The world’s largest astronomical museum — Shanghai Astronomy Museum — has been built in Shanghai

The architectural bureau Ennead Architects has designed an astronomical museum in Shanghai that resembles a celestial body in shape and allows visitors to experience the laws of gravity.

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

The total area of the museum is 39,000 m2. The museum building is huge, consists exclusively of smooth lines and has no right angles. “We wanted to convey through the architecture of the building some fundamental laws of astrophysics,» says designer Thomas J. ”It was supposed to reflect the geometry of the universe.»

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

The continuous movement of the universe and its connection with time have become a source of inspiration for architects. The building consists of three parts, which partly help to track the movement of the Earth: an inverted dome, a sphere and an oculus. For example, the oculus — a round hole in the center of the dome — displays the passage of time. So, at noon during the summer solstice, a perfect circle is projected on a black platform in front of the entrance to the museum.

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

The architects wanted the museum visitors to go on a “journey through the universe” and experience the impact of the laws of physics. Therefore, from the very beginning they are greeted by a huge building that stands on 40-meter piles hidden in the ground, which gives the impression that it has soared into the air.

Another design feature is a planetarium in the form of a sphere. It is fixed as if it is also floating above the ground. Visitors can also get into the center of the inverted dome, which offers a beautiful view of the sky.

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

In general, the architects have thought through everything with precision to the details: how visitors will move around the museum, and where their gaze will be directed at one time or another. “We wanted people to be able to learn more about space. And not just with the help of exhibits, but so that they interact directly with the stars. Therefore, the museum’s space is tangible, allows you to experience some physical experiences yourself.”

В Шанхае построен крупнейший в мире астрономический музей — Shanghai Astronomy Museum

Photo: ArchExists

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