IMAX Theatre in the Indiana State Museum

1186 reviews

650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

www.imaxindy.com

+13172334629

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IMAX Theatre in the Indiana State Museum is a IMAX theater located at 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. It has received 1186 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

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  • The address of IMAX Theatre in the Indiana State Museum: 650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

  • IMAX Theatre in the Indiana State Museum has 4.6 stars from 1186 reviews

  • IMAX theater

  • "This was the absolute worst theatre experience of my entire life"

    "We traveled over an hour to get here for a 7:00 p"

    "I have not and may not be able to see OPPENHEIMER because I am a 74-year-old diabetic with kidney issues meaning that, at the best, I can watch less than two hours before the call of nature requires my attention"

    "Just saw Oppenheimer at this theater, which was the first time I've been to this theater, and I cannot believe it has taken me this long to experience 70mm IMAX"

    "Bring your jacket! The theater was about 55°F"

Reviews

  • Luke Maynard

This was the absolute worst theatre experience of my entire life. We got there about 15 minutes before the start time and had to wait in line just to have our tickets checked. We heard that there are no previews and the movie would begin promptly at the advertised start time. Therefore, I didn’t bother waiting in line for a popcorn that I simply needed to watch this movie. What do you know- the movie starts 7 minutes after the advertised start time. Apart from that, I have never been more uncomfortable in my entire life. The seats themselves would be pretty comfy- if there was more than 0 millimeters of empty space between your knees and the chair in front of you. This goes for the people behind you, as well, so you can forget about reclining. You can also forget about getting up and going to the bathroom or to get popcorn. If you do, you will distract the entire theatre as the whole of your row stands up to let you through. Also, what kind of utterly pathetic and absurdly fabricated gimmick is the “real 70mm IMAX experience?” I mean, the quality of the screen was literally worse than your local movie theatre screen. Yes, it’s big, but since you have to move your head 45 degrees up, down, left, and right to see what’s even going on, it is absolutely moronic. My neck will be sore for weeks. I can’t believe people are actually giving this place good reviews. The architect behind the build is an absolute imbecile. I will never go here again, even if the movie, popcorn, and beer were free. 0 stars.

  • Thomas Little

We traveled over an hour to get here for a 7:00 p.m. show and arrived just after 6:00 p.m.; plenty of time to have dinner before the show from the concessions (as advertised by the theater for having food). However, they were completely out of all food (hot dogs, pizza, etc.) and only had candy, popcorn and lousy nachos/cheese. There is no close location to walk to nearby for any sandwiches or food, so we had to settle for nachos and cheese (bag nachos, cold cheese in a disposable container with foil) and popcorn and that had to last us throughout a 3 hour movie. The popcorn was extremely disappointing as there was no butter machine behind the counter or for customers to put on themselves. The move and presentation was impressive (Oppenheimer), but the age of the theater shows itself with very narrow isles. There is no way someone can get up in the middle of a movie for the restroom or snacks without disturbing everyone else in the row as it is impossible to walk down the isles without people standing up to let you walk by. All in all, it was a very disappointing experience and I will not be going back to this theater. It is unfathomable to think that an IMAX theater would not have less than the same amenities as a regular movie theater.

  • D.K. Sullivan

I have not and may not be able to see OPPENHEIMER because I am a 74-year-old diabetic with kidney issues meaning that, at the best, I can watch less than two hours before the call of nature requires my attention. At three hours, roughly 40% of a full workday, it is impossible for me and those like me to enjoy such a lengthy film without an intermission. The only option is to buy a ticket, watch as much as I can before having to micturate, then purchase a second ticket for a later showing and return at the approximate time I took that break during the first showing. This seems to be the only way I will be able to enjoy the entire film . . . at twice the cost and time! Outside of addressing the ADA for a response, would it be possible during a movie such as OPPENHEIMER and other lengthy films that, on select showings, the participating theater (i.e., IMAX) insert their own intermission at about the 1:30 to 1:40 mark? This would give everyone, not just those of us so impaired, the opportunity for a stretch and to fully enjoy the film. I am looking for a reasonable consideration, not anything that would affect box office receipts. Thank you.

  • Connor

Just saw Oppenheimer at this theater, which was the first time I've been to this theater, and I cannot believe it has taken me this long to experience 70mm IMAX. The screen is massive (and you can see everything okay), and the sounds are the best I've heard in a theater. Everything else is standard. The seats aren't recliners, but still very comfortable. If the person in front of you decides to lean back as far as the seats allow, you will be bumping up against them. I looked around and no one was doing this except for the gentleman in front of me so... just my luck but definitely not the norm. The food selection is your typical theater concessions. Overall, it was a great experience. I would recommend this theater only for special occasion movies where sound and visuals are important.

