An interactive museum I was lucky to visit on a field trip with my fellow middle school mates. I remember I was about 12 making my visit to this site of learning about 20 years ago, but even with times passage the technology was spectacular. It can be a bit overwhelming with the extreme heights to get to seats, so yes it as an intense experience. I saw a nature documentary and the visuals were awesome. A truly visual experience unlike any other, if you have yet to see a film in IMAX...do it!!! read more

Do not go here to see major motion picture. I saw "The Odyssey" by Christopher Nolan in regular theaters and heard the buzz about seeing it in IMAX and thought it would be great at the Tech's Dome. It was a nightmare and before I get into why let me first say I absolutely LOVED seeing the Odyssey in a normal theater. From the start with the Tech's Dome there were issues. We arrived 33 minutes early and already it seemed that there were 3/4 of the people the theater could fit in line. We waited for about 20 minutes in the summer heat to get in. They let us in before the movie started. Went to get seats first since they aren't assigned and they were the worst movie theater seats I've seen in years! Crammed like sardines. I fly often for work and am more comfortable riding coach on a plane. Then I went to get popcorn and water and the line was so long with just one register. By the time I got into the theater the movie was nearly 10 minutes in ... and they had a bunch of people still in line behind me. Now the worst of it... You can't see a damn thing in the Dome. Forget about sitting high up - that wasn't even the issue. It was that the movie was blurry and especially blurry if there was quick movement - and this is an action movie! I knew what was coming and how it was supposed to look since I had seen it a few weeks previously and I could barely make out what was happening. I felt bad for my friend I invited who hadn't yet seen the movie. He had the line of the night as we walked out: "Well.. it seemed like it was a dope movie"... You see a movie like this at the Dome and you'll get robbed of actually SEEING the movie. Just don't do it. Oh and when it was over they let the first credit of directed by Christopher Nolan come on screen then abruptly cut the music and announced on the PA system how to exit the theater read more

Watching The Mandalorian at The Dome was such a fun experience. As a first-timer, it can be quite overwhelming especially with how high and fully immersive the space is. For starters, not only do you have surround-sound, but you also have surround-screen, too. Although it's spherical, the film itself is stretched a bit. At times, the text is cut off towards the edges, and the tops and bottoms were cut off. While this could be expected for ease of editing, it really could have been much more if there was a way to fill in the gaps. In addition to being fully immersive, looking up can also be tiring over time. 100% worth the experience - at least once! read more

I'm going to echo Sam K's review from Aug 3, 2026. We saw The Odyssey at the IMAX as we'd read that you should really watch the movie in that format. So booked seats on the Labor Day weekend at the Tech Dome. We'd seen a Star Wars movie there YEARS before and had forgotten our lesson. There really are only a handful of seats that are tolerable. We started off sitting too low and were killing our necks trying to look up at the screen. We moved higher up which was better, but still not great. With big action sequences we couldn't really see what was going on. We should have just gone to the Pruneyard and enjoyed the big, comfortable reclining chairs. Lesson learned this time. read more

This theater has been open for 20+ years and has no accommodations for mobility impaired guests. My wife and I both mobility impaired and came for a screening that we needed to show up 90 minutes early so we could walk from the nearest garage-if there is better handicapped parking it isn't shown on their website . We then needed to stand in line for an hour before we could sit. There are no benches or other accommodations. We had advanced tickets but in all this time they haven't figured out assigned seating--something every other theater has had for 10+ years. DO BETTER. read more

Love how it looks and works! Amazing job to construction workers! Like we're sitting on a train

They honestly should not be showing movies here. I watched the Odyssey and left in the first 5 minutes. There's no comfortable way to sit, you're constantly moving your head trying to catch the scenes in the movie, and I got an instant headache because the screen is so close to your face. 0 out of 10 recommend this place . (I honestly would prefer sitting front row in a normal theater). I tried to ask for a refund but because the movie already started, both Fandango and the Tech Museum would not give me a refund. The Museum said I had to reach out to Fandango. I did. Fandango said I have to talk to the Museum. What a waste of $45 for both tickets, $20 for parking, and another $20 for popcorn and soda. Never returning here. read more

The video frame was stretched and uncomfortable to watch . Had to turn from left to right to watch everything. Not all IMAX movies can be suitable for this dome screen. The screen resolution should be ideally be adapted to the dome for a good experience . Also the leg space is poor and it is uncomfortable to sit for 2 hrs read more

