DOT Groningen - Groningen

Groningen astronomy professor Edwin Valentijn took the initiative to create a planetarium theatre in the northern city. The building was designed by Jack van der Palen of Groningen-based architecture group Archiview. In June 2014, the Netherlands' first Full Dome 3D theatre was opened with the name Infoversum.

Unfortunately, visitor numbers were disappointing, the municipality of Groningen stepped out of the project and the Infoversum was declared bankrupt in 2015. Fortunately, it was taken over and converted into a restaurant and conference centre; a multifunctional, creative environment in the Ebbinge Quarter where you can also go for coffee, tea, lunch, drinks or dinner. A popular city beach has even opened next door.

Around Christmas, the dome is decorated with Christmas lights, remaining an interesting architectural phenomenon all year round. The Dome on the second floor has been preserved and can now be used for speakers and bands. Or for projection, of course. Van der Palen's unusual design makes it worth cycling past for lovers of modern architecture.