Kolkata now offers an innovative attraction for travelers—a museum like no other. India’s first solar dome museum, officially known as the Renewable Energy Museum, opened its doors this Tuesday. Developed by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO), the museum combines education with entertainment, focusing on renewable energy and sustainability.
The Renewable Energy Museum is a powerhouse of knowledge. Visitors are greeted with interactive displays and quizzes designed to spark curiosity.
- Learn about energy sources, including tidal, geothermal, wind, and solar energy.
- Explore exhibits on pressing global issues like climate change, rising sea levels, and global warming.
- Take part in online games and quizzes that make learning fun and engaging.
STRIKING FEATURES OF THE DOME MUSEUM
The museum stands 27 meters tall and spans a diameter of 45 meters. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore, it features:
- Solar-Powered Innovation
- Equipped with 2,086 solar panels generating 150 to 200 watts each.
- Ensures continuous energy generation throughout the day.
- Smart Technology
- A humanoid robot greets visitors, detecting their presence with ease.
- Six smaller robots, named Curio, assist with interactive exhibits.
- Future-Ready Display
- A smart electric vehicle welcomes guests at the entrance.
- Represents sustainable transportation solutions for the future.
IMMERSIVE VISITOR EXPERIENCE
The museum offers a unique blend of technology and creativity to captivate visitors of all ages.
The dome features three levels connected by a spiral ramp. A central lift ensures accessibility, making the museum friendly for everyone.
Viewing Gallery and Planetarium
- Enjoy a panoramic view of Rajarhat, New Town from the gallery on the upper level.
- Immerse yourself in a state-of-the-art planetarium for an astronomical adventure.
Marine Aquarium and Wildlife Displays
- Marvel at marine life through the vibrant aquarium.
- Spot realistic models of extinct animals and birds, including the dodo and desert rat kangaroo.
CLIMATE CHANGE AWARENESS
The museum emphasizes educating the public on climate change.
- Interactive Tunnels
- Six inverted U-shaped LCD tunnels show dramatic visuals of glacial melting, wildfires, and oil spills.
- Witness the devastating effects of human activities on Earth.
- Electronic Globe
- Track global temperature changes across regions.
- Understand the impact of climate change through real-time data.
- Climate Change Timeline
- A detailed wall display outlines significant events in climate history.
- Gain insight into how global warming evolved over decades.
KID-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
The museum isn’t just for adults. Children have their own section, complete with interactive games and hands-on exhibits that introduce them to renewable energy concepts in a fun and approachable way.
BEHIND THE SCENES
A dedicated facility management team ensures smooth operations.
- They oversee the maintenance of renewable energy models and displays.
- Guides help visitors navigate the museum and understand the exhibits.
- They manage the interactive zones, including the kids’ section.
WHY VISIT THE SOLAR DOME MUSEUM?
This futuristic museum is more than an attraction—it’s an educational journey into sustainability. From learning about renewable energy to grasping the urgency of combating climate change, visitors leave with a newfound appreciation for our planet.