Seattle moviegoers are losing a major venue for big-screen films, at least for now.
SEATTLE — The Boeing IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center — now called “IMAX at the Center” — has paused showing feature films, a move that is drawing disappointment from film fans across the city.
“We’re not dead yet. But it’s a heavy blow,” said Amelia Anguirus, social media manager at Scarecrow Video, one of the region’s last remaining video rental stores.
Anguirus said the loss highlights a broader trend of shrinking access to movie theaters in Seattle.
“I think it’s really sad because Seattle is supposedly a major city, but it’s just becoming harder and harder to even simply see a movie,” she said.
The Space Needle purchased the northeast corner of Pacific Science Center in March for more than $17 million, a deal that included the IMAX theater. The venue is currently closed for renovations as the Space Needle begins developing the space.
“We’re still in the early stages of this partnership and developing IMAX at the Center,” Space Needle officials said in a statement. “The renovations and experience will continue to grow and evolve through the remainder of the year.”
In the short term, officials said programming will focus on IMAX documentary films, including “Deep Sky” and “Roll the Dice,” a project created in collaboration with IMAX and Chihuly Studio.
“We expect to continue building out our film programming, which will be folded into the rotation over the balance of the year,” the statement said.
While the Space Needle maintains the option to show feature films, there are no immediate plans to bring them back in 2026. Guests looking for feature films will be directed to the PACCAR IMAX Theater.
For movie lovers, the pause means fewer opportunities to experience films in a true IMAX format, known for its larger screen and expanded aspect ratio compared to standard theaters.
“Storytelling is so important, and putting it on a scale like that says this deserves to be examined,” said Seattle resident Gardenia Theroux. “So it’s just a shame.”
Some in the film community say they are relieved the space will still be used, even if feature films are off the schedule.
“If it was just totally going to be empty, I think that would be very upsetting,” Anguirus said. “So it’s good that they’re still doing the documentaries and keeping the door a little bit ajar.”
Still, fans are holding out hope that feature films could eventually return.
“If they can, please show movies again,” Anguirus said.
The Space Needle said it remains committed to working with Pacific Science Center to ensure the theater’s long-term success.
Pacific Science Center has not responded to a request for comment. Officials also did not provide an updated reopening timeline after previously indicating the theater could reopen in May.
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