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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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IMAX movie poster

An immersive 3D experience in the Johnson IMAX Theater will excite your students about new scientific research. During school visit hours, the theater shows curriculum-relevant films connected to the Museum’s collections and exhibitions and reviewed by Museum scientists and educators.

The Johnson IMAX Theater in the National Museum of Natural History features the latest in IMAX film technology, including a six-story-tall screen and a state-of-the-art digital surround sound system.

Current Films

Coral Reef Adventure

Runtime: 45 minutes
MPAA Rating: NR suitable for all audiences
Coral Reef Adventure follows the real-life expedition of ocean explorers and underwater filmmakers Howard and Michele Hall. The Halls guide us to the islands and sun-drenched waters of the South Pacific to document, in the biggest and best film format that exists, the health and beauty of coral reefs. On the giant screen, you’ll feel like you’re diving and exploring right alongside them.

Dinosaurs 3D: Giants of Patagonia

Runtime: 20 minutes
MPAA Rating: NR suitable for all audiences
Dinosaurs come to life at the Johnson IMAX Theater! Take an immersive 3D journey to explore some of the greatest paleontological finds of modern time. Walk with some of the largest dinosaurs discovered to date including the Gigantosaurus and the Argentinosaurus in this 20-minute giant screen adventure.

Tornado Alley 3D

Runtime: 42 minutes
MPAA Rating: NR
Join Storm Chasers star Sean Casey and the researchers of VORTEX 2, the most ambitious effort ever made to understand the origins and evolution of tornadoes, on this heart-pounding science adventure. Armed with a 70mm camera, a fleet of customized vehicles designed to withstand gale force winds, torrential rains and unrelenting hail, and an arsenal of the most advanced weather measurement instruments ever created, the stars of Tornado Alley take audiences on a thrilling quest to experience a tornado's destructive power at point blank range. Experience the adrenaline and the science of nature's most dramatic phenomena!

IMAX On Demand

In addition to current programming, all films in the libraries of the Smithsonian’s three IMAX Theaters are available on demand to educators for showings at 9:30 a.m.

A special reduced admission charge is available to Title One schools.

For more information about IMAX on Demand, please call 1-866-868-7774.

Large Format Film Standards

Dinosaurs: Giants of Patagonia

Walk amongst these extraordinary creatures, thanks to this realistic 3D film, and learn how scientists uncovered their history, evolution and extinction.

  • Major science themes include: using fossil evidence to learn about the past, adaptations, predator/prey relationships and evolution.
  • Standards of Learning Connection for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. [doc file] [pdf file]
For more information about:
  • purchasing tickets call 1-877-932-4629.

Last updated 9 April 2012

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