Categories: Navy Pier

Navy Pier: Navy Pier IMAX Theater

Author: Molly Ryan

As Chicago’s largest movie theater, the IMAX seats 440 people and has a 60 by 80 foot screen. Overall, the monumental screen is 6 stories high, but from one of the seats in the audience, it appears to be almost endless.

During an IMAX performance, sound erupts from the booming surround-sound speakers and the audience feels like they are physically moving in their seats along with the movie camera. Watch a 3-D IMAX show to see characters and objects jump off of the screen and into the theater. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling the urge to reach out your hands to touch these objects—they are unbelievably realistic!

Kids will love the wide variety of shows geared towards their interests. Throughout the year, cartoon characters and super heroes soar onto the screen and delight youngsters as they reach out and try to interact with the 3-D objects. For a more educational, kid-friendly performance, almost every morning the theater has shows that explore the ocean, outer space, the desert, and areas, animals and cultures around the universe. Through the IMAX, the whole family is able to take a whirlwind adventure to areas of the world rarely seen by other human beings. Swim with sharks, take a flight to Mars and hunt with lions without ever leaving your seat!

Just because kids will be captivated by the IMAX shows does not mean that adults will enjoy them any less. From the afternoon until late into the night, more mature performances are screened for an older audience. Action films are always popular at the IMAX because the audience feels like they are actually in the middle of the excitement. Nowadays, many large-budget films are using specialty IMAX cameras to shoot their action scenes to give audiences a more intimate viewing. Seeing your favorite movie star standing six stories high will give you a whole new perspective on watching films.

The film Batman: The Dark Knight has changed IMAX viewing forever. Since the movie opened on July 18, 2008, audiences have been literally running to IMAX theaters. Over $2 million worth of tickets were sold for showings of the film at IMAX theaters over a week before it even opened. Since the movie was shot in Chicago, the film ran continuously for the first 72 hours after its opening at none other than the Navy Pier IMAX Theater. A handful of the action scenes were shot using specialty IMAX cameras, which give the audience a superior viewing experience. It is expected that directors will use the IMAX scenes in Batman as a model for future action films, which will give audiences more reasons to frequent IMAX theaters!

It's not all big-budget explosions, though, as the newest offering, Dolphins and Whales 3D: Tribes of the Ocean, follows Jean-Michel Cousteau from the Caribbean coral reef to Tonga tracking the roaming bands of ocean-dwelling mammals.

For more information on the Navy Pier IMAX Theater, performances, and show times visit the Navy Pier IMAX website.

 

Check out places of interest near Navy Pier: Navy Pier IMAX Theater:

Aria Restaurant
200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

A top Chicago restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine at The Fairmont Chicago hotel, Aria has proven that it's here to stay. Currently under the leadership of chef de cuisine Leon Gunn, the kitchen here serves a menu that's bursting with cultural influences from around the world.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Riva
700 E. Grand Avenue , Chicago, IL 60611

For a chic atmosphere and fine dining, Navy Pier guests should visit RIVA. Visitors can dine on specialty steak, seafood and pasta while viewing Chicago's epic skyline. If casual dining is desired, guests can choose RIVA Café below the main restaurant for great food without the candlelight.
Contact: (312) 644- RIVA

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
600 E. Grand Ave., Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60611

Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, located on Navy Pier, is  an interactive experience in every sense of the word. Squeezing, stomping and spinning until you are doubled over laughing and delightfully dizzy is the name of the game here--as is finding your way out!

 

 

Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Anita Dee yacht charters are available for anyone looking for a Chicago boat tour experience for a private event--or whatever reason.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago's well-known Shakespeare Theatre located on the fabulous Navy Pier offers classic and contemporary takes on the famous Bard's works.

Gold Class Cinemas
100 Higgins Rd., The Arboretum, South Barrington, IL 60010

There are no lines at Gold Class Cinemas, a luxury film viewing experience in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Recline by yourself or with a special someone and enjoy large-screen movie viewing in comfort and with a full fine-dining menu at your disposal.

 

John Hancock Center Observatory
875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60661

See Chicago from the top of the Hancock Building in the heart of downtown. The John Hancock Center Observatory offers Chicago views at their finest.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo, located in Chicago, is among the oldest zoological gardens in the country (established in 1868) and is also among the most modern. Generations of Chicago kids and visitors to the city alike take the time to stand face to face with apes and even go palm-to-palm with them through the glass. Human-to-animal interaction is mixed with the heavily scientific- and research-based initiatives here.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60610

Millennium Park has become Chicago’s newest main stage attraction. Aligned with the city’s emphasis on architectural innovation, this 24.5-acre phenomenon integrates historical significance with contemporary style from a number of international players. It is bordered by Michigan Avenue to the west, Columbus Drive to the east, Randolph Street to the north and Monroe Street to the south.

Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave. , Chicago, IL 60605

Navy Pier, one of the top tourist attractions in Chicago and the country, is visited by almost nine million visitors per years. From dining to shopping, boat tours to countless entertainment options, Navy Pier in Chicago is a must-stop for a wide range of visitors--Chicago residents already know and love it!

Watch our latest video offering and take a quick, two-minute narrated tour through the highlights at Navy Pier, stern to bow.

Seadog Speedboat Rides
Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 60605

Take a thrilling cruise along the Chicago lakefront in a high-powered vessel from Seadog Speedboat Rides. Take either a 30-minute lakefront cruise or a 75-minute river architectural cruise on the 130-passenger speedboat. Lakefront cruise: every half hour.

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.

Comfort Inn
15 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611

Right in the middle of the bustling Mag Mile, this affordable hotel takes care of the basics and leaves you free to roam one of the busiest streets in the country.

Bike Chicago Rental & Tours
239 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601

Bicycle rental, bicycle tours, segway tours, and in-line skate rentals make Bike Chicago a key attraction in the city. Bike Chicago has five locations scattered throughout the Chicago area, which is convenient for tourists and locals alike. 

Bobby's Bike Hike
465 N McClurg Court, Chicago, IL 60611

Guided bike tours, (bicycles provided), that are definitely family friendly. Tours are designed for riders of all ages and fitness levels. A great way to learn about Chicago’s past, as well as insight into current events around the city. Bike rentals are also available for riders looking to explore the nearby Lakefront Bike Path. 

Shoreline Sightseeing
474 N.Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611

Chidago's largest boat touring company offers "Architecture Cruises" from Navy Pier, plus Skyline Boat Tours and Water Taxis. Special fireworks cruises are scheduled seasonally!

Weekend service April and November-daily service from 10:00 am May - October. On Chicago's waterways since 1939. Group rates; buy tickets online or by phone at no additional fee.