Dynamic Earth has announced a major milestone in its commitment to inclusion by introducing British Sign Language (BSL) into its world-class Planetarium. Starting 1st March 2026, the Edinburgh-based science centre will become one of the first in the UK to offer multiple Planetarium films with BSL interpretation. This includes You Are Here and Don’t Panic, live shows developed by Dynamic Earth’s team of in‑house astronomers. This offering by Dynamic Earth sets a new benchmark for inclusive science engagement.
Supported by funding from the Birkdale Trust, this initiative ensures that deaf audiences and BSL users can fully engage with the incredible stories of Earth and the wider universe. Dynamic Earth will offer one dedicated BSL-interpreted show per day from 1st March, with signage indicating that BSL can be provided on request for other sessions.
All BSL interpretation recordings will be shared with Dynamic Earth’s partners in the British Association of Planetaria and Association of Science and Discovery Centres for their use.
The BSL-interpreted lineup includes:
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You Are Here
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Don’t Panic
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Cap Com Go
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We Are Guardians
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We Are Stars
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We Are Aliens
Visitors can enjoy these Planetarium films and live shows as often as they like with Dynamic Earth’s Annual Pass. The pass provides unlimited entry for one year to the centre’s iconic core exhibition, which tells the extraordinary story of planet Earth from beginning to mend.
Chris Murray MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, said: “It is fantastic to see Dynamic Earth champion accessibility through the introduction of BSL interpretation for its planetarium shows. This is a meaningful step towards inclusive learning, helping ensure that more people can engage with the remarkable stories of our world and universe.”
Expanding the horizon of accessibility
This launch is part of a wider strategic push to remove barriers to discovery. In addition to the Planetarium upgrades, Dynamic Earth has been awarded a grant from the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund to install a Changing Places Toilet (CPT) within the centre.
Designed for individuals with complex care needs who require specialist equipment and carer support, the new facility will be available to both visitors and the general public during opening hours. This investment, delivered by Inspiring Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, marks a significant step in increasing CPT provision in the local area.
A welcoming space for all curious minds
The new BSL and CPT provisions build upon Dynamic Earth’s comprehensive accessibility offering, which includes:
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Sensory Support: Updated social stories, sensory-friendly bags, and regularly scheduled relaxed opening days and quiet afternoons.
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Full Physical Access: A fully wheelchair-accessible venue with ramp access, lifts throughout the building, and easy access to the car park.
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Inclusive Communication: Captions on all exhibitions and Planetarium shows, with audio guides available in five languages.
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Community Engagement: The upcoming Deaf Science Day in March, supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund.
Speaking about the developments, Dynamic Earth Director of Fundraising and Marketing Helen Chomczuk said:
“Offering inclusive science learning for all is at the heart of everything we do here. Receiving this support marks an important step in providing an even more accessible, welcoming space for the thousands of people who visit us every year. We believe science is for everyone, and by expanding our accessibility offer, we are creating a space where curiosity and discovery are truly accessible to all.”
Find out more about Dynamic Earth’s introduction of BSL interpreted films and shows at: https://dynamicearth.org.uk/news/dynamic-earth-introduces-british-sign-language-to-the-planetarium/