  • Nancy Bate

Bring your jacket! The theater was about 55°F. We were freezing!!! BRRRR! As great as the movie was, it was hard to enjoy a 3-hour movie at 55°F. If the theater were 72° or thereabouts, this would be a 5* review, but this review is a review of the theater, not the film. I am not exaggerating, there is no way it was even close to 60° in there. Also, the theater was ventilated with an intermittent draft which made it even colder. The management needs to put a thermostat in the middle, not the top or bottom of the theater and set it at 70° - 73°. My spouse agreed that it was freezing in there. The entire museum was chillt, but the theater was arctic.

  • Jessica V

Great screen and sound but the seats are just not comfortable and there’s no room to even get out wo making others next to you have to stand. Seats are similar to the ones at airplanes, small and hard w little cushion. I wish the spaces between rows were at least like the movie theaters in case you have to go buy a snack, refill drinks or use washrooms. Went to watch oppenheimer, unfortunately didn’t get the chance to look around this museum, parking lot was a chaos not recommended for elevated trucks, but at the end they opened the barrier and we didn’t have to pay for parking ticket so it was free that day for some of us.

  • Patrick Crabtree

Screen is amazing. Sound is amazing, Seating is worse than a spirit airlines flight. If you're over 6ft tall, don't bother attending. If you're seat is near the middle of a row try to be the first ones in the theater and don't expect to get back up. (Aisles are incredibly narrow) gentleman in front of me leaned his chair back during the whole movie and it was about 4 inches from the edge of my seat, hence forcing me to sit sideways the entire time. Friend next to me didn't have anyone in front of him and still experienced issues. I'm assuming the theater is designed for kids on field trips to the museum.

  • Mat Gross

Not only the biggest screen in the state, the cleanest. Excellent rotation of interesting films and a well run concession stand. The puppy slumber party chocolate peanut butter stout by Metazoa Brewing Company is my favorite local beer and I love that they keep it on hand. Handicap accessible seating is available with elevator access for skipping the stairs. The theater validates your parking ticket to the state museum. We have been three times recently for Oppenheimer, Interstellar, and The Boy and the Heron and we are keeping an eye on rhe coming attractions so that we can make our way back!

  • Olivia Snyder

In the midst of the Barbenheimer hysteria, the downtown IMAX was jaw-droppingly busy. One would think, the kindness, expediency and professionalism of the staff would suffer due to the undeniable fatigue, but no. I personally observed 2 staff members, Kait and Kalhie, calmly and kindly handle person after person, even with computer glitches and disappointing news of “sorry, those really are the only seats we have available”. They smiled, worked to resolve issues and kept their spirits up even one rude particular gentleman wouldn’t let up on a ticketing issue. Props to those gals. PROPS

  • The_Real_Nate

We went to see Oppenheimer. Firstly, the staff I encountered was all polite. The movie experience was great with the screen and the audio. Why three stars you ask? The seating is the worst. I felt like I was in a movie theater from the 90s. The seats are so compacted. If you are in the middle and needed to get up everyone has to move or if you are on the end, you would have to move. The seats sorta recline but you are hitting the person behind you or getting hit by the person in front of you. Because of the seats, not worth it to me.

  • Tom Jeffs

Online site said it was not sold out. We drove 20 miles anticipating watching Oppenheimer. Got there, waited in line, only to find out that it was, and had been sold out, except for wheel chair seating. I guess I understand there may be an ADA issue with announcing that there is only ADA seating available, but there needs to be a way to let folks know. We wasted our time and money because of their essentially false advertising that all types of seating was available. We won't try again. One star is three too many!

  • Devi

It’s an easy process to book tickets online, and parking is free! They keep a garage coupon in place of validating parking tickets: The screen is large and curved with sufficient seats to fill the theater. Seats are comfy and do recline only partially if you forcefully push/lean back. Only qualm is that it’s very dark, which is challenging if you’re trying to find your snacks/drink. The sounds are very loud - I’d say louder than a traditional theater. So keep that in mind!

  • Clark Shafer

Power went out during Oppenheimer film after about 2 hours into the movie. After sitting and waiting for almost 45 minutes for them to fix it and finish showing the movie, they came to inform us they could not fix it and we had to leave. A refund was given, however there was no way to finish the film, or go to a different screening. Would have to rebuy and find a time to watch the movie, then drive up to Indy (again) and rewatch the first 2 hours of the movie. Not happy.

