Visitors access to the Makkah Clock Tower is facilitated through a 3,700 square meter lobby area located in the podium of the Abraj al-Bait building. Visitors get prepared here prior to one of the highest elevator rides ever, some 400 meters up into the Makkah Clock. Based on security and admissions technology used in airports the facility integrates the highest safety standards with best visitors flow management.
Large wall-filling images, taken with the Hubble space telescope, are printed on highly durable textile fabric embedding the space thematically. The way finding system is designed considering the cultural characteristics of Makkah.
To reduce waiting time for visitors before museum tours, an introductory film is shown at the Pre-Show Cinema. The cinema space makes a striking visual impact through its elliptical shape. The interior’s wooden panels serve the improvement of the acoustics.
Lighting is provided by LED reflectors embedded in the floor and walls. After visitors leave the cinema, the seats fold into a compact size of 15 centimeters. A total of 72 seats are available. In the entrance and exit areas, two spaces for wheelchairs guarantee a barrier-free operation.
The curved cinema screen is 6 meters in length and 3.5 meters in height. The cinema is equipped with a 2K projection and an audio surround system. A soundtrack synchronized to the film may be played in any chosen language over the audio guide device.