The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

 
 
the fun is out there°
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 members of the family. Visitors can learn about Space and the night sky through the Planetarium shows, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibit gallery. Next to the Space Centre is the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory, which allows star gazers to look through a 1/2 metre Cassegrain telescope on clear weekend nights.
 
 
History
The H.R. MacMillan Planetarium was built in 1968 and was 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 facility about Space for children 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.
 
 
List of Attractions
Planetarium Star Theatre domed shows
GroundStation Canada live demonstrations
Laser & Light Shows (Fri & Sat evenings)
Cosmic Courtyard exhibits & games
Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory
   
Building
The distinctive building was designed by architect Gerald Hamilton and has become one of the most recognizable structures in Metro Vancouver, BC. While the roof of the building may look like a spaceship to some, 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.
 
  
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, to a family stricken by poverty. Although 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.
 
 
H.R. MacMillan prepared himself well for success in timber by graduating from the OntarioAgricultureCollege 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.
   
H.R. MacMillan was more than just a forester; he was an industrialist, a board administrator during World War I, and fondly remembered as a philanthropist. Besides the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (formerly known as the H.R. MacMillan Planetarium), his other legacies include the MacMillanProvincialPark (east of Port Alberni) and H.R. MacMillan Theological Library (University of British Columbia).
 
   
He 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 
 
 

The Crab

With cameras in hand, visitors hope to snatch the perfect photograph, the moment when the sun catches the tips of the claws. It is one of the most photographed sculptures in Vancouver.
 
Birth of an Icon
Located at the front of the building that is home to the H. R. MacMillan Space Centre and the Museum of Vancouver, the Crab stretches more than 6 metres high.
 
At a cost of $47,000 to build the Crab sculpture, it was a gift from the women’s sub- committee of the Vancouver Centennial Committee to celebrate Canada’s centennial in 1967. A total of $27,000 was raised through luncheons and fashion shows, and $20,000 came through a grant from the Centennial Committee.
 
The Crab was built at Ellett Copper and Brass Co. on W. 2nd and took more than 3 months to weld the pieces together. Upon completion, it was barged down from False Creek. On October 14, 1968, the Crab was installed over top of the water fountain, two weeks before the grand opening of the Planetarium.
 
The stainless steel icon is built to last for generations to enjoy.
 
Designer
Vancouver artist George Norris  
  
Builder  
Gus Lidberg - it took more than 3 months to weld the pieces together.
  
Inspiration
According to Haida legend, the crab is the guardian of the entrance to the harbour.
   
Urban Legend
Some claim to have felt the Crab greet them with a wink of an eye.

Governance