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ACADEMY SHINE DOME REVEALS ITS SECRETS
8 October 2007

Which national icon is affectionately known as 'the martian embassy', 'the jellyfish', 'the igloo' and 'the spaceship'? The Academy of Science's Shine Dome in Gordon Street, Acton.

The Shine Dome will be open to the public from 10.00am-3.00pm on Thursday 11 October and is a rare chance for those who have marvelled at the architecture, wondered what's inside and what the Academy does, to walk through and discover it for themselves.

Oddities such as the extra toilet built for Prince Charles and motion sickness caused by the walls will be revealed.

Experts will tell how the iconic Dome shape was chosen by architect Roy Grounds as it reflected the surrounding hills of Canberra, and was typical of his landscape inspired architecture.

Original footage of the Dome's amazing construction will be shown as well as other building designs proposed for the Academy. Guided tours will be run over the day highlighting features of the building, discussing people and stories related to the Shine Dome and the intriguing artefacts on display.

The Shine Dome, commissioned by the Australian Academy of Science in December 1956, is significant for its association with the post-war development of the Australian scientific community. The creation of the Academy provided Australian science with a national presence and an international face. It was also seen as a symbol of modern Canberra.

The Shine Dome embodies the innovation, persistence and strength of Australian science, and serves as a time capsule for the achievements of our scientists. It was opened in May 1959 by the then Governor-General Sir William Slim.

The significance of the Shine Dome has been recognised by heritage listing on the Register of the National Estate, and was recently celebrated by the production of a stamp which will be on display.

Details:

10.00am-3.00pm 11 October 2007 Gordon Street, Acton Free entry and parking