Cancun Planetarium Renovation Reaches 50 Percent, December Reopening Expected

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Renovation of the Ka’yok Planetarium in Cancún is 50 percent complete and the facility could reopen in December, officials said, as crews work to modernize the site and turn it into a science and tourism attraction with international reach.

Cristopher Malpica, who heads the Quintana Roo Council for Humanities, Sciences and Technologies, said the project is moving through its first phase and will soon shift to equipping the building with new exhibits.

“Right now we are doing all the surface work — the ceilings, the floors. We’ll be wrapping up this phase in the coming days and then we’ll begin the installation and the museum exhibit equipment,” he said. “I figure we’re at about 50 percent of the work, and what we’re hoping for is to open the planetarium in December.”

New Exhibits and a Maker Space

The plans call for a new museum layout, the addition of scale-model dinosaurs and an advanced projection system designed to improve the visitor experience and put the planetarium on par with others of international standing.

The renovation also includes a space called Maker Space, where children and young people can learn through hands-on activities, experiments and technological tools.

Malpica said one of the objectives is to foster young talent in areas such as robotics and innovation, so student participation in educational robotics leagues and competitions will continue. To support that, officials are seeking specialized equipment that allows students to build scientific and technological skills from an early age.

Drawing Tourists and Researchers

Beyond its educational role, the planetarium aims to become a draw for visitors to Cancún, and officials plan to renew partnerships with tourism services, including the Turibús city tour, to add the venue to visitor routes around the city.

“Our goal is to promote the Planetarium as one of international standing, because when we think of Cancún as an international destination, one of the most important in the world, that is exactly why it needs a planetarium that lives up to our city. So of course we expect a lot of tourists,” he added.

The modernization is also intended to strengthen academic and outreach activities through state science prizes and conferences aimed at researchers, creating spaces for the exchange of knowledge and bringing science closer to the public.