California Science Center IMAX

Last time I came here I was a wee lil child.
It’s definitely smaller when you grow up but today’s film was about the National Parks and I love it! All these films are so educational without the monotonous, PBS tone. You really get enveloped and takin into the film. I’m going back to see the other movie ASAP!

«Mom, all I want to see is the Space shuttle»! «Ugh, fine»!
So we get in line to purchase the tickets and I over hear one of the employees tell someone «If you purchase a movie ticket Endeavour is free»! –AWESOME SAUCE!
You have to choose what time you want to return and also what time you want to go see The Endeavour exhibition. Then you just have to come back about fifteen minutes before the show starts!
We sat right in the middle of the theater and these were great seats! I didn’t think any seat would have been bad though! I mean the screen is huge and it’s stadium seating!
As you walk in the theater, you have the option to get some snacks and drinks for the movie or maybe some souvenirs as you wait for the doors to open up. You get your 3D glasses as you walk in so your all set!
The movies are about 45 minutes. If you buy tickets for both movies there is a combo price which is a good deal. We opted for just one movie! I regretted not getting both afterwards! :\ …
Parking is 12 dollars CASH ONLY
To purchase IMAX tickets they take all cards and cash!
Bring the family on a Sunday… not as crowded with school kids running around! :)

I’ve got to admit the California Science Center IMAX is a great place to watch movie documentaries. Similar to most 3D IMAX theaters the specialized educational viewings and experience are though to beat.
Learned from our trip that the theaters themselves are 7 stories high. Pretty impressive. The overall feel hasn’t changed since I was a kid. Two large movie theaters on each side of the entrance, you’ll need to ask the front door man which theater seats for which movie since they aren’t numbered.
Pricing for our movie was very very reasonable. About $ 9 for an IMAX movie is a good deal. Also the food items at the movie theater are more reasonable then most.
Recommend: for those whom are childless like myself, see a later show time on a weekday. Less likely to be overcrowded with children. Also opt for the more «mature» subject matter, for example we wanted to have a grown up date so we saw an IMAX on national parks opposed to the Outer Space Show, as we predicted 80% of the kids/​parents attended the space IMAX. Just be mindful of little things like this, again super kid friendly otherwise so just know what it is your looking for in terms of what kind of an experience that you want to have.

We are here for a Subaru sponsored event. It is being catered with chicken strips, stuffed mushrooms, pasta with shrimp and an open bar. The open bar has an array of beers and red and white wines. We are here to watch the National Parks in 3D for free for purchasing our new Outback.

The California Science Center IMAX theater is our neighborhood gem. We don’t do this as often as we’d like but how does a Journey To Space mid-​week during your lunch hour sound? The movie starts at noon and is only 45 minutes long. My work buddies and I head over, buy tickets, buy a hot dog, popcorn and water and spend our lunch getting lost in space. It’s a nice break from whatever you’re doing and it’s easy in and easy out. The staff is so organized and friendly so it makes the experience even better.

Varied, inconsistent experience. The endeavor exhibit was great but some of the educational exhibits are dull and hopefully outdated. Cut down on knobs and screens please, show us ‘real’ stuff! Also quite annoying having to pay extra for ‘attractions’ after buying full tickets.

Huge place with lots to look at, definitely worth a visit. The space exhibit was really cool to look at as well as the hanging space craft. It was cool to learn about the ecosystems and how they work as well as the other exhibits. It is a full packed museum with much to see and a lot to discover, good readings and interactive videos.

Cool and very cool. Parking was a breeze. Fee of $ 12 was quite reasonable. 2 Imax movies + all around ticket for events and shows was about $ 45 or something for two adults and a child. I mean wow… talk about value. See the space shuttle, watch the voyage into space. In my opinion you could skip the huntchback whale movie. It was good but not a msut see. Not that much better than everything you’ve already seen on Nat Geo or Planet Earth. Cool though… this place is very cool.

This place varies depending on exhibit… However I have to say the Space Exhibit was pretty top notch and even the astronaut in training I brought with me was impressed!
That being said… We went to the Pompeii exhibit last year and it was NOTHING to ride home about… A total waste of money actually.
So really, go to the Science Center at your own risk… However, I do recommend you check out the space exhibit before it’s too late!

The California Science Center IMAX theater is right by the Science Center.
Parking here is pretty easy and not too expensive. I’ve never been to the IMAX before, but my friends wanted to see the educational movie that went with the Pompeii exhibit we were seeing next door so I sucked it up and bought the ticket for this too.
I don’t know about the lines, I didn’t really see one as we walked in, because we were with a wheel chaired friend and went up the elevator to those seats. They’ve got yummy theater food to snack on with your learning too!
I actually enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would! It made the exhibit next door much more that much more interesting too!

Once again, I’ll give a fair review despise my dislike for the Science Center and all things related. This IMAX is a theater I’ve only attended while on a fieldtrip. If you get in line early, you can get a decent seat. But with groups of kids all over, blahhh. Regardless, I suppose you can always appreciate watching something educational. Seeing it in 3D is always a plus.

