Kuwait’s National Planetarium was one of the first in the Gulf Region and originally opened back in 1986. But a lot has happened to it since then.
During the 1990 Gulf War, the planetarium was destroyed and the signature dome remained visibly damaged for many years after. Eventually, the planetarium was rebuilt and it reopened again in 2002 but then closed down again in 2016 due to the major renovations that were going to take place at the National Museum. Now, 8 years later, it’s set to reopen again.
The technology at the planetarium has been fully upgraded with a new system consisting of nine 4K video projectors, new computer technology and the modernization of the sound system. But, at the heart of it all is the Zeiss STARMASTER projection system which has been at the planetarium since the reopening in 2002. The STARMASTER replaced the Zeiss SPACEMASTER which was installed in 1986 and was badly damaged during the 1990 invasion (It’s now displayed in the planetariums lobby). Only 19 STARMASTER projection systems are installed worldwide and they’re known for their high level of brightness, pinpoint sharpness, and providing a realistic starry sky.
Work on the planetarium is basically complete with only minor maintenance work left. Their aim is to open it as soon as the work is complete, but most likely it will be right after Ramadan.
If you’ve never been to the planetarium before, it’s located on the Gulf Road, opposite Seef Palace and is part of the Kuwait National Museum.
6 replies on “Kuwait National Planetarium Set to Reopen Soon”
Do you have any photos of the planetarium back when it was destroyed?
here you go https://evidence-kw.com/the-city/
once upon a time there was a zoo in Kuwait …what happened to it?
Speaking of Zoos, a petting zoo will not be an entirely bad idea for the Al Shaheed Park extension. Catch the film, the ‘Zoo Keeper’ if you haven’t already watched it.
Have often wondered what kind of seating arrangement there exists inside the planetarium ? Is it semi circular or are visitors expected to remain standing for the entire duration of their visit to the planetarium.
Tell us about the Ujairi observatory too and how does it compare with us ? Do they let members of the public in.
semi circular seating