The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater was the world's first IMAX dome theater when it opened in 1973.
The theater's projection system can display 8K resolution, providing high-fidelity visuals for educational astronomy shows.
The museum building is located in a structure that was originally built for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition.
It features a 'Tinkering Studio' where visitors can build and prototype complex structures using everyday materials.
The museum regularly hosts 'Sip and Science' evenings that allow adults to explore exhibits with food and cocktails.
The center is home to the 'Science at Home' digital repository, which provides over 100 experiments for remote learning.
The Fleet Science Center is a hands-on interactive museum located in Balboa Park, San Diego. It features the Heikoff Giant Dome Theater, which utilizes an IMAX digital projection system for large-format films and planetarium shows. The facility houses over 100 hands-on science exhibits designed to explain physical and life science concepts through user-led experimentation. Notable permanent displays include 'Kid City,' an area specifically designed for children under five, and 'Spark Zone,' which focuses on engineering and design challenges. The center is a primary site for community science events, including regular 'Sudsy Science' demonstrations and adult-only 'Science on Tap' programs. It serves as a regional hub for STEM education, offering workshops and camps throughout the year.
The rotunda area with its prominent dome ceiling, or the outdoor fountain view located just outside the main entrance.
Check the daily show schedule for the Giant Dome Theater upon arrival, as popular films sell out quickly.
Visit the 'Kid City' area early in the day if traveling with toddlers to avoid afternoon crowds.
Look for the rotating temporary exhibits near the entrance, which often feature traveling technology displays.
Attempting to see all theater shows in a single visit, as the overlap between gallery time and screenings can lead to rushing through the hands-on exhibits.
Open daily year-round, though occasionally closed for private events or major holidays.
