The Museum of Science in Boston is to open a new 98-seat 4D cinema in August. It will use technology from Toronto-based SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, combining a high-definition 3D film with sensory effects built into the seats and cinema environment. The current 3D digital cinema at the museum will close on 30 March as a result.

The cost of installation is $2.5m, including the cost of renovating the cinema.

The museum says the films it will show will be “both educational and fun,” opening with aquatic adventure Planet Earth: Shallow Seas 4-D Experience as well as character-based offerings Dora & Diego's 4-D Adventure and Happy Feet 4-D Experience.



An adult ticket for the cinema will cost $6 for non-members of the museum, while the price for children is $5. Museum members pay $2 less, and also receive free museum exhibit hall admission.

Jonathan Burke, vice president for visitor experience and operations at the museum, says the films aim to “innovatively incorporate” every human sense. “When a whale breaches on screen, guests will feel the ocean spray. If it is snowing on screen, it will even be snowing in the theatre,” he says.

Simex-iwerks has provided 4D films and services to more than 150 attractions in at least 30 countries, working with companies such as Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, BBC Earth, Nickelodeon and National Geographic.