OMSI Opens Renovated Theater

The new Empirical Theater is open at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. The theater, whose name means knowledge through scientific observation, has been renovated to include live satellite feeds, blu-ray technology and a state-of-the-art Dolby surround sound system.

Extra legroom, a table for food and drinks, will add comfort to the giant-screen experience, says Russ Repp, OMSI's associate vice president of marketing, retail and sales.

“In keeping with our mission of making science exciting and relevant, The Empirical provides audiences the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the most recent developments in cinema technology,” Repp says.

This month The Empirical's screenings include Man of Steel, Polar Express, Elf and A Christmas Story. And the theater is also showing 50-minute daytime documentaries, which include:

Great White Shark
Unraveling the mystery of a creature that haunts our imaginations, Great White Shark explores this iconic predator's much maligned reputation as it takes viewers around the world to tell the true story of the great white's threatened role atop the oceanic food chain.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem is a thrilling immersive experience about one of the world's most beloved cities. Discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to billions of people and how archaeology is revolutionizing our understanding of Jerusalem's past.

Mysteries of the Unseen World
In the National Geographic tradition of powerful natural-history imagery and storytelling, Mysteries of the Unseen World reveals once-invisible dimensions of nature that are filled with beauty and wonder--and hold secrets crucial to our survival.

In January, The Empirical will launch Reel Science, a monthly program that which combines the fun of movie night with OMSI Science Pub's reputation for expert speakers.

Perfect for science and film lovers alike, the first event will be January 15 when Laika studios will take the audience inside the magic--and science--of  the popular children’s film Coraline.

For more information, visit omsi.edu/empirical-theater.