It’s been a while since the Imax theater at the Museum of Science & Industry in Tampa had an overhaul. But with a $2 million check from Florida Hospital’s West Florida Region, visitors are expecting a “transformational” experience.
The investment, which was announced Friday at the Fowler Avenue museum, will allow MOSI to transform the Imax Dome Theatre from film to a state-of-the-art digital 3-D projection system.
With it, the name of the theater will change to the Florida Hospital Imax Dome Theatre, and will be one of the first science centers in the nation to convert its dome theater from film to digital.
“By moving to a digital 3-D format, we will be able to offer more movies that will attract additional and new visitors to MOSI, which is an important revenue source that will help with the long-term sustainability of the museum,” said Molly Demeulenaere, MOSI’s vice president of growth, in a release.
Both MOSI and Florida Hospital have created a program called “Florida Hospital Presents Live SX,” producing an interactive experience where Florida Hospital surgeons will perform routine surgeries that will be broadcast live in MOSI’s Coleman Science Works Theater for middle school, high school and college students. The program is designed to create interest in students, and help guide them toward healthcare careers.
“As a museum of science and industry, MOSI has the potential to be a model of new technology and innovation, and we believe this is the perfect investment in a highly valued community asset,” said Mike Schultz, president and chief executive of Florida Hospital’s west region, in a release. “Our hospitals use technology and innovation every day to elevate healthcare in the communities that we serve, and we are committed to giving back to the Tampa Bay community. Our goal is to work together with MOSI so we can ultimately help inspire the next generation of healthcare providers.”
The Imax dome image is 10 times larger than a conventional 35mm frame, and three times larger than a standard 70mm frame.
“We are so excited to be partnering with Florida Hospital to continue bringing amazing Imax experiences to the Tampa Bay community,” said Wit Ostrenko, MOSI’s president and chief executive, in a release.
The new partnership will focus on creating new programs, enhancing existing science education, and advancing public interest, knowledge and understanding of science, industry and technology. Florida Hospital officials say it will provide life-changing experiences for families, and support young men and women considering careers in the fields of medicine.
Florida Hospital West Florida Region, part of Adventist Health System, is a 1,257-bed hospital system composed of nine hospitals, including Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.
MOSI is the largest science center in the Southeast with 400,000 square feet of exhibits. For more information on the museum, visit MOSI.org.
