Science Centre, Surat

Science Centre, Surat is a multi-facility complex in Surat, Gujarat, India built by the Surat Municipal Corporation in 2009, the first of its type in western India.[2] The complex houses a Science Centre, museum, an art gallery, an auditorium, an Amphitheatre and a planetarium. It has been designed by Ahmedabad based architectural firm, HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt. Ltd.[3]

Science Centre Surat
Established29 November 2009
LocationSurat
TypeScience and Technology Museum
Visitors928,047 (as of June 2022)[1]
CuratorBhamini Mahida
Website

The Complex

The complex covers a total area of 21,800 sq. m. and was built at the cost of ₹ 50.24 crores.[2] It has underground parking facility for 112 four-wheelers and 210 two-wheelers. It has two 400 tonne vapor absorption chiller plants for air conditioning. The complex also houses a rooftop solar power plant which generates about 1.14 lakh KW of power.[4] In addition, the complex also houses a restaurant.[2]

In its first three months of opening, the Science Centre had nearly 30,000 visitors.[5]

Science Centre

The science centre forms the main part of the complex. It houses a Fun Science Gallery which shows science exhibits. Dedicated galleries for Space, Textile and Diamond are also proposed.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum has about 8400 antiquities in wide categories of wood, porcelain, copper, bronze, textile, coins, paintings, miniature paintings, manuscripts, sculptures etc. The museum was developed to showcase the past of Surat. The museum also has a small auditorium to screen documentaries on the history of Surat.[6]

In 2009, designers S. Team Design Services received the IIIDMK Award (Western region) in the Public Spaces Category for the SVP Museum. They were commended for the National Award in the Institution Category.[7]

Amphitheatre

The complex also houses an amphitheatre. It is circular shaped with stepped seating. The seating capacity of the theatre is 250. The theatre is used to organise cultural shows and small concerts.[8]

Planetarium

Located on the first floor, the Planetarium is built in the shape of a sphere 16.30 metre in diameter. It has a seating capacity of 140. The digital theatre of the planetarium facilitates the observation of stars, moon, planets and other heavenly bodies which are displayed on the full dome. High resolution projectors which use Digistar 3 technology with digital audio system are used. The show is currently in three languages - Hindi, Gujarati and English.[9]

Located opposite to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Museum, the art gallery is used for art exhibitions in the city.[10]

Auditorium

The Auditorium is housed in the mezzanine level of the Complex at the southern end of the main building. It has a seating capacity of 260. The auditorium is used for seminars, lectures and meetings.[11]

See also

References
  1. "Visitors".
  2. Bhatt, Himanshu (25 November 2009). "Multi-facility Science Centre to open in Surat". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  3. "SMC Science Centre | HCP". www.hcp.co.in. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  4. "Surat Municipal Corporation to inaugurate rooftop solar plant". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013.
  5. "Entry fees of Science Centre, Sarthana Zoo slashed to 50%". The Times of India. 20 April 2010. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
  6. "Museum, Science Centre". Surat Municipal Corporation.
  7. "Awards + achievements". S. Team Design Services. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
  8. "Amphitheatre, Surat Science Centre". Surat Municipal Corporation.
  9. "Planetarium, Surat Science Centre". Surat Municipal Corporation.
  10. "Art Gallery, Surat Science Centre". Surat Municipal Corporation.
  11. "Auditorium, Surat Science Centre". Surat Municipal Corporation.

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