IMAX theater added to historic Dearborn complex

By Andrea Blum

IMAX large-format theaters are quickly gaining popularity around the country.

Now one of metro Detroit's most popular attractions is responding to that trend.

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn is preparing for the grand opening of an IMAX theater later this year.

The high-tech IMAX theater was designed to blend in with the historic flavor of its neighbors, Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Photo by John Simon.

"The theater is scheduled to open to the public on Nov. 19 given that all construction programs work as we're expecting," said David Brown, director of visitor services and the IMAX theater at the museum.

The addition of the theater is the first major construction on the grounds in 70 years.

The 400-seat theater will feature a movie screen six stories high for showing two- and three-dimensional films.

"Just imagine a what a six-story building looks like - that pretty much says it all," Brown said.

The theater will be the only one of its kind in Michigan, according to Brown.

A special crew is being called in to construct the theater and the unique sound system, which will be housed behind the screen.

"The sound will come out at the viewers from behind the screen," Brown said.

He added that the selection of movies the theater will show will be very interesting.

"The movie selection has grown due to the growth of the theaters," he said.

"Because of the mission of the facility, which is dedicated to the spirit of innovation, the films will focus on historical and inspirational values."

The films will focus on taking viewers places they normally wouldn't have a chance to go - in the cockpit of a jet, into outer space or behind the wheel of a race car.

The museum itself was opened by Henry Ford in 1929 to celebrate Thomas Edison's invention of the light bulb.

"Now, 70 years later, we are celebrating where that has taken us to the use of the light bulb in projection," he said.

The heat intensity of the bulbs used in an IMAX theater is equal to that of the sun, according to Brown.

"If you placed an IMAX bulb on the moon, you would be able to see it with the naked eye," he said.

Due to the historical look of the surrounding buildings, the theater will not be built in the typical modern style of most other theaters.

Upon opening, the theater will offer patrons two or three film choices.

"Great pains have been taken to design the theater in keeping with the building of the village," he said.

Steven Hamp, president of Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, said the theater is a welcome addition to what the museum already offers.

"It is what the museum is becoming - adding life, motion and power to our world-class resources representing a changing America," Hamp said.

Rick Binford, president of the Metropolitan Detroit Conventions and Visitors Bureau, added: "The large-format theater is a natural addition to Henry Ford Museum and will only create more excitement within the pool of travelers who already frequent the city of Dearborn and its attractions."

Upon opening, the theater will offer patrons two or three film choices.

The theater's hours of operation haven't been established yet, but most likely will be extended beyond the museum's hours of operation, which are 9 to 5 p.m. daily.

The biggest indoor/outdoor museum in the world, Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village spans more than 100 acres.

The most popular exhibit, "100 Years of the Automobile in American Life," features a highway of 100 cars and trucks including the 1896 Duryea Motor Wagon and the presidential limousine in which former President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

The museum also includes exhibits devoted to communications, agriculture and domestic life.

In 1997, more than 1 million people visited the museum and village to travel back in time.

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is located at Oakwood Boulevard and Village Road in Dearborn.

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