We watched two documentaries on the same day. Fungi: Web of Life revealed the power of fungi and its connection to other life forms as well as lessons about survival. Deep Sky detailed the accomplishments and discoveries of the JWST, described as the most powerful telescope and time machine, and educated viewers about star dust and its impact on humanity (past, present, and future). Both films showcased amazing cinematography ideal for the big screen, IMAX to be exact, with a wraparound screen creating an immersive experience. For nature films such as these, or events like Beautifica 360 or Mesmerica, which I've seen here in the past, I think this is a great venue, one of the best in the bay area for a unique experience (both picture and sound). But I wouldn't watch regular blockbuster movies here because you may almost miss something due to the curvature of the screen. In fact the seats don't lean that far back, so you have to crank your neck a bit to see the top of the screen if you're not sitting in the last few rows in the back (therefore I think the seats at the top of the theater have the best viewing). The Tech Interactive box office sells tickets to both the IMAX theater and museum, and one documentary show is included with tech museum admission. But we just wanted to watch the films, not visit the museum, and it was unclear online how to purchase IMAX tickets for documentary films in advance (multiple showings on the same day). Basically, you need to purchase at the box office (you can only buy tickets for regular movies online, not documentaries or educational films). And if watching two shows in one day, it's full price for first film (or free with tech museum admission), then $6 extra per additional show on the same day. We bought our tickets in advance, but no one even checked our tickets for either show this past Sunday, there was no theatre attendant or ticket taker at the auditorium entrance (or maybe it was supposed to be the same employee busy at the concessions stand), so we just entered without any staff interaction and didn't encounter any problems. A clean and comfy setting, and no other dome theater like this in the south bay, lots to love! read more

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Went to a 5pm show on a Sunday Parking was not an issue as the convention center parking is close by. Got to the theater a little after 5 The concessions are basic with popcorn and soda options but no combos. Seems there are only a few really "good" seats which are the seats towards the top near the projectors. We sat in row D and were pretty uncomfortable. Leg seating is horrible, my legs were aching towards the end of the movie. There is very little space to move from your seat so people will literally have to stand up for people to pass by. The dome experience did not really fit the movie (F1) there are few wide shots that take advantage of the screen and the dialogue made it hard to focus as their face would take half the dome. Not sure I will try this experience again. IMO this is a good idea implemented poorly. Seating and theater in general need to be bigger and more accessible. I'll stick to the Cinemark and AMC theaters read more

Saw Dune 2 here last night and it was quite the experience: Pros - possibly the most unique cinema experience in the Bay Area - impressive audio and visual technology - friendly staff - perfect DTSJ location - parking validated for the civic center and 2nd st garages - student discount ($2/ticket) Cons - the visuals are so massive that it can be tough to focus your eyes especially in fast sequenced action scenes - you sacrifice some of the creature comfort amenities that other theaters offer to be in the dome (reclined seats, extra leg room, food service, etc) - seats are first come first serve, so it's back to waiting in line to make sure you're not stuck in the front All in all a worthwhile experience that I'm glad I tried! I'd be hesitant to see another feature film here but would love to try one of the educational offerings included in the tech museum ticket. The staff were all super friendly and helpful, making what could've been a chaotic queueing and seating process super smooth. read more

IMAX Dome Theater at The Tech - 4 rows from the top - Cinema Near Me - San Jose, California

Great movie theater! The seats were super comfortable, and the screen quality was amazing. The sound system really made the experience immersive. Staff were friendly, and everything was clean and well organized. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

I love the galaxy shows on the huge dome screen . My favorite experience now and when I took field trips there with my class.

Went to see the Demon Slayer movie for the first time, it was amazing! Definitely recommend going to see action movies here. Seats are comfortable and they have a decent selection of snacks, ideas, and sodas. Recommend getting there early since parking is about 2 blocks down in a garage, and you want seats closer to the middle. read more

I took my wife, son and two granddaughters ages 8 and 6 to see The Blue Angels yesterday. I have seen dozens of IMAX movies and this was by far my worst experience. The domed screen makes it impossible to follow the action comfortably. We were near the top center of the seating and still mostly looking almost straight up. Had we been even a couple of rows lower we would have walked out in frustration. As it was we left at the conclusion saying never again. We recently watched a similar documentary on TV at home on a 55 inch screen and enjoyed it far more than we did this one. Sadly a lot of fine work went into this film only to have it displayed in nearly unwatchable fashion. Certainly almost anyone watching their first IMAX and exposed to what we were yesterday would likely say the format doesn't work and that they had now seen both their first and last IMAX movie. That would be very sad given the richness of the extensive and spectacular library of films as shown on a standard IMAX screen. read more

