Bhubaneswar, Aug. 22: Pathani Samanta Planetarium is all set to get a grand makeover. Visitors, however, may have to wait for a few months to get a glimpse of the new look of the astronomy theatre and museum. Tomorrow onwards, the planetarium will remain closed for a few months for renovation work.

The renovation project, funded by the state government, will be conducted in two phases, said an official of the state’s only planetarium.

“We have planned to conduct the renovation work in two separate phases. First, digital equipment will be installed in the theatre. Repair of the building and other equipment on the premises will follow soon,” said Subhendu Patnaik, deputy director of Pathani Samanta Planetarium.

The auditorium, which has been screening only two films a day for the past few years, will be converted into a digital facility that would have specially designed comfortable seats. It will also be upgraded with the latest air-conditioning facilities.

“Installation of digital equipment in the theatre will allow us to screen numerous programmes simultaneously. Films and documentaries, which will be shown here after reopening of the planetarium, have been based on various themes and designed with latest software,” said Patnaik.

All the films to be shown here will be in 3D format. The screen of the auditorium will also be converted into one like that of the multiplexes. “This will create a dynamic motion picture kind of effect unlike the current static type of impact. This will be the first such facility in eastern India,” said Patnaik.

USA-based company Evans and Sutherland will do the renovation of the theatre. A budget of Rs 4 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose.

Makeover of the planetarium building and modernisation of equipment will be done by Orissa Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) at a cost of Rs 1.04 crore. The light and water shows will also be renovated.

The planetarium was established to promote and popularise astronomy and other forms of science.

“We are looking forward to get the complete facelift done by November so that we can reopen the planetarium in December. But, the renovation project may take longer,” said an official.