The Science Behind IMAX

A computer-generated image of the Science Center's IMAX theater

Learn about the "Science Behind IMAX" through our special group tours of the IMAX projection booth. See up close the unique technology that drives the most advanced film presentation in the world.

Scheduling a tour
Tours are available for groups of 25 or fewer people, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Each group must provide one chaperone for every 12 students. Tours are conducted weekdays at 10:45, 11:45 and 12:45 sharp. The tour lasts approximately 5 to 10 minutes Tours are free but must be scheduled 24 hours in advance of your visit. Please email rmartin@cscmail.org to schedule your "Science Behind IMAX" tour today!

Some amazing things you'll discover on the tour

Film frames shown in proportional size

• The IMAX 3D projector is the size of a small car, and rolls forward and backward on its own set of tracks.
• The IMAX theater screen at the California Science Center is as tall as a seven-story building.
• The IMAX projector uses two 15,000-watt xenon-gas lamps to illuminate the giant screen. The light source is so powerful that if projected from the moon it would be visible from Earth with the naked eye!
• If you rolled out an IMAX film print from end to end, it would be over three miles long.

Click for more IMAX Facts!