Man this is true IMAX! I grew up going here and forget how huge it actually is. That said, the quality of the screen isn’t quite what it used to be (or else i’m just so used to HD). We saw Jerusalem which was focusing on the city according to 3 women in 3 different quarters– Jewish, Muslim and Christian and even though it was focusing on them now, it felt like it was filmed back in the 70s. They did provide their own 3D glasses though they were reusable and not in seeled packages. The food however was extremely cheap. We were super surprised at how they weren’t ripping you off! It was amazing. I would definitely go and see more movies here in the future.

This was a really cool experience with lots of fun exhibits and some more factual learning exhibits. No matter who comes, they will have a good time. This is perfect for any age and there so many hints to do you can spend hours here.

Terrible theater experience — avoid!
In anticipation of attending the Science Center with out of town guests, I purchased tickets two months in advance. What I didn’t know is that you need to show up an hour early to get in line if you want a good seat — they don’t mention this online or by any signage outside the theater. We got there 20 minutes prior to showtime and were at the end of a very long line.
As we stood in line someone came by and collected our tickets. Within the next five minutes two other staff people came by and asked for our tickets which we explained were already collected. I’d advise anyone who comes here not to bother buying tickets, just show up and tell them someone else already took your ticket!
Once we got inside we were unable to sit together and were scattered around some of the fringe seats. It was a 3D movie and the 3D was often blurry and would flicker (one eye would flash to black for a second or two from time to time). Also annoying were the people who kept walking in and out of aisles for the first ten minutes of the movie, especially the ones who would wave arms and yell «Marv! Over here!» as they tried to locate family. This is caused by the fact that they don’t let people into the theater until a minute before showtime and then start the movie right on time while people are still running to the restroom, finding seats or buying popcorn.
My interaction with staff here left me feeling like it was a great inconvenience for them to deal with patrons. Questions and complaints were met with sighs of irritation and a quick brush-​off.
Don’t waste your money here. Go see one of the great nature films at the Aquarium of the Pacific or better yet, just hang a sheet in your backyard and project an old 16 mm high school science class film on it — you’ll have a better viewing experience and won’t be treated poorly.

Watched Jerusalem 3D at this IMAX on a weekend. There’s a lot of groups visitng this place in the summer, so I suggest you to get your tickets online. It really did save me a lot of hassle as I passed by the groups. I had a person who needed extra assistance and people are generally nice about moving their seats for you. I did get a light migraine after the show.
I didn’t feel the place was too clean, but there were overwhelming number of people that Saturday. The bathrooms are definitely in need of better maintenance.
Parking is $ 10 for the entire day and you can park in either parking lots within the exposition park. You can go in and out.

How could I be mad at the Science center? its free. My god is it ever free.
Otherwise, It’s really not the best of museums. Ive been to a number of science centers and this one is pretty average. However, did i mention it’s free? If you buy imax tickets you get to see the endeavor for free too. It’s not one of those dome IMAX but i did watch a pretty good movie about the galapagos there.
Pro Tip, especially for any USC kids. One of my favorite things to do when i lived in Expo park was after a hard night, taking the train to this science center, buying a coffee and walking into the room where the fish viewing tank is. There is a little set of bleachers where you can sit, drink the coffe, and watch fish. It’s one of the chillest ways to recover from a hangover, and it’s pretty darn cheap. Anyone at USC wouldn’t even need to take the train. Of course, it helps to like kids and try to not be weird sitting there. The museum is for families so you should be too. I always went with a friend and quietly talked being sure to filter out any profanities. It’s chill, be chill, and may the chill be with you, brah.

Came here for Interstellar on true IMAX and the 7 story screen. A little hard to navigate on a dark and rainy night, we passed the parking lot and had to circle around. No parking fee if the main museum is closed though.
There’s a full snack bar in the lobby with popcorn, drinks, candy, ice cream, etc. Unlike the former RAVE IMAX and Universal City, CSC’s theater has nice, wide aisles so you don’t have to scrunch up or stand for someone to pass. But with all the food and beverages available you’d think the seats would have cup holders.
The movie looked and sounded great. Hopefully they’ll continue to screen film shot in the IMAX format in the future.

