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The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

More than a tourist attraction, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a non-profit community resource that provides a unique learning experience for all. Visitors can learn about space and the night sky through Planetarium shows, live demonstrations, and an interactive exhibit gallery. Next to the Space Centre is the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory, open on Friday and Saturday nights.

History
The H.R. MacMillan Planetarium

opened its doors on October 28, 1968, a gift from lumber magnate H.R. MacMillan to the citizens of Vancouver. With the advent of space exploration during the 1960s, H.R. MacMillan wanted to provide a resource for his day and future generations.

When the facility opened, it consisted of the Planetarium Theatre. With the addition of an exhibit gallery and new theatre in 1997, the Space Centre evolved into the community resource it is know for today, providing learning opportunities for everyone.

Building and surroundings
The distinctive structure was designed by architect Gerald Hamilton, and has become one of the most recognized buildings in Vancouver. While the roof of the building may look like a spaceship, this unique dome was in fact designed to resemble the hats of the Haida people. Since its opening in 1968, the Space Centre has shared the building with the Museum of Vancouver.

Outside the building, and standing more than six metre tall, the stainless steel crab was a gift from the women of the Vancouver Centennial Committee to celebrate Canada's

According to Haida legend, the crab is the guardian of the entrance to the harbour.

100th birthday in 1967. Designed by Vancouver artist, George Norris, and built by Gus Lidberg, the statue took three months to weld together and was barged down False Creek for the final installation on October 14, 1968, two weeks before the opening of the Planetarium. According to Haida legend, the crab is the guardian of the entrance to the harbour.

Name Changes
1968 H.R. MacMillan Planetarium
1997 Pacific Space Centre
2000 H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

H.R. MacMillan

Harvey Reginald (H.R.) MacMillan was born in Newmarket, Ontario, on September 9, 1885. Although his family was not well off, and farming would have been a typical career choice at the time, the thought of endless hours working on a farm to produce a few crops did not appeal to him. Instead, MacMillan opted for a career in forestry. MacMillan prepared himself well for success in the field, graduating from the Ontario Agriculture College in 1906, and earning a Master of Science degree in Forestry at YaleUniversity in 1908.

As a pioneer in the BC forestry industry, MacMillan ran BC’s first privately owned lumber export company. He later merged his company with Bloedel, Stewart and Welch Ltd. However, MacMillan was more than just a forester; he was an industrialist and a philanthropist. Besides the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (formerly known as the H.R. MacMillan Planetarium), other legacies include the MacMillanProvincialPark (east of Port Alberni) and the H.R. MacMillan Theological Library (University of British Columbia).

MacMillan and wife Edna had two daughters: Jean MacMillan Southam and Marion Hawley.

Honourary Degrees
University of British Columbia
SimonFraserUniversity
University of Toronto
University of Guelph
CarltonUniversity

Special Appointments
1912 – first Chief Forester of British Columbia
1933 – Commander of the Order of the British Empire
1970 – Companion of the Order of Canada

Governance

Board of Directors

President	Eric K. Pringle Vice President, Development Hemmera, Vancouver
Vice President	Kathi Thompson Municipal Government & Community Relations Fraser Health Authority
	Tony Fogarassy Business Executive Environmental Industry, Vancouver
	Cliff Kanto Managing Director Mercer Bradley, Vancouver Kenton Low Vice President of Marketing Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
	Dr. Jaymie Matthews Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy University of British Columbia
	Greg Moore Mayor City of Port Coquitlam
	Devon Ross Principal School District #43 (Coquitlam)
	Leah Rubin Human Resources Consultant Vancouver

Senior Management

	Rob Appleton Executive Director
	Raylene Marchand Associate Director Director of Operations
	Tracy Cromwell Director of Development & Marketing
	Lisa McIntosh Director of Learning

Non-profit Charity Organization
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a non-profit community resource and relies on generous donations to develop programs (charitable registration number 10681 2183 RR0001).

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