IMAX at the Maritime Aquarium
10 N. Water Street,
Norwalk,
CT
06854
10 N. Water Street,
Norwalk,
CT
06854
3 people
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Although construction of the Maritime Center started on October 15, 1986, the IMAX didn’t start construction until September 1987. This started life as the IMAX Theater at Maritime Center, opening its doors on the same day as the Maritime Center itself, on July 16, 1988, and launching with “Silent Sky” and “Nomads of the Deep”. The IMAX was originally managed by Marc Primus and features 10,000-watt surround sound and an original capacity of 360 seats (which was later downgraded to 275 seats before its January 2021 closure as the lastly known “IMAX at the Maritime Aquarium”).
While plans of the then-known as Maritime Center were introduced four years prior, contractors originally planned on constructing a 340-seat OMNIMAX featuring a six-track stereo sound, a gigantic flat screen, 70mm projection with fisheye lens, and 340 seats, but the idea was scrapped by officials in May 1984 when they brought in a better idea of IMAX. Joseph A. Abbott, the executive director of the then-planned center, replied that the IMAX development was $500,000 cheaper than the OMNIMAX. According to President Chris Roosevelt, he responded that IMAX is more economical and versatile than the OMNIMAX, claiming that the originally planned flat screen will give viewers sharper images but will not merely see a filmed experience, and visitors wanted a filmed experience like IMAX. Abbott added that the IMAX will be a lot more successful and was very sure that it’ll be a big hit.
Opened on July 29th, 1988. Grand opening ad posted.
Demolished
Closed permanently on January 18, 2021 with Backyard Wilderness", “The Living Sea”: “Born to Be Wild” and “Great White Shark.”
The Maritime Aquarium has officially announced the opening of their “sensational new 4D theater that will send the action spilling off the screen with thrill-enhancing sensory special effects!”
No thanks.
RIP, IMAX. You were loved.
There was a report in Trains Magazine on-line rail news about this matter. The IMAX cinema is unfortunately located too close to the 1896 rail bridge which is to be replaced. The bridge is on the Boston - New York main line used by Amtrak. The report says that the replacement cinema is now under construction on the far side of the Aquarium building, well away from the tracks. The cinema is to close in mid-January, followed by the opening of its replacement.
Just the IMAX theater is going to be demolished. Because of the location of the theater to the old railroad bridge that will be replaced. Plans call for a new theater to be built on the other side of the museum.
Closes January 14, 2021 permanently for demolition.
Star Wars TFA is currently playing here. It’s a great theater with great sound and a massive screen, and very cheap prices considering it’s IMAX 70mm. The first five rows are a bit of a joke, as most front rows are in IMAX theaters– way too close to the screen.