Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Dome Theater

On June 22, 2009, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center announced the second phase of the Digital Dome project in “Creating Possibilities, Inspiring Tomorrow,” a $20 million capital campaign to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to inspire lifelong learning by furthering the public understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.
The theater itself will be formally [...]

Space Theater slideshow on SignOnSanDiego.com

The online version of the San Diego Union-Tribune, www.signonsandiego.com, is currently hosting a two-minute audio slideshow focusing on the renovation of the Fleet’s Space Theater.  The slideshow, which features stunning photographs taken by Union-Tribune staff photographer Nancee Lewis, takes the viewer through the entire Space Theater renovation project from start to finish. 
To view the slideshow, [...]

WE ARE OPEN!!

 
 

Three Days & Counting…

…until the Space Theater reopens!  We’re racing toward the finish line to put the finishing touches on the theater prior to this Saturday’s official grand reopening.
Yesterday, new house lights were installed inside the theater and while the light color won’t necessarily be green, the light fixtures sure are!  The 24 high-tech LED light panels use less [...]

New Films & Opening Date Announced!

The countdown is on! The Space Theater will reopen for daily IMAX shows on the new NanoSeam Dome screen on Saturday, December 13. (barring any unforeseen construction delays, of course)  
Click on the green NEW IMAX FILMS tab above to view video previews of all three IMAX films that will premiere in the newly-renovated theater on Dec. 13.

Dome Finished

 

New Time-Lapse Video: NanoSeam Dome Complete!

In this three-minute video, the “stellar” team from Spitz attaches the 393 aluminum screen pieces to the web-like dome framework (see previous video).  Just a reminder, this is the world’s first NanoSeam IMAX Dome to be installed anywhere!  It will appear completely seamless under projection and improve the overall image quality of IMAX films [...]

Space Theater Sound System

When planning began for the Space Theater’s new sound system, 3 considerations arose immediately: 1) noise & vibration control, 2) architectural acoustics and 3) the sound system technology itself.

1. Noise and Vibration Control
Isolation from noise sources inside and outside the theater such as traffic, fans, compressors, IMAX projector and the eventual Fulldome projector.
The IMAX projector [...]

Finished Dome Photos

 

First New IMAX Film Announced!

Click on the green “New IMAX Films” tab above to find out the first of three new films that will premiere in the Fleet’s newly-renovated IMAX Dome Theater next month.
The exact reopening date, along with information about two other new films will be announced very soon… stay tuned!
Do you twitter?  The Fleet Science Center will [...]

Dome is Done!

Almost done – early in the day Tues 11/11/08

 
 

Dome Almost Done. . . .

Only a day or two to go……

 

Progress Continues with Dome Surface Installation

 
This is the tedious part. Panels must be cut to exact measurements so there is minimal space between each section. Coming along, right on schedule.

One Week Later – Dome tiles going up

First Tile Went Up Today (10/8/08)

 
This is the time-consuming part. All seams must be exact to appear “seamless” when finished.