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Seattle’s Boeing IMAX Theater reopened on May 1, 2015, after a four-month renovation that added dual 4K laser projection, a custom screen and upgraded sound. The “opening this week” headline refers to that 2015 reopening, not a current announcement. Today, Pacific Science Center calls the venue the PACCAR IMAX Theater, while IMAX lists it as IMAX at the Center, formerly the Boeing IMAX Theater.
This retrospective explains what the renovation changed—and what visitors should know about the theater now.
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What the 2015 renovation installed
Pacific Science Center announced that its Boeing IMAX Theater would close for renovation on January 4, 2015, and reopen four months later. The adjacent PACCAR IMAX theater was to remain open during the work. The theater had debuted in 1998, and the project was described as its first major renovation. At the time, it was also billed as the first science-center installation of IMAX’s new laser system. GeekWire’s 2014 announcement and its April 2015 photo tour document the project.
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Two 4K laser projectors
The centerpiece was a pair of 4K laser projectors. GeekWire reported that the system was then in use at only three other locations worldwide—a time-specific 2015 claim, not a current count or ranking. IMAX said the dual-projector setup improved perceived resolution, brightness, contrast and color compared with the previous system.
For 3D screenings, the two projectors could show the left-eye and right-eye images at the same time. IMAX said this was intended to reduce motion blur and other 3D artifacts. Those are the company’s claims about the system, not independent measurements of every film shown in the theater.
Laser projection also brought less visible infrastructure: the equipment needed substantial cooling. The renovation was not just a projector swap but a reworking of the room and its supporting systems.
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A screen built for the system—and a size discrepancy
The 2015 coverage described a custom, silver-coated, perforated screen about 80 feet wide. The coating was intended to improve brightness, while perforations let sound pass through the screen from speakers behind it.
Pacific Science Center’s current visitor page gives a different specification: 60 feet wide by 37 feet tall. The sources do not explain the discrepancy. It could reflect different measurement methods, a later screen change or a difference in how the older Boeing installation and today’s theater are described. Treat the 80-foot figure as a 2015 report, not the current published measurement.
Heavy speakers and a different current sound description
The 2015 installation report described six speakers weighing about 600 pounds each, plus eight additional effects speakers. The aim was an immersive sound field, using strategically placed effects as well as the main speakers.
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Today, Pacific Science Center describes the theater’s sound as 12,000-watt digital 5.1 surround. That visitor-facing specification does not independently confirm that the exact speaker configuration reported in 2015 remains in place.
What changed behind the scenes—and around the audience
The renovation brought larger seats, an upgraded concession stand and digital menus. It also changed the work of handling a movie: in the report’s comparison, a film print arrived on large reels, while a digital movie came in a much smaller box.
Maintenance had its own practical improvements. Ceiling-mounted lighting trusses could be lowered to make bulb replacement easier, and an internet-connected monitoring system gave IMAX engineers a way to diagnose or address some software problems remotely.
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What “advanced” meant—and what it does not prove now
The 2015 system combined dual 4K laser projection, a purpose-built screen, a substantial sound installation and remote monitoring. That combination explains why the theater was described as among the most advanced at its reopening. It does not establish a present-day global ranking, nor do the available current public pages confirm that every component of the 2015 system is unchanged.
Nor does the IMAX label alone tell you how much of a particular movie’s image will fill the screen. Films can be presented in IMAX without every release using an expanded aspect ratio or image designed to occupy the full screen area. Check the specific film’s format details if that distinction matters to you.
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- Historical name: Boeing IMAX Theater, the name used in the 2015 coverage.
- IMAX directory: IMAX at the Center, identified as formerly the Boeing IMAX Theater. IMAX lists the address as 203 Taylor Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109, and its directory currently shows no showtimes.
- Pacific Science Center visitor page: PACCAR IMAX Theater.
The names reflect changes in branding and site operations rather than a simple typo. Pacific Science Center said in a December 2025 transaction announcement that the Boeing IMAX Theater was included in property sold to the Space Needle. The Space Needle assumed the remaining Boeing agreement effective February 1, 2026, and the announcement said the theater would reopen in May after a brief renovation. The public pages use different names, so check the venue’s own listing when buying tickets.
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Planning a visit
Pacific Science Center’s IMAX page lists these ticket prices as of August 2026:
| Age | Feature film | Documentary |
|---|---|---|
| Youth, ages 3–17 | $16 | $9 |
| Adult, ages 18–64 | $21 | $12 |
| Senior, ages 65+ | $16 | $9 |
IMAX admission is separate from general admission to Pacific Science Center. A movie-only visit does not require buying general admission, but adding exhibits means paying for both. The current theater page lists feature and documentary programming, including The Odyssey, Ghost: 2 Big to Rig, Wild Rescue and Blue Whales: Return of the Giants. Showtimes and films change; check the current schedule or the official ticket portal before setting out. PacSci’s schedule page gives general center hours as 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, but hours and screening times should be confirmed for your visit.
- Seating: There is no reserved seating. Arrive with enough time to choose seats, especially if you have a preferred row or are attending as a group.
- Late arrival: Movies start promptly and late seating is not permitted. Treat the posted start time as firm.
- Accessibility: The theater is wheelchair accessible and accommodates six wheelchairs with reserved companion seats. Listening-assist devices are available. Closed captioning is available for some movies, so check the specific screening.
- Parking: Seattle Center parking is nearby, but it is not operated by Pacific Science Center; rates and availability can change. Check current parking details before you go.
Is it worth a visit?
The strongest case is the combination of a large-format screen, immersive sound and a film that benefits from scale—whether a visual-effects feature or a sweeping nature documentary. It may be less appealing if you want reserved seats or a full-service cinema experience. For local families or visitors already planning a day at Seattle Center, combining a movie with Pacific Science Center exhibits can make the outing more worthwhile; for a single film, remember that IMAX tickets are a separate purchase.
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Specifications and prices above distinguish the documented 2015 installation from the current public visitor information. Current listings do not confirm whether the original dual-projector setup, 80-foot screen measurement or reported speaker arrangement remains unchanged.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
