Parkes ObservatoryVisitors Centre

Why a visitors centre?

• Attract future scientists

“Every time I came to Parkes, I always

wanted to be on the other side of the

fence…”

Why a visitors centre?

• Attract future scientists

• Raise profile• Local community• Obligations

Why a visitors centre?

• Attract future scientists

• Raise profile• Local community• Obligations• Ensure the future

“Well can’t they stop doing it for a moment?”

The visitorsParkes Telescope Visitors

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

January February March April May June July August September October November December

Month

# V

isit

ors

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

The visitors

Parkes Telescope

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Month of year

2001 2002 2003

The visitors

• 130 000 pa• Families• Grey nomads• Schools• Tours

Staff

• 2.4 eft full and part time

• Up to three staff during peak

• Most without science or communication background

• From months to over a decade of experience in VC

What we offer

• A great view

What we offer

• A great view• Exhibits

What we offer

• A great view• Exhibits• Interpretives

What we offer

• A great view• Exhibits• Interpretives• Invisible Universe• 3D Theater

What we offer (cont)

• Shop

What we offer (cont)

• Shop• Café

What we offer (cont)

• Shop• Café• No tours• Clean toilets• BBQ & picnic facilities

Other offerings

• Work experience

“Now I know that astronomy is what I really want to do”

Other offerings

• Work experience• Teacher experience• Information service “I am 9 years old and go

to Boneo Primary School.

I'm doinng a project on Radio Telscopes…”

Other offerings

• Work experience• Teacher experience• Information service• Point of contact

Strengths

• Location• Movie star status

Strengths

• Location• Movie star status• Staff

• Dedicated, enthusiastic and friendly

• Non-science background

• Astronomers, observatory and ATNF staff

Strengths

• Location• Movie star status• Staff• Brilliant exhibit• Long history and

future

Weaknesses

• Communication & Education training

Weaknesses

• Communication & Education training

• Interpretives

“Can I ask a stupid question?”

“It is all very interesting but I don’t understand it.”

“There is just so much here!”

Weaknesses

• Communication & Education training

• Interpretives• Across the ages• School groups

Future directions

• Provide an experience that prompts visitors to revisit, pass the word, and encourage their family, friends and colleagues to visit

• Provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the telescope, ATNF, CSIRO, Astronomy and science

Future Directions

• A plan• New interpretives• More interactive• Use people’s stories• Creative interaction• Partnerships

Future Directions (Cont)

• Consistency of experience

• Retail value and range

• School groups better served

• Consistent and planned marketing

• Discovery walk