When driving north up the freeway, it’s hard not to notice the dome, an iconic landmark that’s dominated Citywest Centre for over three decades. In 1988, SciTech started bringing the wonders of science to everybody with Perth Omni Theatre above it in the dome. In 2004, Omni closed its doors and SciTech took over the dome, turning it into a massive Planetarium. The 18 metre, 180-degree dome houses the largest digital projection in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the years, thousands of children and adults have become inspired by science because of visiting SciTech.
But in March this year, the iconic dome was taken down and Perth went a little mad. Media outlets were running stories as to why the dome had been removed. The reason was that after 35 years of flashing its lights at night, it became structurally unsafe.
Dome Removed
So began the project to replace the dome. Last night (19th May 2022) the dome lights were turned back on.
When we arrived at the launch, dancers with lit up wings and a saxophonist with a glowing sax, created a cool vibe.
International model, Australian All Star survivor winner, David Genat, MC’d the event.
Noongar Elder, Len Collard, provided a welcome to country and smoke ceremony and played the atmospheric didgeridoo.
City of Light
Perth Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas, was on hand to hit the light switch. Before that, he told the story of why Perth was named the City of Light. Back in 1962, all of Perth was instructed to turn on their lights for Astronaut John Glenn, who was orbiting the Earth in the Friendship 7 spacecraft. Glenn commented on the brightness from space and Perth became known as The City of Light.
The City of Perth is now using the City of Light as a new brand so the dome over SciTech is instrumental in helping to create that vibe.
With its new dome, maybe it’s time to revisit SciTech and the Planetarium.