  • Joseph Lewis

This is the only place near Chicago that had a 70mm IMAX screen, so, it's worth is within that fact. If there were other screens that were more modern, I'd probably go. The screen is 70mm, so for those who don't understand, in layman's terms, it will appear taller. Clear image with great sounds (obviously) but the seats are plush push down chairs which are highly uncomfortable and not modern. Concessions are basic but the service was very helpful.

  • Shannon Bear

It is nice to see that others were able to enjoy their experience at the IMAX. In the past we have made good memories here too. However on Friday the 12/15/2023 our experience here was terrible. Bad enough that I sat in my car while my family watched the movie. I have emailed the manager. Which I very rarely do. Will not be back, ever. Pretty sure no one in my family will ever return. Too expensive to take a chance on a terrible experience.

  • Jennifer McGaha

Amazing as always!! We've been going to the IMAX every year in December since 2014 to see The Polar Express in 3D. There is no other way to watch this movie. Prices are reasonable, reward club is amazing (sign up online), seats are Pre-selected, theatre is very nice and clean. Please offer more showings of this movie! I had to take a vacation day to attend this year.

  • jfcortes10

ONLY MOVIE THEATER YOU SHOULD GO TO IN INDY !!! Saw AVATAR THE WAY OF WATER opening night and did not disappoint one bit. And from what I recently learned it is one of the only few REAL IMAX’s in the country, only real one in indiana ! 70mm . IMAX 3D was amazing. Seats are super comfortable as well. Not reclining Dolby seats but better than the usual AMC seats.

  • John Ruiz

We took my 5 year old here for his first IMAX experience! He absolutely loved it. We watched the short film about pandas. This is always my go to IMAX theater. Very clean, huge theater, lots of seating, great concession! It’s a nice bonus to the Museum. You can enjoy some downtime and see an educational, and entertaining, movie in between exhibits and lunch!!

  • Tom Manuel

We saw Oppenheimer at the State Museum IMAX. At first I was happy to see the new seats, but when the guy in front of me started leaning back, I couldn't even get my phone between his seat back and the front of my seat. I had less than 6” of legroom! The movie had it’s moments, but it was too long for me to sit uncomfortably to care what was going onscreen.

  • Marc Persinger

Very nice staff when I went. The screen and speakers are amazing. The most comfortable seats I've come across in a theater, did not have to shift positions constantly like most. Pizza and slushee were good as well, though they should be for the price point. Wonderful trip to see top gun, looking to going again when there is a movie I'm hyped to see!

  • B Marsch

Went to see Oppenheimer. It looked great on the screen! Staff had everything organized well, and I appreciated the email we received with suggestions for our arrival time and parking. Based on that email, I was able to park close to the door and get my concessions with ease. Make sure to look up the free directors club for discounts - well worth it!

  • Sabrina Champagne

This is my absolute favorite theater in Indy! It's one of only a few in the nation to see 70mm film in IMAX, and always delivers an immersive experience. The concession stand offers a variety of snacks and beverages...but be sure to consume any alcohol before you leave. They validate parking, and make it very easy to enter and exit.

  • Aaron Koehler

Seats will be very uncomfortable for any height. If you are above 6' it will be painful. If you are 6'4 or more you will not fit. All seats are too close and too low relative to the screen. The back row is comparable to the middle of a typical theater. The projector is good. There were a few bug shadows throughout the movie.

  • judith warren

Movie was awesome on the imax screen. Chairs are very uncomfortable. No room for anyone to pass in front of you. Someone crossing behind leaned on my chair back and I went bouncing back hard. I’m 5’4” and was cramped. My husband who is 6’5” was in literal pain. 3 hours was way too long in those chairs. An hour max is doable.

  • Indygreg71

it's one the very few true IMAX 70mm theaters. We are so lucky to have it. But I want to also review the staff. I could not find my tickets to an upcoming Oppenheimer screening outside of my bank charge. I emailed them and in 2 hours I had them, with a follow up later to make sure I got them. A++ service.

  • Abraham Hadley

I went and saw Oppenheimer here on their 70 mm projector. It was an incredible experience the theaters very nice. However the seats are a little close together, but I didn’t take away from the experience for me. The sound system is incredible and it’s one of only 25 theaters with 70 mm film projectors

  • Thomas Peterson

Clean and very impressive facility. Not their fault, but a fire alarm in the building stopped the movie. With only a minimum crew on duty, no one knew how to shut off the alarm and the remainder of the movie was canceled. Everyone was given a voucher for a free movie at the IMAX. Fair enough.

