The Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, has closed its doors 25 years after it first opened to the public, with the standalone attraction being incorporated into the new Heroes and Legends exhibit.
The institution, which opened its doors 25 years ago on 29 October 1990, has spent the past quarter of a century honouring US space explorers with a display of astronaut memorabilia.
The Hall of Fame is located in Titusville, Florida, will move its collection to the Kennedy Space Center, which has managed the attraction as a satellite facility since 2002.
Operated by Delaware North – the company which runs the Kennedy Space Center’s visitor complex – Heroes and Legends will bring to life the stories of the US astronauts, using hi-tech elements, such as augmented reality and advanced hologram technology, to immerse visitors in the stories coming to life in front of them. The Falcon’s Treehouse-designed attraction will culminate with the new US Astronaut Hall of Fame. The addition will allow guests to learn about the nearly 100 astronauts inducted to date, with space for additions as more are honoured.
"Bringing the Hall of Fame and its educational programmes to the visitor complex will allow a larger audience to explore the amazing achievements of the astronaut heroes," said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the complex.
“Heroes and Legends, featuring the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, will bring to life the stories of America's pioneering astronauts by inviting guests to experience their missions through high-tech displays and special effects.
"[The visitor complex's] mission is to inspire minds of all ages through memorable space experiences," said Protze. "The new Heroes and Legends, featuring the Hall of Fame, will immerse our guests in some of the most inspirational and remarkable space experiences in the world."
