Top Edinburgh visitor attraction is re-opening after six months

To celebrate the re-opening, the attraction is running its Annual Explorer Pass offer until Sunday, November 1 for anyone who buys a full price ticket will be able to enjoy a full year’s visits for free.

Visitors in October will also get a sneak peek at the brand new planetarium, set to launch fully in the winter. Over the last six months, the popular ShowDome has been transformed into the UK’s first and only Digistar 6K planetarium, providing a sharper and brighter picture for the much-loved films. The full planetarium experience will be available in the coming months, with brand new capabilities, including stunning high resolution views of the night sky.

While much of the experience will remain the same, some changes have been made to the centre to protect the health and wellbeing of all visitors and staff. In line with Scottish Government guidelines, all staff and visitors over the age of five will be asked to wear a face covering or mask, unless they are exempt from doing so. Visitor capacities have been reduced significantly, one way systems have been introduced within some exhibition spaces and 2m social distancing is required at all times.

There will also be some changes to the exhibition. Four interactive spaces have been closed to help maintain social distancing: two in Scotland’s Time Lords and two in the Rainforest. The Time Machine will only be available to those with additional mobility requirements and guests with prams/pushchairs, and visitors will not be able to touch the iceberg until further notice.

The shop, café and toilet facilities will be open with additional cleaning and social distancing restrictions.

Marketing Director, Eilidh Massie, comments: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be able to open our doors again. While there are some changes in place at the moment, many of the changes are good ones, with more space to enjoy the individual gallery spaces and a first chance to see the incredible new planetarium!

“We are committed to providing the very best experience for our visitors in the safest environment possible, and look forward to welcoming new and return visitors to the attraction.”

Tickets for allocated arrival times are on sale and must be booked in advance.