Sporting a new name - the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome - the facility has been completely reimagined using high-resolution digital projectors.
The Digital Dome, which will be opened to the public in February 2025, offers a "360-degree immerse experience" and will showcase a variety of shows aimed at school groups and members of the public.
It will also serve as a modern teaching venue and a collaborative research space where scientists and students can visualise their work - be it in big data, astrophysics, the digital arts, artificial medicine, microbiology and precision medicine, Wits University said in a statement.
It won't only be used for serious work, though the dome will also be made available from time to time for immersive videogame events. With its vast domed roof and high-resolution projectors, it promises to be an immersive gaming experience unlike anything available elsewhere.
"First completed in 1960, the old Planetarium was the first full sized planetarium in Africa," Wits said. "The new Digital Dome is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, made possible through an investment of R90-million from Anglo American and Wits University.
