One of the most impressive landmark buildings in metropolitan Kuala Lumpur is undeniably the National Planetarium in Jalan Perdana which is strategically located between other well known buildings such as the Islamic Centre and the National Museum amidst the verdant greenery of the city's Lake Gardens.
The Planetarium has a unique design being a combination of modern and Islamic architecture. The place functions as an educational centre with emphasis on space science and aims to raise the community's scientific literacy as reqards space science as well as being a tourist attraction. It also seeks to operate as a space science information centre and hosts both permanent and temporary exhibitions, film and multimedia shows, lectures and courses.
The main theatre at the KL Planetarium can accommodate same 213 spectators and is located in a 20-metre diametre dome screen; the domed screen is constructed with perforated aluminium panels. Several shows are offered to visitors including the space science shows, this is presented using the star ball and multimedia projectors; and the Sky Movie which is presented using a large format projector. Both are comparatively interesting shows.
The Planetarium has its very own observatory, which is equipped with a 14-inch telescope and high capability accessories for observations and research on the universe. This is very popular with children. Additionally, there is a permanent exhibition hall which is located at the entrance of the building and a smaller theatrette which can accommodate around 85 for seminars and lectures.
Recreational facilities at the Planetarium include a viewing gallery and binoculars are provided, a lush garden complete with interesting replicas of ancient observations and a rest area. There is a souvenir shop with a reasonable range of products, post cards and souvenir items and a reasonably priced restaurant, where you can partake of snacks and a cup of tea.
The National Planetarium is open from Tuesday to Sunday and tickets can be purchased on site. Entrance to the space science show costs 75 pence, the space movie 1.20 pounds and there is a nominal 25 pence charge for the exhibition.
A visit to the Planetarium could easily be combined with a trip to the nearby National Museum (Muzium Negara) and a relaxing stroll in the Lake Gardens. I would set-aside a couple of hours for this attraction and a big bonus is that it has very low entrance charges. A good place to make tracks for if you enjoy star-gazing !
Thanks for reading !
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