Should We Close Museum IMAX Theaters? My Views on the Kojo Nnamdi Show

Many thanks to the Kojo Nnamdi Show for inviting me on to talk about a tough issue–the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum has announced it will be tearing down its IMAX theater to make room for more space for its cafeteria and some exhibit space. I love IMAX nature films and old-school IMAX screens that create a fully immersive experience. But the Smithsonian found that the audiences were shrinking and increasingly the films were playing to empty seats. I discussed this issue with IMAX filmmaker Jonathan Barker and then talked about why local theaters still matter, even in a world of very fancy home theater settings, with non-profit Avalon Theater manager Bill Oberdorfer. Listen here. And if you want to join those opposing the demolition of the Smithsonian’s IMAX screen, visit Change.org.