The Orlando Science Center’s Dr. Phillips CineDome is undergoing a full renovation, marking the first major upgrade since it opened in 1997. The project will modernize the center’s signature dome theater with state-of-the-art digital systems designed to expand what the venue can offer to visitors and educators alike.
Construction recently kicked off this fall, with a reopening planned for sometime in spring 2026. The renovation will replace the CineDome’s original old-school film-based system with an 8K full-dome laser projection array, capable of showing immersive science films, live planetarium programs, and multimedia presentations. The update will also include a new dome screen, upgraded seating, and a powerful surround-sound system.
In addition to film screenings, the redesigned theater will support live shows, lectures, and “dome-casting,” a digital system that allows the Science Center to stream content to and from other dome theaters around the world.
Funding for the project includes a $1 million contribution from Dr. Phillips Charities, which was made as part of the Science Center’s ongoing Unlock Science campaign, which has raised more than $30 million since 2014 to upgrade exhibits and expand educational programs.
For more information about the project, visit OSC.org.
Check out our recent behind-the-scenes tour below.