Yes they were nice even though we were late but my girlfriend got dizzy and had to close her eyes. This was because Apollo 13 was not designed to be projected onto a domed surface and Thomas Hanks' head looked weird in the close up shots. I think that's why she got dizzy. That and the rocket stuff. read more

What absolute mess of a business. I purchased seven tickets to see is showing a Mission impossible at 4:45 PM when we showed up at 5:03 PM. We were informed that there is no one here to let us in. There is no notice of not allowing late seating when purchasing tickets. I asked for a manager so that I can get a refund but there was no manager around. What's worse? Is that at 5:17 PM I could still purchase a ticket for the 4:45pm showing on their website. I emailed guest services right then and there, then again 2 days later, and then again today and still haven't gotten a response. I wish I could put negative stars. Never ever ever recommending this place! read more

Pretty cool experience overall. The movie does start exactly at the stated time so plan accordingly and get there early as there are no reserved seats. read more

Noelle's Yelp Notebook 2019 We recently watched Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. This was our first time here. One staff member recommended the very last row at top for best view of the movie and they were correct. It was a little on the chilly side in the theater. When we entered the screen was a bright blue making you feel like you were in the ocean. They allowed us to enter 15 minutes before the movie started. I'm not one for being afraid of heights but I found the space between the top row and the next row there was a large enough space for your foot to slip through- it was scary. The sound of the movie was loud at first then was fine. I'm not too keen on the fishbowl effects of the imax screen. Noelle's Notes Chilly theater Super loud read more

IMAX Dome Theater at The Tech - December 2019 - Cinema Near Me - San Jose, California

We love the theater! Some movies are not full screen but the overall place is great! - From Truin -9 years old. read more

The IMAX dome theater was awesome! It was so awesome that we came again the next day and saw another movie before heading to the airport. As if a traditional IMAX screen wasn't already large enough, this one incorporates an IMAX sized screen into a dome shape which means you seemingly have a 360 degree view and there obviously isn't going to be a bad seat in the house! It's definitely a cool experience if you've never been here before. Not sure if they have these anywhere else in the country, because I've definitely never heard of it or experienced it before! Highly recommended!! read more

IMAX Dome Theater at The Tech - Theater - Cinema Near Me - San Jose, California

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Man! I've never liked 3-D/dome theaters, but boy do they put on impressive show here!! Long as you get there early in the middle area you won't get nauseous. Hee. I've seen a total of three different documentary style movies here, one on planes/jets with the blue angels, one about dogs and rescue animals and the third about birds! All of them I saw with my daycare and children from the age of 4 to 12 years old. All the children found the facts very interesting, as well as the 3-D effect of the dome theater! I, personally got nauseated with the 3-D film, but as long as I looked in the middle of the screen/theater I was OK. The surroundsound is rather loud, but if you need earplugs, ask an attendant they will give you earplugs. The last time we went to the dome theater. I had an autistic child, who also has a issue with her eyes, and she was better sitting at the back of the theater, when a attendant found us, and offered the earplugs. Very sweet of the employee. My autistic girl wanted to watch the movie, but we were just too close and she got dizzy/nauseated. But she really liked, the birds and the information that the 45 minute documentary gave. I will definitely come for other movies, but arrive early so I can sit/get the seating I want. Hee read more

IMAX Dome Theater at The Tech - Cinema Near Me - San Jose, California

Simply amazing!!! Awesome image and sound.we saw the dinosaur movie. And enjoyed every minute. Totally worth the hype and the price.

Nice and clean! You need to seat at the almost top part so you won't have to break your neck but it's worth it! read more

What can I say! The IMAX theater is a total immersive experience both for sight and sound. If you have a choice to see a film in a regular theater or on this IMAX screen, I would choose this every time! read more

Order a Deadpool and Wolverine cowl bucket online and sent to my seat. When I was seated the employee gave me the 15$ bucket and said they sold my souvenir and could not do sitting about it. read more

Great new installation, very different technology. The demonstration of the audio equipment behind the perforated aluminum dome screen was impressive and the performance was great (although it lost resolution at the edges). Great documentary film, great service, very clean and comfortable for families. read more

