Media releases
SHINE DOME OPEN DAY: FIND OUT WHAT'S INSIDE
22 September 2008
The home of the Australian Academy of Science, the Shine Dome (known by some as the Martian or Eskimo embassy!), will open its doors to the public on Thursday 2 October from 10 am to 4 pm.
This year's open day will feature talks by Academy Fellows Professor Brian Schmidt and Professor Susanne von Caemmerer on astronomy and discovery in our universe, and how plants influence Earth's climate and atmosphere.
The day will also include guided tours of the heritage-listed Dome by local architects Pip Giovanelli and Eric Martin. They will highlight the many intriguing facets of the Shine Dome's architecture as well as shedding light on its creation and creators, and the foundation of the Australian Academy of Science.
On display will be the fascinating collection of scientific artefacts housed in the Dome, including a handmade Union Jack flag from an expedition to the Magnetic South Pole, a meteorite fragment, and an original letter from explorer Sir Douglas Mawson about the Australasian Antarctic Expedition.
Footage of the Shine Dome's construction and other visual presentations on the history of the Shine Dome and Ian Potter House, the Academy's heritage-listed secretariat building, will also be featured.
Come along and find out what's inside...
| What: | Shine Dome open day |
| When: | Thursday 2 October, 10 am to 4 pm |
| Where: | Gordon Street, Acton, adjacent to the ANU |
| Cost: | Free entry and parking |
| Talks: | 11.30am – Discovering our universe, Professor Brian Schmidt 1.30pm – Plants and our planet, Professor Susanne von Caemmerer |
| Tours: | 11.00, 12.00, 2.00 and 3.00 o'clock |
Media are very welcome to attend
Media contact: Mona Akbari, mona.akbari@science.org.au, 02 6201 9452, 0416 331 821
