Tuttleman IMAX Theater

Tuttleman IMAX Theater
Name	Tuttleman IMAX Theater
Address	222 North 20th Street
City	Philadelphia
State	Pennsylvania
Country	United States
Owner	The Franklin Institute
Capacity	500
Type	IMAX dome theater
Opened	1990
Architect	Theodore C. Lutz

Tuttleman IMAX Theater is a prominent cinematic venue located within The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Opened in 1990, it is one of the first IMAX dome theaters in the United States and a cornerstone of the institute's public science education mission. The theater is renowned for its massive, tilted dome screen and advanced projection systems, offering immersive experiences in documentary, science, and feature film programming.

History

The theater was conceived as part of a major expansion and modernization of The Franklin Institute in the late 1980s, a project that also included the creation of the Fels Planetarium. It opened to the public in 1990, funded by a significant donation from philanthropist Owen J. Tuttleman. The venue quickly became a model for immersive educational cinema, influencing the development of similar theaters within major science museums like the Museum of Science, Boston and the California Academy of Sciences. Throughout its operation, it has undergone several technological upgrades to maintain its status as a state-of-the-art facility, consistently drawing visitors from across the Philadelphia region and beyond.

Architecture and design

Designed by architect Theodore C. Lutz, the theater is an integral part of the The Franklin Institute complex. Its most distinctive external feature is the large, blue-tiled dome that protrudes from the museum's roof along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The interior is dominated by a 79-foot diameter dome screen tilted at a 30-degree angle, which fills the audience's peripheral vision. The steeply raked, 500-seat auditorium ensures unobstructed views for all patrons. The design prioritizes functionality for the complex IMAX projection and sound systems, with the projection booth located at the ideal focal point for the dome geometry.

IMAX technology and features

The theater is equipped with a dual-projector IMAX GT system, capable of showing both 15-perforation/70mm film and digital content. Its hallmark is the giant dome screen, one of the largest in Pennsylvania, which utilizes a specialized perforated surface for superior audio penetration from the behind-screen speaker array. The sound system is a custom-designed 12-channel Dolby Atmos configuration, creating a highly directional and immersive audio environment. This technological suite allows for the presentation of both traditional educational documentaries and Hollywood productions converted for the dome format, such as those from Marvel Studios or Disney.

Film programming and events

Programming is primarily focused on educational and documentary films that align with the mission of The Franklin Institute, covering topics like space exploration, natural history, and technology. It has featured major IMAX documentary productions from studios like MacGillivray Freeman and National Geographic. The theater also hosts special event screenings of popular science-fiction and adventure films, often in conjunction with museum exhibits on subjects like Ancient Egypt or climate change. It serves as a key venue during the Philadelphia Science Festival and hosts private events for organizations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Location and accessibility

The theater is situated at 222 North 20th Street on the museum's second floor, with direct access from the main rotunda of The Franklin Institute. Its location on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway places it within the city's major cultural district, near institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Academy of Natural Sciences. It is served by multiple SEPTA bus routes and the Spring Garden station on the Broad Street Line. The facility is fully accessible, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Management and operations

The theater is owned and operated by The Franklin Institute, under the management of its Experiences division. Day-to-day operations, including projection, marketing, and guest services, are handled by institute staff. Film booking and licensing are coordinated through IMAX Corporation and major distributors like Warner Bros. and 20th Century Studios. Financial support comes from ticket revenue, memberships to The Franklin Institute, and continued philanthropic contributions, including those from the Tuttleman Family Foundation.

Category:IMAX venues Category:Cinemas and movie theaters in Philadelphia Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1990 Category:The Franklin Institute