Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater

Anyone that says you should go to a major chain theater like Regal or AMC to see an IMAX movie are questionably insane. This is the clearest, best IMAX screen on the area and the experience of walking through the Air and Space Museum to see a movie is top notch.

Caught and evening movie, Captain marvel, at the IMAX Air and space museum. The film experience was very cool but it was almost worth it just to see the Air and space museum empty at night.

They have regular concessions and there is not a bad seat in the house. Very glad we took the time to see a movie there.

Always great experience watching movies here. Good job keeping everything organized for the Star Wars premier. Sci-Fi Sundays are awesome. All proceeds from the ticket and concessions goes back to the museum. They don't have a huge selection and they don't serve popcorn but at least it's for a good cause.

The best place to see first-run Hollywood IMAX movies in DC, hands down!

Tips:
- The theater is general admission (no reserved seating) so show up at least 30 minutes prior to show time (or even earlier for the opening weekend of highly anticipated movies) to get good seats.
- Best seats are the top 6 rows in the middle.
- You must purchase candy, snacks, and drinks at the ticket window when you purchase your tickets. Better to sneak in your own snacks.
- Don't bother buying tickets in advance on-line, because (1) there's a service fee, and (2) you can't print your tickets at home and must instead stand in the same line with those who are buying their tickets at the box office.

It had been several years since I last saw a film here, as I usually go out to the Airbus IMAX out at the Udvar-Hazy Center but I was downtown and decided to go. For IMAX films and big blockbusters, like Avengers: Endgame, this is a great and convenient alternative to going out Udvar-Hazy, and if you have a Smithsonian membership, you can even get discounted movie tickets. Both the picture and sound were excellent, I'm sure I'll be back.

Nice IMAX experience although it's digital (laser) and not 70mm Film. Also it doesn't show the full height but it's already way larger than normal cinema screenings.
The sound system was great and the 3D effect was good as well (I often had problems in other cinemas with seeing double).
The price was very good with 15 $.

Always so impressed with the screen here. Have been twice and each time I am equally in awe. The venue is well-maintained and clean. I saw Rogue one here on Christmas eve and was impressed with how well the staff kept the lines moving with such a large number of people trying to get in. There are concessions (beer, wine, soda, etc) , which was a nice touch. Expect to pay $7 though for a beer. Would go back.

As one of the only TRUE IMAX theatres in the area, I love seeing movies here. Especially those filmed in IMAX as this is how they were meant to be seen. The screen is massive, the seats are comfortable enough (if a little too upright) and the price is satisfactory.
IMAX is more than just a big screen. The aspect ratio of IMAX movies is different from standard movies and most other theatres in the area (I'm looking at you AMC) aren't real IMAX, they've just licensed the name.
If you're close to the DC area and want to see blockbusters that were filmed in IMAX as they were meant to be seen, this is the place to go.
The staff, for the most part, is also very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended.

You can't beat the picture and audio quality, and even when you're forced to sit all the way up close to the screen it's still a far better experience than at a chain like AMC. The Air and Space Museum is my go to movie theater for big blockbusters, especially for the price! Be sure to make reservations in advance for big releases, they go fast.

What an amazing theater experience! This is my go to place for the best blockbusters! There is nothing even close to it anywhere else in DC. Come early to get a great spot, but every seat is great to be honest. I love waiting in line in this museum surrounded by this history and it is great to support the Smithsonian whenever possible.

My son and I attended a screening of Hubble 3D at mid day and it was an amazing experience. The film detailed the installation and repair of the Hubble Space Telescope over a nearly 20 year period and offered amazing insights into what life in space is like aboard the Space Station. There were also views over trillions of miles of space into star nurseries that will take your breath away! Overall the theatre is comfortable and spacious, the 3D glasses worked very well, and the service was professional. Amazingly there were no lines to speak of (even when there were at, for example, the planetarium, they were handled effeciently). The film and the experience were excellent.

Ok, what you need to know is this: 1. there are only 6 theaters like these on the east coast. 2. IMAX laser is the best projection system in the world right now (2017) 3. It does make difference, specially for 3D movies and movies shot in 70 mm. 4. You need to get there early. If you are not on the "sweet spot" seats, you will waste your money. 5. Glasses are re-used. If yours doesn't look right, hurry and get a replacement. Or you will waste your money and end up with a headache. Can't wait for "Dunkirk"

I went to see Star Wars 7 here and the lines were super long but the staff performed very well handling the large crowds for the sold out Christmas weekend showings. They need assigned seating to avoid the crazy lines but I guess it only happens once in a while.

The theater itself is a bit cozy and has that old building smell. You actually look down on the screen instead of most IMAX theaters where you look up. The screen is not a full IMAX aspect ratio (it's 46x75 feet) so they have to crop the image a little vertically when they show an IMAX 70mm film here but it still beats the fake IMAX theaters. Sound is loud with great bass.

Our options are getting worse in the DC area for IMAX screenings. The other true IMAX in town, Airbus IMAX near Dulles, is showing exclusively in laser 3D now unfortunately.

With the recently updated laser projection screen, there's nothing like it. Whether you're watching the latest sci-fi blockbuster or taking in a Smithsonian original, the experience of seeing it here will blow you away. Plus, you can purchase alcohol to bring in to the theater to enjoy with the show!

One of the few places left in the world where you can see 2D 70mm films! hope they never change it. I used to live in NOVA and since moved across the country, but have made it a tradition recently to visit friends for Christmas and come here for new Star Wars releases. You don't realize just how ridiculously nice everything in NOVA/DC is until you have to leave.

Very big screen with great color and 3d effects (I think they use lasers). There isn't much of a snack bar and they pretty much kick you out in the middle of the credits, but they seem to have no problem with bringing your own food and drinks.

If you're there to watch a movie this is the place to be. Small concession stand no popcorn, but who cares. Have a glass of wine (served here) and chill out. Great screen and sound system, best 3d glasses.

Perfect place to see a sci fi movie. We watched The Last Jedi here, and it was spectacular. Be prepared to show up well before showtime, though, as you'll have to wait in the same long line as visitors to the museum.

A really great theater, with the type of clear surround sound that makes you think you're actually in the movie. Saw Rouge One here and loved it! The lines are quite long and it can get expensive, however.

Best movie theater in DC, especially if you're a local. They always have great content, its reasonably priced, and you cannot beat the quality of IMAX. 10/10.