Suffolk Construction Company, Inc. was chosen by the Museum of Science, Boston to manage physical and technological renovations to its Charles Hayden Planetarium. Suffolk's work will include renovations to the Planetarium's iconic hemispherical dome and upgrades to the facility's complex MEP systems, which will allow for the installation of a new surround system and the latest in high-definition immersive video and digital acoustic capabilities. The total cost of the Planetarium renovation will be $9 million.
"We are excited that the Museum of Science, Boston chose us to manage this very important renovation project," said John Fish, chairman and CEO, Suffolk Const.
Suffolk began the Planetarium transformation project in January—the entire renovation project is scheduled for completion in early 2011.
"The Museum is delighted to work with Suffolk as we transform the Charles Hayden Planetarium into New England's most technologically advanced digital theater," said Ioannis Miaoulis, president and director of the Museum of Science. He said, "The Planetarium has educated and excited Museum visitors for over fifty years; now, the renovation project will enable us to provide visitors with an even richer experience."
Suffolk will complete its Planetarium renovation work by Fall 2010, in time for the installation of state-of-the-art equipment that will include digital SONY projectors and the Zeiss Starmaster custom-built optics system. The centerpiece of the new Planetarium, the "Zeiss" will replicate the night sky and re-create cosmic phenomena such as solar eclipses. Museum staff will use the optics system and full-dome video display system and digital animation technology to create original programming that focuses on astronomy and space exploration, current science and technology, global climate change, nanotechnology, genetics and bioengineering.
The Planetarium transformation project has been funded through the Charles Hayden Foundation and private donations, with significant support from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, Suffolk Construction Company, and the Highland Street Foundation.