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Fleet Science Center Celebrates Grand Reopening of Heikoff Giant Dome Theater
Opening of ‘Deep Sky’ and IMAX Documentary Film Festival Amplify Enhanced Experience
SAN DIEGO—1 November 2023—The Fleet Science Center is celebrating the grand reopening of the iconic Heikoff Giant Dome Theater.
With the unveiling of the all-new, upgraded theater, the Fleet prepares for an entire month filled with extraordinary events designed to captivate and inspire science enthusiasts of all ages.
The newly renovated Heikoff Giant Dome Theater offers visitors an even more extraordinary experience. The enhanced accommodations are perfect for the public opening of the highly anticipated Deep Sky on November 4 and a Fleet favorite, the IMAX Documentary Film Festival, November 10–12.
Deep Sky brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to IMAX®—taking audiences on a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes, and to recently discovered exoplanets, planets around other stars.
Directed by Oscar®-nominated filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn and narrated by Oscar®-nominated actress Michelle Williams, “Deep Sky” follows the high-stakes global mission to build JWST and to launch it into orbit 1 million miles from Earth, in an attempt to answer questions that have haunted us since the beginning of time: Where did we come from? How did the universe begin? Are we alone?
Deep Sky, 13 billion years in the making, reveals the universe as we never have seen it before, immersing audiences in the stunning pictures beamed back to earth by NASA’s new telescope—and capturing their vast beauty at a scale that can be experienced only on the giant IMAX screen.
“If there ever was a subject tailor-made for IMAX screens, this is it,” said Kahn. “The IMAX format allows you to appreciate the astonishing resolution of NASA’s new telescope and to immerse yourself in cosmic landscapes that leave you filled with awe.”
The IMAX Documentary Film Festival invites visitors for three full days of cinematic wonders. Each documentary will take moviegoers to fascinating places with breathtaking cinematography that can be experienced only on a Giant Dome screen.
The festival is a rare opportunity for film buffs to see special films in the world’s first IMAX Giant Dome theater—all in one day. Past favorites and new discoveries are sure to delight.
Films will be screened every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day during the festival. See the full schedule.
As part of this month-long celebration, the Fleet also is delighted to reintroduce two beloved events that have graced this iconic Giant Dome over the years: The Sky Tonight and Sharp Minds.
On November 1, The Sky Tonight planetarium show explores the universe with JWST, guided by our resident astronomer Lisa Will, Ph.D.
The Sharp Minds lecture on November 6 features Tal Einav, Ph.D., from La Jolla Institute for Immunology.
These events reflect the Fleet Science Center's commitment to igniting curiosity, fostering exploration, and nurturing a deep love for science within our community. Join us throughout November for a month of discovery, and a continued celebration of the Fleet Science Center’s 50th Anniversary. For more information, including ticketing and event details, visit fleetscience.org.
For Media
Please join us at the Fleet Science Center for any or all of our exciting upcoming Heikoff Giant Dome Theater events!
Saturday, November 4 Public Opening Party
- Heikoff Giant Dome Theater Grand Reopening 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Public Opening of Deep Sky 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.
Friday, November 10–Sunday, November 12 IMAX Documentary Film Festival
To schedule an alternate date to view Deep Sky, an interview with a Fleet subject matter expert and to learn more, please contact Fleet Science Center Communications Specialist Suzanne Sanders at (619) 238-1233 ext. 804 or ssanders@rhfleet.org.
Información y entrevistas en español también están disponibles para los medios necesarios.
About the Fleet Science Center
Since 1973, the Fleet Science Center has been a central link between science, schools and scientific organizations, collaborating with the communities that call San Diego County home. Its mission is simple yet bold: to realize a San Diego where everyone is connected to the power of science. The organization delivers on this mission through engaging experiences and culturally driven education programs in neighborhoods throughout the county and the historic Balboa Park flagship location. The Fleet creates places of inspiration by collaborating with communities to support and grow STEM talent in San Diego. From interactive exhibits and school field trips to free science programs, the Fleet is forward-thinking and consistently evolving to create positive change in the world. To learn more, visit fleetscience.org.
About Balboa Park
Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban-cultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.
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