First Light Pavilion
A new moment of transformation
Our First Light Pavilion launched on 4th June 2022. The architecturally stunning building is at the heart of a £21.5m project to open up the awe-inspiring heritage of Jodrell Bank to even more people.
Unearth inspirational stories of Jodrell Bank’s pioneering scientists in our new permanent exhibition, explore the depths of space in an immersive planetarium experience, and enjoy views of the Jodrell Bank arboretum from the First Light café terrace.
Architecture
The striking building, designed by Hassell, takes the form of a grass-topped 76m diameter dome which cleverly mirrors the shape and scale of the Lovell Telescope.
By maintaining an age-old tradition of building structures that express our relationship to the skies above us, the building also makes reference to ancient sites such as Stonehenge and Newgrange, by aligning with the Sun via a meridian line cut through the dome’s entranceway. Facing due south, a slim vertical window in the centre of the building invites the sun to shine through, acting as a giant sundial within the foyer.
By maintaining an age-old tradition of building structures that express our relationship to the skies above us, the building also makes reference to ancient sites such as Stonehenge and Newgrange, by aligning with the Sun via a meridian line cut through the dome’s entranceway. Facing due south, a slim vertical window in the centre of the building invites the sun to shine through, acting as a giant sundial within the foyer.
Design
Created by leading exhibition designers Casson Mann, the First Light Exhibition brings the Story of Jodrell Bank to life.
Fascinating archive materials are brought together for the first time including audio, film, diaries, letters, plans and photographs in innovative digital displays and projections.
The exhibition fabric is made from the skin of the Lovell Telescope, bringing visitors into direct contact with the authentic metal dish which has ‘listened’ to the skies and been touched by cosmic rays and ‘space dust.’
Fascinating archive materials are brought together for the first time including audio, film, diaries, letters, plans and photographs in innovative digital displays and projections.
The exhibition fabric is made from the skin of the Lovell Telescope, bringing visitors into direct contact with the authentic metal dish which has ‘listened’ to the skies and been touched by cosmic rays and ‘space dust.’
Space Dome
Visitors can experience an immersive Dome Show in our custom built planetarium-style auditorium – the Space Dome, complete with a curved projection screen and 9 digital projectors.
The state-of-the-art auditorium offers a vivid audio-visual experience with a specially commissioned film about the story of Jodrell Bank, narrated by Professor Brian Cox.
Audiences can further enhance their visit by going to the heart of the stars at a premium Dome Show, created by NSC Creative.
The state-of-the-art auditorium offers a vivid audio-visual experience with a specially commissioned film about the story of Jodrell Bank, narrated by Professor Brian Cox.
Audiences can further enhance their visit by going to the heart of the stars at a premium Dome Show, created by NSC Creative.
First Light at Jodrell Bank is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Government (DCMS), The University of Manchester, and a number of kind donors, including the Wolfson, Garfield Weston, Denise Coates, and Stavros Niarchos foundations.