  • Andrew Malott

Best picture and sound in the Midwest! One of a rather small number of 70mm IMAX screens in the world. 70mm IMAX picture quality is STUNNING. I've seen The Dark Knight Rises, Interstellar, The Force Awakens, Rogue One, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer here -- wouldn't have seen them anywhere else!

  • Clemens Heller

Watched Captain Marvel and a documentary on the huge IMAX screen and loved it. The prices are reasonable (especially if you join the free IMAX Director's Club) and the staff is really nice and helpful as well. Parking in the garage is also free if you watch a movie. Awesome experience!

  • Dave Humphrey

Wow, what an experience. The big screen, and the sound was awesome. I'm looking forward to going back again. You can park in the underground parking very close to the entrance to the theater. When you enter the theater, you are handed a parking ticket voucher. The parking is FREE.

  • Jack DiGiovanni

I saw Oppenheimer here in the glory that is 70mm IMAX film. The staff was extremely friendly, theater was clean and more comfortable than I expected seeing some other reviews. Parking was free as well with validation which was nice. Great experience and will definitely come again

  • Jeremy Mitchell

Say no to Lie-Max! This is real IMAX! Concessions and parking garage are easy to navigate. I have to ding a star because these seats are nothing compared to what AMC has and be prepared to climb over people if you need to go to the bathroom during the movie. Otherwise, fantastic!

  • Rugby

Parameters and takes me to new adventures and heading whoever agrees obstructions and views ultimate awakening and path to amazing storytelling in support of others in a theater immersion and world building imax and 70 millimeter film with a visit and place to see and remember

  • Dominique Ysquierdo

Went and saw Oppenheimer. The screen was huge and the leather seats were comfy. I loved the reserved seating which made it so much easier to get a seat. Also they validate your ticket so parking is also free. Will definitely be back. Worth the drive to see IMAX 15/70mm film.

  • Bob TheBuilder

Best screen; worst seats. Extremely uncomfortable and subpar, particularly given the ticket prices and competitive standard now. They get away with it by having the only true 70mm screen in the area, but with movies pushing 3 hrs on average these days, you'll be hurting.

  • doctor galloway

The seats in this theater recline by default and are just inches between rows so by sitting down chairs hit knees and conflict starts. Also while credits are rolling and house lights are off, staff clean the theater with flashlights shining in patrons eyes.

  • Ben Biddle

Saw a double feature of Incredibles and Incredibles 2. Screen is huge, sound was amazing. The only drawback is that the rows are so long. We were sitting in the middle and kept having folks step over after arriving late and going to the concession stand.

  • Wendy Aragon

The show was wonderful, but trying to buy tickets was a nightmare. If you're trying to buy tickets for a regular movie, easy peasy, for the special nature showings, TERRIBLE, so hard to find! Ended up finding a link on Facebook, couldn't find on website

  • Erica

It wasn't busy when I went and the attendants were so nice and answered all my questions about things to do around the area. The seat was torn up and scratched my legs but I brought in a blanket and used it to cover that part, so wear pants.

  • jordan

Gargantuan screen with plenty of kick! Saw Oppenheimer here and it didn’t disappoint. The seats, however, could definitely be better - leg/aisle room doesn’t exist here! Parking wasn’t an issue (and the theater covered it), but arrive early.

  • Jeremy Jackson

Great screen snd sound but that's it. See a bunch of reviews mentioning "comfortable seating".....if you are 5'8 and up / packing some extra weight this will NOT apply to you. I'm 6'2 and my knees were killing me by the end of Avatar 2.

  • Henry McCabe

These reviews that won't shut up about the seating and leg room are such pansies. I have been coming to this behemoth theater for over a decade and it is always one of the best trips to the cinema I'll ever have. PS I am 6'5!!

  • Bruce Venable

Had tickets to see Oppenheimer here! What a great theater to see this fantastic movie in. The sound is superb and the screen is great. Everyone was very quiet and attentive during the movie as well. Great experience!

  • Charles Romero

404 seats, 62ft x 84ft screen, 1570mm format available. Seats are okay but the leg room will cause you pain. I'm 6'4 and the people in front only reclined halfway and it was just very uncomfortable. sound was great.

  • Kat Mindset

This is the most amazing experience!!! Museum then imax or imax then museum. I would recommend becoming a member. So much to explore. Also the parking is validated right in white river parking!!!! Huge bonus!!!!

  • Megan Whitehead

It was nice. Seats are very close to the rail making it a pain every time someone got up. That could be tactical but not pleasant. Otherwise, it was great. Our seats were better than expected. I would go again.

  • elizabeth deleon

Loved this place! Comfortable seating and huge screen. Definitley a great IMAX experience. The staff were all very helpful. Park in the parking garage and dont forget to validate your ticket for free parking.

