South Africa’s Iziko Museums – an agency of the government’s Department of Arts and Culture – is enhancing its Planetarium in Cape Town with a R27m (US$2.2m, €2m, (£1.7m) digital upgrade.

The Iziko Planetarium, part of the Iziko South African Museum, will get the much-needed upgrade to its 30-year-old facility, which has welcomed more than two million visitors through its doors since opening.

The digital upgrade project will culminate in the addition of a brand-new fulldome immersive theatre facility, which is expected to be completed by early next year.

“Fulldome digital technology has become the norm for planetaria worldwide, with high-resolution multimedia image projection creating riveting immersive and multisensory experiences,” said an Iziko statement. “This innovative evolution – from analogue to full dome digital technology – will create a hub of creativity and learning for the general public, as well as provide unparalleled educational and eResearch benefits.”

The digitalisation of the planetarium comes as the result of a two-year fundraising campaign, which to date has raised R20.5m towards costs (US$1.6m, €1.5m, £1.3m). Partners involved in the scheme include South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology (DST); National Research Foundation (NRF); National Lotteries Commission (NLC); University of Cape Town (UCT); University of the Western Cape (UWC); and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).

“As part of the upgraded South African Museum, the new Iziko Planetarium will feature as one of the African Continent’s foremost centres of excellence for heritage, biodiversity and science,” said Rooksana Omar, CEO of Iziko. “This type of partnership, between museums, academia and government, illustrates the value, significance and impact of collaboration in creating synergies between generating knowledge and providing platforms of expression and innovation.”