Science Center’s Omnimax to close for renovations

The Carnegie Science Center’s Rangos Omnimax Theater will close July 10 for renovations, opening in November with a new screen, a new sound system, a new laser and digital format and a new name — the Rangos Giant Cinema.

It’s part of a more than $21 million construction of a three story Science Pavilion at the North Shore center that began last year.

The Omnimax has been part of the Science Center since 1991 and uses a 70-millimeter film projection system on a dome, said Jill Rible, the Science Center’s marketing and communications director. Using the film format limits both the number of films available and the clarity of the films shown, she said.

In the fall, the Rangos Giant Cinema will have a 70foot screen, rather than a dome, as well as a Dolby Atmos sound system.

“The sound will not only surround you, but it will come from above you to fully immerse you in the theater experience,” said Connie George, senior director of marketing and community relations.

To celebrate the end of the Omnimax, the Science Center will host a 31-hour movie marathon beginning 10 a.m. July 8 and ending 5 p.m. July 9. Classics such as “Hubble,” “Pittsburgh’s Big Picture” and “Born to be Wild” will be shown for the $10 cost of the center’s admission. Throughout the night, the rest of the Science Center and SportsWorks will be open, with presentations going on all night.

The cost of the theater renovations is $3.7 million. After the Rangos Giant Cinema opens between Nov. 10 and 17, seats will be bigger — meaning the number of seats will be reduced from 350 to 280 — and ticket prices will rise, although Ms. George said the new pricing has not been determined.

Overall, Rangos Giant Cinema manager Chad Hunter said he looks forward to the new theater. He said it will now be able to display blockbuster movies that aren’t currently released in a film format.

“I think it’s going to be the best screen to see these films in Pittsburgh,” Mr. Hunter said.