  • brent green

who runs this place, really. I am sure you seldom get large crowds, but your layout to accommodate them is awful. so much space you have, only to heard everyone into small uncomfortable areas. really stupid.

  • Grant Helms

Great IMAX location in the heart of downtown and right on the canal. Because it’s nestled inside the state museum, it can get forgotten about as a movie theatre option, but the theatre itself is excellent.

  • Brian Kincaid

I see at least couple movies here a year and every time it never disappoints. 70mm IMAX is not like regular IMAX you see at other theaters, and if you have never experienced it you need to at least once.

  • Kersten

The film and service was great but there was NO leg room. And then when someone leans back on their seat, its even worse. And I'm 5'4 so any one taller has to be in even worse pain.

  • Chris Ragone

What’s the point of having great IMAX picture and sound if the seats are substandard like they’re from the 1990’s?!?! There should be recliners like every other theater! It’s 2023!

  • Kyle Johnson

Everything is awesome unless you have long legs. Your knees will be smashed into the row in front of you the entire movie. Kind of ruined the experience of the movie and theater.

  • Michael Yoder

Awesome experience watching Endgame here! Comfy seats and the sound and picture were great. Sound was loud enough but not too loud as I have experienced at other theaters!

  • Christina Schaefer

The seats are uncomfortable, and there is not a lot of space between the rows of seats. I'm 5'3" and the person in front of me was hitting my legs with their chair.

  • Dhruvesh Rami

Imax 70mm takes Oppenheimer's story to a colossal scale, capturing both the brilliance and gravity of his legacy in a cinematic masterpiece that leaves you in awe.

  • Guilherme Alcarde

The experience of a 70mm Imax was amazing. The biggest difference i have notice was the sound, it is supper high and yet very clear and nice. I highly recommend

  • Bennett Duckworth

Saw “Oppenheimer” in the most ideal presentation imaginable. Solid quality picture, great sound, tasty concession snacks and NO obnoxious ads or trailers!

  • Me No

We go here every year and watch Polar Express on the IMAX screen. My kids love it. It is a wonderful tradition. Thank you for playing it every year.

  • Rachel Hunter

Order tickets online never recieved them tried calling and can't speak to someone. Now I gotta call the card company and dispute the charge ugh.

  • Beth Sutherlin

Very clean and workers very nice. Screen is huge! Never been here before can't wait to watch F9!! Free parking and good prices on snacks.

  • Aubrey Holle

2 of my top ever movie experiences have happened here. Can't wait for more memories in the future. We are so lucky to have this Indiana.

  • Jason Hall

Affordable tickets, concession and free parking with their validation. Amazing picture and incredible sound on Indiana's largest screen.

  • Tilden Mendelson

Saw Oppenheimer there. Full house, but they handled the crowd well. Seats 6 rows from the back and right of center were great!

  • Michael Nguyen

The screen was huge and the sound was clear and thunderous. For a 3 hours movie, the seats might get a little uncomfortable.

  • Sui Yang

Great place to watch a movie. Free, convenient parking, friendly staff, good snacks, and very clean. Love coming here!

  • Norm OBrien

More like a 4.8 but I rounded up, only fall back was it was like I was squished into a airplane seat. I'm 6'1"

  • David Mitchell

Great experience, but it's getting a little outdated, worn and the seats were broken with stains on them.

  • Jane Revalee Bond

They comp parking at the museum complex, good value of snacks and a huge screen. Great viewing of movies

  • Maria Vasquez

Awesome Movie!! John Wick Chapter 4 a must see Movie Great Service!! Thank you!! …

  • Joshua Hines

Great staff, good concessions, and comfy seats even if not recliners. Picture and sound was awesome.

  • fatih yildirim

Best theater experience. Screen was great. They have the freshest popcorn. Unbelievable

  • Julie Raupp

Reasonable prices. Sunday viewing of Deep Sky and The Marvels not at all crowded.

  • Joe Whitaker

Incredible experience and the concessions were very reasonably priced!

  • Alexander Lalov

Great pictures and sounds... Wow... It's THE PLACE for seeing movies!

  • Jon Hand

Great place to watch an action movie. Cold beer and popcorn as well.

  • Nang Kham Phoo Lay

watched 70mm oppenheimer but the seats are a bit uncomfortable

  • Iwona Staszel

Great theater. Live the IMAX 70mm option! Friendly staff!

  • Khepri TemuRa

See my Indiana State museum review for more details.

  • nancy hedrick

The IMAX Theater was awesome, Enjoyed the history