Wow, this movie theater is amazing after the renovation. The screen looks way more clearer now. No more dust particles on the screen! I would love to attend again! The only downside is that there are only a handful of good seats. Best seats are top towards the middle :/ read more

Not great for Marvel films or fight scenes. Went here to watch Captain Marvel and left with a huge headache! When you were a kid, did you put your face so close to the TV you couldn't really see what was happening?... Only me then?... Well that was the experience. If you ever sat in the first row of a movie theater because those were the only seats available, the Tech Dome is like that except its anywhere you sit. There were fight scenes in Captain Marvel that I couldn't grasp because it all looked like a jumbled mess being that close. There were scenes that included captions on the lower right of the screen. Imagine being so close, your chin touches your right shoulder trying to read a caption on the right hand side and miss something happening on the far left. The sound was amazing however and the picture quality was great! I think the Tech Dome IMax theater is great for movies with wide shots and slow pace. Maybe romcoms or drama will work fine. With a curved screen, it definitely engages the viewer when done properly. It fails when the action is happening with close up shots. read more

My neck kinda hurt after. Honestly, there's only a select amount of seats that give an adequate movie experience.

The new iMax dome laser projector is amazing! The images were vivid and the sound was upgraded too. When watching it, the film feels like you are transported to a new world. The snacks outside are your standard fare but I really enjoy their icees and popcorn. I highly recommend a tech membership too as the films are discounted. Can't say enough wonderful things about The Tech and it's new dome projection theater read more

Came here to watch "Oceans". It was great! I wasn't too crowded, but even with the small amount of people waiting, it crowded the small space. It shares the same entrance for the rest of the museum, so you have people leaving and entering, and then a group of people waiting for the theater just in the way. They have you stand next to the ticket counter for some reason (in the way as I said) before moving everyone to a normal rope-line where you have to wait again. They could have just let people into this second area to begin with to make things less crowded and can only imagine how cramped it could get with a full theater waiting. Other than that, their popcorn is AMAZING. It tastes like they literally got butter and melted in a pan to drizzle over. Super tasty! Only one person manning the ticket box but if you bought tickets online and printed them, you can go straight into the line. The dome itself is amazing and the new digital projection system is a HUGE upgrade. I would say that the documentary itself did look slightly dated, with some shots looking very blurry. Nothing too bad, but it did disappoint slightly considering they have this new High-def system. I love this place! read more

I liked the imagery, size and sound systems of the Tech IMAX. There is really nothing like it in the Bay Area, for size and detail of the quality of pictures shown. My Family also enjoys the High Definition Nature shows that are shown there. It is Great fun, and we truly enjoyed it with our children. read more

Proud to be a member and watch the new IMaX movie Oceans on the brand new screen with the world's first IMAX Dome projector! Beautiful film and amazing movie showing the importance of our oceans in sustaining life around the entire world. So glad to see so many other member families attending with their young kids to teach them the wonders of science and of this beautiful earth! Thanks Tech Museum for a great first 20 years and many more! read more

Last night our family date night included The Tech's member premier of their new laser dome projector and screen(s). The IMAX experience is already incredible but this new technology knocked it out of the park. There was so much to see, such clear details that made me feel like I was riding the waves or exploring the depths of the sea myself. Our kids loved the new experience and we look forward to our future date nights. (And a plug for being a Family MAX Member at the tech, it is worth EVERY PENNY.) Please support The Tech! read more

Fantastic remodel of this great theater. They removed the old IMAX film camera and installed the very first IMAX digital laser camera for a dome theater ever made. It's awesome in combination with the new seamless screen. We went to the American musical experience and it was great. read more

Was invited to the grand reopening of the IMAX Dome Theater. New projector and screen was awesome! Friendly staff, spacious seats, educational movies... all great for a family night out. read more

Got me and my boyfriend Mesmerica tickets! The show was amazing itself but i gave 4 stars because the seats are soooo tight. You are literally almost sitting in someone's lap lol. Your knees are together and there is no space to stretch your legs in front or side to side. I probably wouldn't come back here for a showing over an hour long. The bathrooms were clean and the pop corn was fresh. The lemonade icee was the cherry for me. I used to love this place as a kid. read more

IMAX Dome Theater at The Tech - Cinema Near Me - San Jose, California

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The new laser projection is awesome! It's so immersive-you really feel like you're in space or at the bottom of the ocean... well, with oxygen, popcorn and an ICEE. read more

Tech museum always keeps it new and interesting. Kids love going there over and over.