The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History announced renovations of its Omni Theater will begin in May.
Opened in 1983, the Omni Theater has long been a pillar of the Fort Worth Museum, utilizing its IMAX projection technology to serve and entice over 10 million visitors.
“The Omni Theater is an integral part of the history of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. We are excited to bring extraordinary learning to life through the installation of a brand-new, next generation digital 8K LED dome together with a much-needed modernization of our theater thereby delivering a complete transformation of the guest experience,” says Orlando Carvalho, president of the museum. “For so many, the Omni Theater is synonymous with nostalgia, community, wonder and fun. This renovation will bring all of those emotions to our future guests and continue the Museum’s tradition of interpreting the science and the stories of Texas and the Southwest.”
The full-scale renovation project will provide the theater with an ADA-accessible space, a new lobby and a completely digitized 8K LED viewing experience, powered by Cosm Technology. Byrne Construction Services, the builders for the original Omni IMAX Theater, have been selected as the General Contractor for the project with Bennett Partners providing the architectural design services in support of the Omni Theater renovation.
With this renovation, a new generation of Omni-goers can view transformational content in a completely digital LED dome with 8K resolution. The Omni Theater, powered by Cosm Technology, will be the world’s first LED digital dome of its size in a museum, positioning the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History as a world leader in the application of state-of-the-art visual technology.
Funding for the Omni Theater renovation project comes from: The Amon Carter Foundation, The City of Fort Worth, The Jane & John Justin Foundation, Leo Potishman Trust, Tarrant County, The Burnett Foundation, William F. Scott Foundation, The Paul E. Andrews Foundation, and The Ryan Foundation. The new Theater will be named the Jane and John Justin Foundation Omni Theater.
Renovations for the Omni Theater will be approximately a 16-month process beginning in May with a focus on the interior footprint of the building, including major updates to the lobby making it one level for ADA accessibility. A larger, more easily accessible entry will welcome guests into the new venue. The theater will receive a complete refresh with updated, more comfortable seating.
