The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History announces the new Jane and John Justin Foundation Omni Theater set to open in fall 2024, after a $21 million renovation to the existing Omni IMAX Theater.

Originally opened in 1983, the theater closed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained closed since, according to the Fort Worth Report.

Before its closure, the theater showcased documentaries and films using IMAX technology, such as the Fort Worth Flyover, which accompanied the museum’s first feature.

The 16-month-long “full-scale renovation project” will update many aspects of the theater, according to the museum’s website. The museum has contracted with Byrne Construction Services, the original builders of the theater, to serve as the general contractor and with Bennett Partners to provide architectural design services. 

Updates to the theater will include an ADA-accessible space, a new lobby, an updated 8K LED screen dome, a larger entryway, and more comfortable seating.

The museum recently held a groundbreaking event for the renovations on June 13. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare, and City Manager David Cooke were in attendance.

In celebration, the museum tweeted, “With the Jane & John Justin Foundation Omni Theater, we’re set to become a beacon of knowledge and inspiration in Fort Worth, delivering transformative educational experiences that will shape the future of science education.”

Museum President Orlando Carvalho said this event was an important milestone in the museum’s ongoing efforts to serve the community.

“More than 10 million visitors have come to this theater over the last 37 years, truly making it an institutional pillar of education and entertainment in our community,” said Carvalho, according to the Fort Worth Report.

Parker, a patron of the theater since she was a child, recounted her own experiences visiting the theater as she grew up.

“This place was opened the same year I was born in 1980,” said Parker, according to the Fort Worth Report. “Today is a culmination for a lot of amazing, hard-working people.”

The museum has not announced the date that the theater will open.