Buffalo Museum of Science "raises the roof" or, rather, a new dome – WBFO

It's a visible sign of progress in the Buffalo Museum of Science's ongoing renovation of its Kellogg Observatory. On Friday morning, a new aluminum dome was raised to the museum rooftop and was put in place.

WBFO's Michael Mroziak reports.

The new dome replaces the green-tinted, copper-coated steel structure that topped the Kellogg Observatory for decades.

It is just one of many steps to rebuild the observatory, which has been closed since 1999. Other work includes making it accessible for the first time to disabled persons.

"The rest of the construction that now needs to happen is the addition of a staircase and en elevator, to make sure that everyone who comes to the museum can go up and enjoy that particular new asset." said Marisa Wigglesworth, president and chief executive officer of the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences.

The observatory's telescope, meanwhile, remains in Pennsylvania for restoration. The vintage Lundinrefractor was removed last December and is now expected to be returned and installed in early 2018.

Also undergoing construction on the rooftop is an event patio.

"There's going to be walkways and areas so that the roof itself isn't compromised," said Anthony Picone, owner of PiconeConstruction, which is handling the project. "There will be small events planned for going up there."

What the patio will provide guests is a panoramic view of the city.

"It's beautiful," Picone added.

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Buffalo Museum of Science "raises the roof" or, rather, a new dome - WBFO