Morehead Planetarium and Science Centre in North Carolina, US, is to close next month to begin the first phase of a US$5.2m (€4.6m, £4m) refurbishment project.

The centre will close its doors on 4 May until 17 June for renovations to its Fulldome Theatre, which is the first step in the full revamp programme it's calling '#TakeUpSpace'.

#TakeUpSpace will see Morehead reimagined "as a unique space where children and adults can launch their own dreams, maybe even careers, related to scientific discovery", according to the centre.

Los Angeles-based design practice Mycotoo has been drafted in to create the interiors for the project.

It will see a number of technological upgrades introduced and five times the amount of floor space dedicated to public use, alongside interactive experiences and galleries, with many informed by research ongoing at the campus.

Other upgrades at the centre will include renovations to teaching areas and existing exhibition spaces.

"Morehead will retain its majestic exterior, while inside, it will soon provide the kind of experiences visitors and students expect today," said Todd Boyette, Morehead Planetarium and Science Centre director.

"The results will be transformative. We will be solidly positioned among America’s leading university-based science outreach centres."

Morehead welcomes close to 160,000 visitors each year, including 85,000 school children. Its outreach programmes are conducted across North Carolina, reaching 600,000 residents with programs.