IMAX’S MOST ADVANCED
THEATER EXPERIENCE
Only at the Grand Canyon South Rim outside the National Park Gate
Pre-purchase IMAX online and save up to 20% off adult/all age tickets.
Tickets purchased online are valid for any screening. No need to reserve a specific date/time just show up when convenient to you! Click to purchase.
The IMAX® Experience is primarily known for offering giant screens filled with amazing imagery. This is true but bigger is just the beginning. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX is proud home to the newest IMAX® Theatre. The Grand Canyon IMAX® Theatre now features IMAX® with Laser technology – a next generation laser projection system and 12-channel sound system exclusive to IMAX® theatres.
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time winner of the Best Visual Effects award among giant screen films.
Start planning your upcoming vacation at the Grand Canyon by making your first and last stop at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Purchase IMAX tickets online and save up to 20% off box office. Planning in advance and confirming tickets will save you money!
Grand Canyon IMAX Showtimes
Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX Tusayan Hours
(March 1 – October 31) 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
(November 1 – February 29) 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
IMAX Theater Showtimes
(November 1 – February 29)
10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm
(March 1 – October 31)
9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm
Admission Pricing
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time
Adult (Ages 11+ to 54) $14.00
Youth (6-10) $11.00
Senior (55+) $13.00
Military $13.00
(Taxes not included.)
Save up to 20% on adult/all ages ticket when purchased online!
Available in 5 Languages
All screenings are presented in English.
Translation is available with the following schedule.
- 9:30am -12:30pm – Showings are available in Chinese and Korean
- 1:30pm to 8:30pm – Showings are available in Spanish and French
Plug-in headsets are required and are available to purchase for an additional $2. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to showtime.
Journey through time at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time winner of the Best Visual Effects award among giant screen films.
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time is a journey through time at one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. History, science, and mythology come alive through epic aerial IMAX photography complemented by spectacular, mesmerizing, super-high resolution time-lapse photography. The geological formation of the Canyon is showcased using stunning CGI animation, while the fascinating story of early civilizations, and their mysterious disappearance, is brought to life on the giant screen.
Soar over the Canyon and learn the history of discovery by Spanish conquistadors and colorful frontiersman, whose hostile relations with Native Americans foretold future conflict. Experience treacherous rapids with John Wesley Powell and his intrepid team of explorers as they face the unknown and never-before conquered Colorado River. And, as the rivers of time unfold, discover the rich history of the landscapes and Native peoples with the unveiling of the first photographs ever taken in Grand Canyon (circa 1872).
A Giant Screen Experience by Destination Cinema Inc. Runtime: 37 minutes.
Purchase IMAX tickets online and save up to 20% off box office.
Photos from the Film
Get the full Grand Canyon Experience by seeing it in IMAX®
Take a Seat and be Placed in the Heart of the Action.
IMAX® Sound. Heart-Pounding Audio.
An immense explosion. A whisper heard over your shoulder. The rumbling bass you feel instead of hear. The combination of our perfectly tuned integrated sound system and our precise speaker orientation ensures you can hear a pin drop and be able to tell exactly where it landed. Every note of the soundtrack and every scuff of a shoe is clearer in IMAX, with a complete overhaul of each movie’s audio overseen by the film’s director. All of this pristine sound is then pumped into a theatre that has been customized for an optimal experience.
Awe-Inspiring Imagery on the Giant IMAX Screen.
Experience the Grand Canyon like never before
Our new screen stands 6 stories tall with a reflective surface allowing for heightened realism drawing you into something as close to reality as you can possibly experience. The 12,000 watts of sound allow for heart-pounding audio with an endless sweet spot, there’s not a bad spot in the theater.
The IMAX® Laser projection system features a new optical engine that delivers increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colors allowing the Grand Canyon to be shown like never before.
Pitch-Perfect Tuning
Endless Sweet Spot
Pin-Point Accuracy
Dual Projection
Hand-Crafted Re-Mastering
Heightened Realism
Remote Monitoring
Quality & Consistency
Picture Perfect
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IMAX
Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX Theatre — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about tickets, showtimes, the movie, accessibility, and what to expect at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX in Tusayan.
Tickets & Pricing
Can I buy Grand Canyon IMAX tickets online?
Yes. Online ticketing is available and is often the easiest way to plan ahead. You also save up to 20%.
Do I need to choose a specific showtime when I buy tickets?
No. Your ticket is good for any future showtime. You can choose which show you'd like to go to and arrive 15 minutes before the show. Seats are first come, first serve.
How much are tickets for the IMAX movie?
Pricing varies by age category and any active promotions. The most accurate current rates are listed on the ticketing section of this page.
Are group rates available for the IMAX Theatre?
Group pricing is typically available for larger parties (often 15+). If you’re arranging a motorcoach, school, or tour group, it’s best to coordinate in advance.
Showtimes & Planning
What are the IMAX showtimes?
Showtimes run throughout the day and may change seasonally. Refer to the showtime schedule shown on this page for the most accurate times during your travel dates.
How early should I arrive before a show?
Aim for 15–30 minutes early so you have time for parking, tickets, concessions, and seating—especially during peak season and holidays.
Is the IMAX Theatre inside Grand Canyon National Park?
No. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX is located in Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance.
That means you can visit the theater without needing to pass through the park gate first.
Is the IMAX movie a good “first stop” before visiting viewpoints?
For many visitors, yes. The film can provide helpful context on the canyon’s scale, geology, and history—then your overlooks and hikes feel more meaningful.
The Movie
What movie is currently showing at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre?
Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time
How long is the IMAX movie?
Runtime is 37 minutes.
Is the IMAX movie appropriate for kids?
Most families find it very kid-friendly. If your child is sensitive to loud sound, consider ear protection or sitting farther back.
Arrival & Parking
Is parking available at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center IMAX?
Yes. On-site parking is available for most guest vehicles. During peak periods, arriving earlier can make parking and check-in smoother.
How far is the IMAX Theatre from the South Rim entrance?
The Visitor Center is in Tusayan, just a short drive from the South Rim entrance station. Exact drive time varies with traffic and time of day.
Accessibility & Policies
Is the IMAX Theatre accessible?
Yes. The theater and main guest areas are designed to be accessible. If you need specific seating or accommodations, ask staff when you arrive.
Can I bring food or drinks into the IMAX auditorium?
Only items purchased on-site.
Are pets allowed inside the IMAX Theatre?
Pets are typically not permitted inside indoor guest areas. Service animals are usually allowed where required by law.
Is there a gift shop and food on-site?
Yes. The Visitor Center commonly includes food options and a gift shop—details and hours are listed on-site and may vary seasonally.
