The planned $3.25 million redevelopment involving the Otago Museum science centre aims to double the present 88,000 visitors to that facility and related areas.
The museum last month announced plans for a three-stage redevelopment, partly linked to the Discovery World science centre.
The first stage will add a $1 million state-of-the-art planetarium and immersive theatre, which is due to open in October.
The $2 million second stage - to be completed by November next year - will expand the science centre's footprint by 50%, and add 60 new interactive displays.
Museum director Dr Ian Griffin said the redevelopment aimed to double visitor numbers, and also to put greater emphasis on helping ''inspire the next generation'', and attracting young people to science.
Extending the science taught in school in ''an engaging, non-formal'' environment at the museum was ''key to inspiring real interest'' in how science influenced our everyday lives.
The 65-seat planetarium and ''immersive theatre'', would feature special effects projectors.
