By Martin Banks

Wallonia’s tourism minister has warmly welcomed a new “first of its kind” feature at one of the region’s top visitor attractions.

Valérie Lescrenier, Walloon Minister for Tourism, says the a 16-meter-diameter dome at the Euro Space Centre, near Dinant, will “further strengthen” the attraction’s overall appeal.

She was speaking after the center, based in the French-speaking part of Belgium, and a local organisation, IDELUX, unveiled the new feature.

Described as “a major milestone”, the project represents a total investment of some €5 million.

It is supported by the Walloon Region with €4.13 million in funding—comprising €2,621,300 from research budgets and €1,510,507 from tourism budgets.

The facility set to open to the public in early 2027.

The center says it will gradually unveil the features of the new attraction, the experiences on offer, and the practical information visitors will need to explore it.

“With this new Planetarium, the space adventure at the Euro Space Center is set to reach a whole new dimension,” said a center spokesman.

Construction of the new facility started in March 2026.

A brand-new, 14-metre-tall building houses the dome and a pre-show area.

The dome will house a 150-seat projection theatre, equipped with a 6K digital projection system and a next-generation astronomical simulator.

The spokesman said the facility will “enhance the visitor experience and further boost the center’s appeal as a tourist and scientific destination.

The spokesman said, “Thanks to these technologies, visitors will be able to discover the starry sky, explore planets, and travel across galaxies within an immersive environment that offers a striking representation of the universe.

“Far more than just a projection theater, this new facility aims to provide a genuine space-discovery experience, combining cutting-edge technology, a sense of wonder, and the popularization of science.”

With its new Planetarium, the center says it continues to develop its tourism offering and strengthens its position as a theme park dedicated to space exploration.

While the 11 existing activities give visitors a chance to step into the shoes of an astronaut—by simulating a walk on the Moon or Mars, for instance, or experiencing the sensations of space training—the Planetarium will aim to open up a new perspective: the exploration of the Universe.

The new attraction will enhance the “Astronaut for a Day” experience, offering a complementary encounter that blends immersion, scientific discovery, and wonder. Designed for families, astronomy enthusiasts, groups, and schools alike, the Planetarium provides another reason to visit—or rediscover—the Euro Space Center.

“The goal is clear,” said the spokesman, “to offer visitors an increasingly comprehensive, diverse, and immersive space experience, while boosting the center’s appeal to new audiences.

“Beyond its spectacular nature, the new Planetarium will serve as a genuine tool for scientific outreach and tourism in Wallonia. By enabling the visualization of astronomical phenomena and virtual travel through space, it will offer an accessible and captivating approach to concepts that can sometimes be complex.”

Visitors will be able to deepen their understanding of the solar system, stars, galaxies, and major astronomical discoveries. For schools, this new facility seeks to complement the center’s educational programmes by providing an innovative and immersive way to explore space sciences.

“The ambition is to spark curiosity, foster a passion for science, and allow everyone—regardless of age—to see the Universe in a new light,” said the spokesman.

Spearheaded by the center and IDELUX, the project is part of the ongoing development of Galaxia, Wallonia’s space and cyber hub located in Transinne.

Local officials say it reflects a “commitment to continued investment” in tourism and scientific infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the Region’s appeal, stimulating interest in science and technology among young people and the general public, and cultivating the talent that Wallonia’s space sector will need in the future.

Pierre-Yves Jeholet, Walloon Minister for Research, told this site: “We must foster an interest in science and technology among more young people. This is also how we will prepare the talent that our businesses and research sectors will need in the future. With this Planetarium, we are investing in scientific culture and our youth, as well as in the future of the Walloon space sector, which possesses genuine strengths.”

Further comment comes from Valérie Lescrenier, who said, “The Euro Space Center is a great Walloon tourism success story.

“Over the years, it has managed to reinvent itself, expand its offerings, and consistently attract new audiences. With this new planetarium, it reaches a new milestone in its development and further strengthens its appeal. 

“Beyond the experience itself, this project also serves as a powerful catalyst for showcasing the entire region and encouraging visitors to extend their stay. It is a concrete example of how a strategic tourism investment can contribute to the prominence and vitality of an entire territory,” she said.

By combining technological innovation, scientific discovery, and a tourism-oriented experience, the new Planetarium will help strengthen the Euro Space Center’s standing among destinations dedicated to space exploration, while also contributing to the appeal of Wallonia as a tourist destination.

The center is a theme park dedicated to space discovery and exploration. It also hosts school groups, workshops, and corporate events, with a mission to make science and space accessible to as many people as possible.

IDELUX is a key player in the territorial development of the province of Luxembourg. Through its various activities, the Group supports projects related to spatial planning, economic development, and public infrastructure, while contributing to the enhancement of the region and its sectors of excellence.

• photo credit: Euro Space Center