AMC Navy Pier IMAX
700 E. Grand Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60611
700 E. Grand Avenue,
Chicago,
IL
60611
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Permanently closed per AMC website. Article below.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/what-to-watch/ct-ent-amc-navy-pier-imax-permanently-closed-20210330-q25w5mnq4nb2zhh5rir77nu77e-story.html?fbclid=IwAR3K1zUC3HkAk-zEtz9WIAsVNEDjd7cqI-IFzgCUDSHMUA1A0WXq9drGGhM
It was opened in 1916 as the Chicago Municipal Pier. It was named Navy Pier in 1927 in honor of WWI Navy veterans. During WWII, the Navy used it as a training center.
Was these place once used by the navy, hence the name Navy Pier?
Unfortunately, it appears that their reopening may have been a little premature. It seems that the renovations were not actually finished on time, so they’re now projecting that they will reopen in the fall, at best.
Hopefully they will have kept their 15/70 projectors, and will be open for “The Last Jedi” in December. It would be a shame if the only true IMAX screen in Chicago missed out, even if it’s not a 15/70 presentation.
This theatre is now part of the AMC Theatres chain.
They just reopened this week and now they have IMAX Laser. Sadly, they probably no longer have the 15/70 equipment anymore.
This opened on September 1st, 1995. Grand opening ad in the photo section.
I remembered going to the Navy Pier IMAX to see Fantasia 2000 (2000) with my family to celebrate the new millennium, and Polar Express (December 2004) for a school field trip during my grade school days. I really want to go back there and see another good flick.
Currently showing first-run films.
Once upon a time, from 1996 until 2001, this Imax theatre had a wonderful little film series known as Late Night at the Max. It showed various films in either 35mm or 70mm. They ranged from TOP GUN to YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. They even showed a beat-up old 35mm print of Dario Argento’s SUSPIRIA. For 2 or 3 weeks, they showed 2001: A SPACE ODYESSEY in 70mm. I could go on and on. Unfortunately, when Loews Cineplex decided not to renew their co-management agreement with Imax, they took the 35mm/70mm projection equipment with them. And, thus, Late Night at the Max ended. It really was a throwback to the good old days of big wide screen presentations in a downtown single-screen auditorium.
I’d love to watch more IMAX films; have caught 2 over the past few yrs.
But unfortunately I doubt it’ll happen, because of the absolutely maddening way this location operates its ticket booth.
If you make it to the front of the line (wherever that may be that night), you could be so frustrated you’ll just skip it. Go buy some magnificent fudge over at Ryba’s a few steps further (the latter I assure you’s a much more satisfying outcome).
IMAX apparently is accustomed to crowds of people standing immobile in long lines at 6 Flags Great America, such is the captive audience. This abuse cannot serve to justify purchasing seats a la Fandango (no, it is not reserved seat).
“300” is currently playing here in IMAX.
http://www.fromscripttodvd.com/300_imax_dmr.htm
This opened as a Cineplex Odeon theatre. According to the Dec. 1999 Loews directory, the address is 700 E. Grand Ave. Ste. 115 – and at the time the theatre had 440 seats. I think it was the only Cineplex Imax in the US. Loews left it sometime between Dec 99 and Apr 01. It is now operated by the IMAX Corporation.
Opened 1995
If i recall right this is the only IMAX theatre in the city proper it is located in side of navy pier. I think that it is just off of the main concorse eathe right across from or right near Bubba Gupp Shimp House or some kind of resturant or bar. The seating i think is first come first serve,but it might be assinged seating. Their is an door to it from what is called “ DOCK STREET” along the pier. But if want to go best bet is to “buy before you fly” this rings true in the late spring and all summer months.