SimEx-Iwerks and Shedd Aquarium have officially opened the new Immersion Theater at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, introducing a next-generation 4D experience designed to immerse guests in the aquatic world through sight, sound, lighting, and sensory effects.
Opened to the public on May 9, the reimagined theater represents the latest evolution in immersive storytelling featuring expanded side-wall imagery, choreographed special effects, dynamic lighting, and SimEx-Iwerksʼ newest generation seating technology.
The new theater also features an interactive pre-show environment with augmented reality animal encounters to take photos with large-scale visuals, and immersive digital media designed to engage guests before they even enter the main theater.
“4D Experiences in this reimagined theater will be more immersive than ever before, allowing our guests to not only learn about, but also feel what itʼs like to be part of aquatic environments on the other side of the planet,ˮ said Colby Sellers, Senior Director of Guest Relations at Shedd Aquarium. “A core part of Sheddʼs mission is to connect people with nature, and sensory experiences are a great way to spark a lifelong compassion for animals.ˮ
SimEx-Iwerks and Shedd Aquarium have partnered since 2006 to bring family-friendly 4D Experiences® to millions of guests. This latest installation marks a major milestone in the nearly two-decade relationship between the two organizations and showcases a new benchmark for immersive theater design within the aquarium industry.
“This Immersion Theater was designed to push beyond the traditional 4D theater experience,ˮ said Sean McAllister, Senior Vice President, Attraction Development at SimEx-Iwerks. “From the expanded side-wall visuals and interactive pre-show to the choreographed lighting, environmental effects, and new seating technology, every element was designed to surround guests in the story.ˮ
