Sci-Port to expand experiences

Sci-Port Discovery Center’s IMAX® Dome is getting a makeover and a new name for the holidays.

It’s undergoing renovations to upgrade from film projection to IMAX laser technology. Sci-Port promises patrons a fully immersive, upgraded experience with new lighting and sound systems.

The new name will be the Goodman IMAX Dome to honor Sylvia Goodman and her family. According to Dianne Clark, executive director of Sci-Port, “Sylvia’s vision and tenacity resulted in the opening of the current Sci-Port Discovery Center in 1998. With 25 years of experience providing immersive educational experiences to our community, Sci-Port looks forward to expanding those services with the addition of the new digital, laser-based projection system. We are delighted to recognize the work of Sylvia and her family.”

According to a release from Sci-Port, the Goodman IMAX Dome will be the only IMAX Dome in Louisiana and the only Dome Theatre within a 200-mile radius. With the new projection system in place, Sci-Port will be able to offer a more comprehensive array of movie options, including new content created specifically for dome theaters such as “Ancient Caves” by MacGillivray Freeman Films. One of the features of this upgrade is the addition of feature-length, Hollywood-produced movie offerings. The first feature-length film to premiere in the Goodman IMAX® Dome was “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” which was scheduled to open on Nov. 25.

A Sci-Port employee who saw “Ancient Caves” said it was a unique experience that “blew me away.”

“Ancient Caves” takes the audience on a journey to explore some of the world’s most remote caves with paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley and her team to unlock the secrets of the Earth’s climate.

“Black Panther” is a Marvel Studios presentation. Tom Cruise’s new movie, “Top Gun: Maverick” will come to the Goodman beginning Dec. 16. The popular holiday film Polar Express begins on Dec. 17.

In addition to the new film presentation changes, Sci-Port is opening a fully renovated concession area and gift shop. Patrons can also take advantage of online ticketing options through a new point-of-sale system.

But mind-blowing movies aren’t the only thing new this season; the Center has a lineup and events scheduled for the holidays. On Nov. 25, they kicked off the season with Sno-Port 2022, the popular interactive winter experience. Visitors from across the area have engaged in snow-themed, science-based activities housed in the interactive science “playground” since 2019, according to the Center website. “Sno-Port, re-designed annually, represents the imaginations and creations of local artists and has become a favorite holiday experience.”

Sno-Port is a temporary exhibit only open from Nov. 25, 2022 – Jan. 29, 2023.

Old St. Nick is scheduled to pop down the chimney on Dec. 17 to entertain and sit for photos. While waiting for your chance to sit on the jolly elf’s lap, you can create your own holiday version of cocoa and cookies.

Visitors can purchase tickets for “Polar Express” and are encouraged to join the staff in dressing up in their holiday pajamas.

The schedule is as follows:

• 10 a.m.: “Ancient Caves” in the Goodman IMAX Dome;

• 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Photos with Santa, Cookie Bar, Cocoa Bar and PJ Contest

• Noon: “Ancient Caves” in the Goodman IMAX® Dome

• 1 p.m.: “Polar Express” in the Goodman IMAX® Dome

Santa Photo: $10 (includes general admission and photo with Santa)

Cocoa, Cookies & Santa: $15 (includes general admission, cocoa bar, cookie bar and a photo with Santa)

“Polar Express” in the IMAX Dome: $8.

Sci-Port is located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway on the downtown Shreveport riverfront. You can get more information about holiday event schedule, pricing, the Goodman IMAX® Dome, and Sno-Port 2022 by visiting sciport.org or calling 318-424-3466.