INDIANAPOLIS — The IMAX® Theater in the Indiana State Museum is kicking off celebrations for its milestone 30th anniversary with a major investment in the future of moviegoing: the installation of IMAX’s newest Commercial Laser (CoLa) projection system and a next-generation immersive 12-channel sound system. The transformative upgrade brings the first IMAX with Laser experience to the Central Indiana market, cementing the venue’s reputation as one of the top movie destinations in the world.
The new laser projection system, slated for installation next month, expands the theater’s digital capabilities to fill the full width of Indiana’s largest screen, showcasing blockbuster releases with unparalleled image clarity, deeper contrast, and vivid color. Crucially, the venue will maintain its IMAX 70mm Film projection system side-by-side with the new digital laser projector, placing the theater in an elite tier of venues capable of offering both ultra-rare film presentations and cutting-edge digital technology.
“Having grown up coming to this theater, stepping into the auditorium every day still gives me goosebumps,” said Neale Johantgen, IMAX Theater Manager. “Upgrading to IMAX’s latest laser projector is a complete game-changer. It extends the life of our theater for decades to come, elevates our giant-screen documentaries, and cements our status as one of the best places on Earth to experience a movie.”
The theater was built and is owned by the White River State Park Development Commission, representing a dedicated investment in a premier community asset. Revenue generated from theater ticket sales directly supports the park’s public green spaces, trails, and urban cultural attractions. The venue is managed by IMAX Corporate through a direct agreement.
“White River State Park has always been committed to bringing extraordinary cultural and recreational experiences to downtown Indianapolis,” said John Moton, Executive Director of the White River State Park Development Commission. “This project represents a major continuing investment in a true community asset. By upgrading the theater with IMAX’s flagship laser technology, we are ensuring that moviegoers support the broader mission of the park every time they buy a ticket.”
The theater builds on 30 years of moviegoing excellence by evolving the visual and sound experience for the next generation; the audio evolution in the theater will be equally significant. When complete, the new 12-channel sound system will add audio channels to deliver pinpoint spatial accuracy and 10x dynamic range, allowing audiences to feel every subtle whisper and thunderous explosion.
This upgraded presentation will especially bring giant-screen documentaries to life like never before. Viewers of all ages will be able to explore space, dive into ocean depths, and experience nature in stunning visual detail on a six-story canvas. Through its ongoing partnership with the Indiana State Museum, the theater will continue offering premier field trip destinations for students while providing world-class documentary programming for both field trips and the general public.
The downtown IMAX theatergoers can enjoy validated parking in the White River State Park parking garage. To view the ever-updating list of films and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.imaxindy.com/.
