GRAND CANYON IMAX THEATER
40th Anniversary
New IMAX screen
The IMAX updated the IMAX screen to provide a better experience when viewing the Grand Canyon IMAX movie on the 2023 installed digital IMAX projector.
The Grand Canyon IMAX Theater celebrates its 40th anniversary
This year marks a special milestone as Grand Canyon IMAX celebrates its 40th anniversary. For four decades, Grand Canyon IMAX has been a premier destination for travelers seeking to explore the wonders of the Grand Canyon in a unique and unforgettable way.
Grand Canyon IMAX offers more than just spectacular visuals. Through engaging storytelling and informative narration, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the geological forces that shaped the canyon over millions of years, the diverse ecosystems that call it home, and the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for centuries.
Visitor Center Timeline
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2024
2023
GSCA Achievement Award Winner
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time wins! Visual effects by Alan G. Markowitz, Visceral Image Productions; Marios Kourasis, Astrobear Studios; Michael Roderick, Digital Artist Coalition
2022
Major renovations
Major renovations to Theater with New IMAX with Laser Digital Projection System, New state-of-the-art sound system and new Movie “Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time”.
2019
Rebranding
License agreement between National Geographic Society® and Destination Cinema Inc. comes to an end. Rebranded as the GRAND CANYON VISITOR CENTER®
2014
30th Anniversary
The commitment that both has been shown to deliver the highest quality presentations, have helped make the IMAX® brand the success it is today.” – IMAX Corporation
2014
Partnership
Partnered with Arizona Trail Association and did a display in the Courtyard area with large map of the Arizona Trail. Sponsored by Nature Valley.
2013
Pink Jeep Tours
Pink Jeep Tours added to services. An IMAX Ticket is included for all tours that leave from the Visitor Center.
2012
Art Exhibit
Kurt Wenner 3D Pavement Art Exhibit in Courtyard area (sponsored by Nature Valley) World famous artist.
2011
Condor Live Bird Show
Nationally recognized show performer Joe Krathwohl (from Birds and Beast Productions), featuring raptors and other live birds plus a giant condor.
2006
Tours Added
National Geographic Expedition Tours offered
2006
Teva Added
TEVA® Display and Shoe Sales.
2004
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Donuts added to Food Service2004
Theater Name
Theater renamed as the National Geographic Visitor Center.
2000
New Millennium
Theater has a Pizza Hut Express, Taco Bell Express, Canyon Cappuccino & Cafe, Fudge Factory, Carry-out Canyon Lunch Boxes, Interactive Photo Kiosk, Air Tour, Ground Tour & Colorado River Trip Reservations Desk, Two Gift Shops, Arizona Office of Tourism Information Center and Official National Park Service Pay Station.2000
Hall of Fame Award
First film to receive the IMAX® Hall of Fame Award.
1999
15th Anniversary
15th Anniversary boasts “nearly 9 million tourists have seen the film “Grand Canyon-The Hidden Secrets”. A reporter for The New York Times, aptly stated, “If you want to experience the Grand Canyon, I have two words for you: IMAX® Theater.”
1994
Governor’s Award
Theater receives the Governor’s Pride in Arizona Environmental Award.1993
State Tourism Award
Theater receives the Governor’s Grand Canyon State Tourism Award1984
Theater Opening
Theater has a Pizza Hut Express, Taco Bell Express, Canyon Cappuccino, Mailbox & Postal Stamps, ATM Machine, Air Tour Reservations Desk, Dryers Ice Cream/Miss Karen’s Frozen Yogurt & Oscar Meyer Hot Dogs, Two Gift Shops, Arizona Office of Tourism Information Center.
Visitor Center Gallery
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