Buffalo Museum of Science: Solar Dome Restoration

Location
Buffalo, NY, USA
Year Completed
2011
Building Type
Restoration/Preservation
Size
2,200 sq. ft.
Cost
$1,600,000
Client
Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science is a National Historic Landmark, located in a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park. The Solar Observatory Dome, installed at the roof level of the museum in 1930, houses a solar scope that transmits images of the sun via prisms and mirrors to visitor’s floors below.

HHL Architects designed the replacement copper dome matching the original, a new motorized dome door operator, and a new method to provide safe and easy access to the observation and roof levels. New steel stairs and concrete pavers were installed on the roof to enable appropriate access for museum patrons.