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Located in Leicester, this internationally recognised museum is dedicated to space exploration and discovery. Home to one of the UK’s largest planetariums, it provides educational and research resources across space, science, and astronomy, engaging and inspiring visitors of all ages.
The Challenge
The existing Lutron lighting control system, installed over 20 years ago, was reaching the end of its operational and supported lifecycle. Originally designed for early-2000s lighting technology, including low-voltage halogen, fluorescent, cold cathode, and discharge lighting, the system could not effectively support modern LED lighting.
With limited support available and increasing maintenance challenges, the venue required a future-ready solution capable of supporting evolving lighting technologies while maintaining reliable day-to-day operation.
The Solution
Working across five themed galleries and more than 140 interactive exhibits, we delivered a comprehensive upgrade to the lighting control system. The upgrade manages over 400 lighting circuits, with tailored scene settings designed to suit each exhibit and environment.
To ensure uninterrupted visitor access, all installation, programming and commissioning works were carried out overnight. This approach allowed the attraction, open seven days a week, to remain fully operational throughout the project.
At the heart of the upgrade, the system processor was replaced with a Lutron Athena platform. This established a scalable foundation for a phased, long-term upgrade strategy across the museum.
The new Athena processor was configured to integrate with the existing Grafik 6000 panels, enabling legacy and modern systems to operate in parallel. This ensured full functionality during the transition while allowing for gradual upgrades aligned with the client’s refurbishment programme and financial budget.
Minimising Disruption with a Phased Approach
Many of the museum’s exhibits rely heavily on dynamic, colour-rich lighting to bring complex scientific concepts to life. Maintaining consistent lighting control during the upgrade was therefore essential.
Enhanced Control and User Experience
The upgraded system includes intuitive scene control via an iPad, giving staff the ability to easily modify lighting scenes when required. This flexibility ensures each exhibit is presented at its best, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Future-Ready Performance
The new lighting control solution delivers a scalable, future-proof platform with improved reliability and a more user-friendly interface. It supports a wide range of modern lighting control protocols, including: DALI dimming (DT6 and DT8 tunable white), 0–10V dimming, Mains trailing edge dimming and DMX control. This advanced level of control provides the flexibility needed to support ongoing innovation within the museum.
Ongoing Support
As part of the upgrade, we provided a comprehensive maintenance and support package. This includes system training, scheduled optimisation visits, emergency call-out services, and ongoing telephone and email support, ensuring the client can maximise the value of their investment.
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