Nearly 4 years after shutting down at the start of the pandemic, the Franklin Institute has announced that the IMAX Theater will close permanently, writes Michael Tanenbaum for Phillyvoice. 

Leaders at the Franklin Institute said the IMAX Theater in the Tuttleman is no longer a viable business model for the museum.

The museum cited several factors “including the need for a complete replacement of 34-year-old, now obsolete technology and infrastructure,” for the decision.  

The Tuttleman first opened the doors to the viewing public in 1990, and it was one Philadelphia’s last remaining IMAX theaters. 

As it became a popular field trip destination, the Franklin Institute took on considerable debt to invest in the Tuttleman and other museum renovations over the years. 

Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, highlighted that COVID has brought challenges to the industry, but has hope for the future.

“Everything has been challenging in our industry, as it has been in so many others. We hope and expect that all industries will bounce back in newer and better ways,” she said.  

In the meantime, the Franklin Institute will focus on delivering 6 new exhibits in the coming years, along with other upgrades. 

Read more about the Franklin Institute and the IMAX theater in Phillyvoice. 

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