H. R. MacMillan Space Centre facts for kids
Main entrance to the Space Centre, shared with the Museum of Vancouver
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| Established | 1968 |
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| Location | 1100 Chestnut Street Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Type | Planetarium |
| Visitors | 126,420 (2018) |
| Owner | H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Society |
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is an exciting museum in Vancouver, British Columbia. It's located in Vanier Park and is all about space and astronomy! This cool place opened its doors on October 28, 1968. Back then, it had a special Planetarium called the Star Theatre.
Today, the Space Centre has lots more to explore. You can find an exhibit gallery filled with displays. There's also a demonstration theatre where public talks and events happen. The museum shares its building with the Museum of Vancouver. Right next to the building, you'll find the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory. This is a great spot to look at the stars!
Why the Space Centre Has Its Name
The Space Centre is named after a very important person. His name was H. R. MacMillan. He was a rich businessman who worked with wood, and he loved to help others. Mr. MacMillan paid for the Planetarium Theatre to be part of the museum building. Because of this, many local people still call the Space Centre "the Planetarium."
How the Building Was Designed
The building where the Space Centre is located was designed in the 1960s. An architect named Gerald Hamilton created the plans. It was first meant to be called The Centennial Museum. The planetarium part was added later. This happened after H.R. MacMillan gave his generous donation.
Outside the museum, you can see a unique sculpture. It's called The Crab and was made by George Norris. His sculpture won a design contest in 1967. The Space Centre started as just the H.R. MacMillan Planetarium. But in the 1990s, it changed its name and grew bigger. It added exhibit space into one part of the building it shares with the Museum of Vancouver. The whole building was updated and renovated in 1997-98 by Matsuzaki Wright Architects.
Images for kids
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Main entrance to the Space Centre, shared with the Museum of Vancouver
See also
In Spanish: Centro espacial H. R. MacMillan para niños
