilia.
The planetarium stands on Stanley Thilakaratne Mawatha in Colombo 7, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research. Its 570-seat auditorium sits beneath a 23 m dome, and a mobile planetarium unit has operated since 1999. The building was refurbished in 2014 and reopened on 9 December.
The building features an unusual folded concrete roof that was cast directly at the construction site using specialized engineering techniques. This method of construction was innovative for its time and remains visible in the way the structure stands.
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