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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
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Stephen Montoya
The lights dim, and the familiar, dreamy chords of The Beatles’ “Across the Universe” fill the newly renovated Jane and John Justin Foundation Omni Theater. As the LED display ignites, you’re not just watching a screen — you’re stepping into a portal. Nearly two years in the making (try 18 month to be exact) the Omni Theater has returned, bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever. And oh, it was worth the wait.
Once a state-of-the-art gem of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (FWMSH) back in 1983, this dome was groundbreaking then and still manages to hold a unique title. It’s the only LED dome of its kind inside a museum anywhere in the world. That’s right—world-class innovation is right here in Fort Worth, y’all.
The first image projected onto the dome’s 77.5-foot canvas? A sweeping drone shot of the museum itself, so crisp and vibrant it felt like the sun rose inside the room. And while Lennon may have sung, “Nothing’s gonna change my world,” this tech marvel might have made him reconsider.
Before you ask — no, the famous Fort Worth flyover wasn’t on tap, yet. Although, those of us in attendance were given a sneak peek at some of the raw images that will help accompany the newly revitalized iconic opener.
What was on tap for this preview was a presentation by Kirk Johnson, COO of Cosm Technologies, who took to the stage to lay out the specs, and they’re as jaw-dropping as the visuals. The 23.6-meter dome boasts greater-than-8K resolution, powered by over 43 million LEDs, and is up to 150 times brighter than a typical planetarium. Translation? You’ll forget you’re indoors.
But it’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the experience. With Cosm’s Experience Engine and software integrations like Unreal, the possibilities are limitless. Whether you’re flying over Earth, exploring the depths of the universe, or diving into a digitally rendered landscape, this dome takes you there.
The transformation wasn’t just about upgrading the dome. The theater’s lobby has been revamped to host events and accommodate more visitors comfortably. Restrooms — finally! —were added, eliminating the need to trek back into the museum or up to the second floor. The lobby entrance was pushed outward and redesigned to ease congestion, ensuring smooth transitions from lobby to theater.
“We’ve made this space more versatile,” FWMSH vice president of marketing Tammy McKinney said, noting that the lobby can now host seated events for up to 300 people. And for field trips, the shift from reel-based to digital content is a game-changer. In the past, if students watched a film like Dolphins, it ran on repeat all day. Now, digital flexibility allows programming to align with educators’ specific curriculum goals, creating a more meaningful experience.
The Omni Theater isn’t just a tech upgrade — it’s a bridge between the past and the future, a love letter to innovation and imagination. “The Polar Express” experience is returning this holiday season, complete with Santa, hot chocolate, and a cozy pajama party, keeping the beloved traditions alive while embracing modern advancements.
It’s hard to imagine that this marvel took 18 months to complete. From the old IMAX reels that used to take 30 minutes to change out, to a fully digital, seamless experience, the transformation is stunning. As you lean back in your seat, staring up at a dome that feels as infinite as the universe itself, you can’t help but feel that anything is possible.
So grab a seat, lean back, and let the Omni Theater take you across the universe. The journey begins next Saturday. Don’t miss it.
