Planetarium, cinema, multipurpose hall… What is the Dome, this brand new facility that has just opened in Valberg?

The Dome de Valberg is now accessible to the public. The departmental establishment opened its new premises within the station on Saturday.

The 1,390 m2 complex now houses several services: the Maison du parc du Mercantour, the departmental media library, the cinema (reopened since February 13), and the multipurpose hall Valbergane, dedicated to activities and workshops.

An immersive planetarium is among the new facilities, with a 12-meter diameter and a capacity of 39 seats.

The building also features a reception hall and a boutique offering books, clothes, and toys.

“A space of wonder that becomes a lever of attractiveness for the valley honoring culture, nature, and transmission,” said the president of the departmental council and former mayor of Péone-Valberg Charles Ange Ginésy.

The president of the Department and several local elected officials (to the right, the mayors of Guillaumes, Puget-Théniers, and Beuil) were present at the opening of the Dome on Saturday. Photo Credit: Web only

Geothermal heating and environmental sustainability attribute to the building’s operation.

“The building is heated by geothermal energy and is BDM certified, an environmental quality benchmark,” explains its director Stéphanie Becher.

The project, which required several years of work, will be officially inaugurated next June.