The Orlando Science Center’s Big Dome Theater will reopen Monday after a nine-month renovation that replaced the curved screen, seats, sound system and installed an 8K laser projector.
The space will also have a new name, changing from CineDome to Dr. Phillips Charities Dome.
The arrival marks the return of Lock Haven Park Museum’s big screen presentations, as well as its planetarium show and laser light show. There will also be live presentations focused on space from multiple locations, angles, and timelines.
“Orlando Science Center is a place of bold experiences that spark curiosity and wonder,” Joanne Newman, president and CEO of the science center, said in a news release. “The Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities advances the way storytelling is presented to educate and inspire modern audiences.”
Images displayed on the new seamless NanoSeam screen feature wildlife from Earth and far away in space. The introductory video includes views of the planet before zooming down to the Space Coast, flying into downtown Orlando and diving into the dome.
The first films to be shown in the new theaters include Serengeti, Moonbase: The Next Step, T. Rex and Ocean Odyssey. The presentation is included in regular Science Center admission.
Although the laser light show is not performed every day, visitors can expect it during the science center’s Stellar Nights promotion in July and August. This includes extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights, with a closing time of 10 p.m.
First look: Blue Man Group’s flashy comeback, PVC, and quiet comedy
The Laser Light Show by Pink Floyd, an Orlando staple in the 1970s and ’80s, will now return in a renovated theater with 315 seats. The repertoire will be modernized and expanded.
Jeff Stanford, vice president of marketing, said, “Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift will also appear.It will be a great intersection of musical tastes.”
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, scenes will be projected onto a giant screen in the newly renovated domed theater (now dubbed “The Dome” by Dr. Phillips Charities) at the Orlando Science Center. The $7 million renovation includes state-of-the-art 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound and all-new seating. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Staff run a projection in the newly renovated domed theater (now called “The Dome” by Dr. Phillips Charities) at the Orlando Science Center on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The $7 million renovation includes state-of-the-art 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound and all-new seating. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Orlando Science Center’s newly renovated domed theater, now dubbed “The Dome” by Dr. Phillips Charities. The $7 million renovation includes state-of-the-art 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound and all-new seating. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, scenes will be projected onto a giant screen in the newly renovated domed theater (now dubbed “The Dome” by Dr. Phillips Charities) at the Orlando Science Center. The $7 million renovation includes state-of-the-art 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound and all-new seating. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, scenes will be projected onto a giant screen in the newly renovated domed theater (now dubbed “The Dome” by Dr. Phillips Charities) at the Orlando Science Center. The $7 million renovation includes state-of-the-art 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound and all-new seating. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
1 of 5
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, scenes will be projected onto a giant screen in the newly renovated domed theater (now dubbed “The Dome” by Dr. Phillips Charities) at the Orlando Science Center. The $7 million renovation includes state-of-the-art 8K digital projection, immersive surround sound and all-new seating. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
expand
“Technology has expanded our library so much that we now have about 35 different titles to choose from, from classic rock to the latest hits,” he said.
Epic year: New theme parks deal with lines, capacity and popularity
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com