I’ve been to the Science Center a few times now. It really is a great place to take the kids and it keeps everyone so busy and engaged that I found that I was tired out long before the kids were!
The center is several stories with limited time exhibits that you have to pay to see, otherwise, the rest of the center is free. The highlight for my kids is the aquarium. Although it’s not quite as glorious as Monterey or Long Beach, it’s pretty impressive what they do have and the tunnel as well as the glass wall exhibit they have are very impressive. The other memorable experience for my kids is Tess, the 50 foot ‘human’ show they have on the second floor that teaches kids about the inner workings of the body. Although they were both afraid when we came into the room as my kids are 4 and 2, they were so impressed with the show as it went on.
The facility is kept up very nicely. They have a great gift shop as well as a couple of places to eat, but as the Exposition Park area is starting to shape up, there’s a number of restaurants that are within walking distance (if you don’t mind a 10 minute walk.) There is a lot of parking and current rate is $ 10. Cash only. There are other lots in the area. The last time we got turned around and parked by the Natural History Muesum and that also was $ 10 and a 10 minute walk. There is plenty of open space around the two museums with grassy areas for the kids to run free. The center is also close to the EP Rose Garden which is very fragrant and is beautiful with all the different types of roses.
There’s also an IMAX theater on campus so if you need to sit for a couple of hours, the learning and entertainment doesn’t have to stop! Haven’t been to it yet, but likely will at some point. Also, they’ve got the space shuttle Endeavour on the premise which you can pay to see up close. I remember it flying over my house a couple of years ago when they brought it to Los Angeles — scared the life out of me as I thought it was an earthquake until the shadow came over and I looked out and saw the huge NASA plane carrying the Endeavor on top of it! Still need to go see that exhibit but will wait till the kids are a bit older and can truly appreciate it.
It’s probably better to make this a day trip if investing the time, but living in the area, so glad we have a center like this for the kids (ahem, and adults…)

Hmmm I already wrote a review under «California Science Center» that included the iMax review. Here it is again:
Came here on a Wednesday with two 11 year old boys. Our goal was to see the Endeavor and catch a movie at the Imax, then hop on over the NHM for the dinos.
Buying the tickets couldn’t be easier, it was like a AMC theater, and I was happy to find the iMax tickets were 6.00 for the little guys and 8.00 for me, and included the viewing of the Endeavor.
I would grant more stars for the content, but the CROWDS really took their toll.
We saw the Hubble movie and it was really good, with excellent 3D effects. The only thing was, the theater was filled to the brim (this was the 12:30 show) with preschool groups making lots of noise throughout the entire film. So loud I could not hear much of the film dialog. No one (not employee nor teacher/​caretaker) made a move to quiet them. No ushers patrolling the aisles– it was a free for all, popcorn flying and hundreds of unruly kids.
Normally, I am really not such a old grump. Really. I have 3 kiddoes and remember all too well when they were noisy little buggers. But. I remember one such occasion, my then– 3 year old was making a fuss in the planetarium at Griffith Park Observatory, and they THREW us OUT! (OK, more accurately, politely asked us to leave.) After that I became much more sensitive and just avoided taking toddler/​preschool age kids anyplace that could be considered age-​inappropriate. (Basically anyplace lacking puppets, animals or balloons)
A documentary is not 3,4 even 5 year old material. Muppets would be more their speed. I think coordinators of these programs should emphasize that to ensure the experience is enjoyable to all, or at the very least, enact a policy of removing those who are making too much of a racket.
After the film, we went to explore the CSC. It is extremely varied, with exhibits covering all the diverse climate zones of California. Lots of hands-​on activities. It also had a very good aquarium that for little ones, could easily stand in for the larger Long Beach Aquarium (and its FREE). Again, the crowds were stifling, and we were dodging giant hoards of, albeit adorable, color-​coded –T-​shirted little cretins. I really didn’t mind that, after all this is a great place for the little guys. However, at one point my boy and I looked down from an upper level at the masses of people below and he accurately described the scene as «World War Z». It was, it really was.
The most annoying thing was the abundance out of control aggressive adults. Renegade Strollers (got nailed by a few) and families actively and purposefully cutting lines generally acting like a bunch of savages. Pushing and elbowing their position Their Kid to the front of the exhibit. People. Be patient! (What is it that turns people turn into cavemen in crowded places?)
There are lots of twists, turns, stairwells, tunnels, and lost souls in this place, all the more confusing when so overloaded. On top of it, the museum employees weren’t all that helpful in directing the crowds. We spent an inordinate amount of time just locating the Endeavor exhibit, we kept being pointed in wrong directions.
(I review that exhibit separately. Its a do not miss for me!)
I wish they would limit the amount of people admitted. It would help improve the overall experience dramatically.
On the plus side, the parking was convenient (a little pricey at 10.00,but we were in the shade) and Free admission, you can’t beat it.

We enjoy our here!
They have plenty of parking for $ 10 bucks, we check out the space shuttle for $ 2. When you get to the space shuttle room they have add info guides to share the stories of how when and where’s about the shuttle which is great. Their stations of the Eco-​systems are excellent and all of thier room are well keep, there are guides in each room to help keep your experience enjoyable. We also had the chance to watch a really cool IMAX movie for $ 3 at the center theater that we enjoyed but the theater it self need more lighting during the movie. All the staff at the Science center are friendly and helpful. The center does offer a small cafeteria or like we did bring snacks and drinks so you can Picnic outside! Also remember to eat before you come like other Unilocalers mention. Great for the family or just a trip at a reasonable price.