Gallery • 5 Photos

Used with permission from the Science Museum

According to Imholte, Omnitheater viewers will embark on a global expedition in search of a better understanding of some of the world’s most mysterious predators. "Search for the Great Sharks" will bring viewers up close to blue sharks, whale sharks, and the notorious great white shark to experience the magnificence and strength of these frightening and powerful animals.

With a mix of four visitor favorites and a brand new film, the annual Science Museum of Minnesota’s Omnifest is a popular tradition, according to museum’s Public Relations Specialist Sarah Imholte.

“An Omnitheater movie is a movie that is filmed with IMAX cameras and is designed to be shown on a screen that is much larger than the screens you find in conventional movie theaters,” said Imholte. “the Omnitheater at the Science Museum of Minnesota features a 90 foot domed screen.”

According to Imholte, the curved screen transports the watchers into the setting of the movie.

“Viewers feel like they’re in the heart of the action because the images nearly wrap around them and draw them in,” Imholte said.

Freshman Elliot Etz said he has been to many Omni-movies over the years and hopes to attend a film at this year’s festival.

“It was interesting and the documentaries are educational,” Etz said.

According to the Science Museum website, the five movies playing are “A Beautiful Planet”, “Everest”, Mystery of the Nile”, “To the Arctic” and “Search for the Great Sharks”.

Imholte said tickets for Omnifest are $9.95 for ages 13 and up – $8.95 for kids 4-12 and seniors. Additional tickets purchased on the same day qualify for a $2 discount.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Science Museum at (651) 221-9444 or online at smm.org. The Omnifest runs from Mar. 3 to May 4.

The Science Museum is open until 9 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and closes at 5pm on other days. The museum is closed on Mondays.