Exploration Place offers a ‘Christmas Vacation’ experience in its dome theater
Three screenings of “Hocus Pocus” sold out quickly in October, so Exploration Place added two additional showings. Based on that success, it’s going to continue what Adam Smith, president of Wichita’s science center, says can best be described as event cinema.
The next in the series is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Dome Experience with five screenings of the unedited PG-13 version of the classic holiday movie from Thursday, Dec. 16 through Saturday, Dec. 18.
The cost is $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP tickets, which get you early access to the theater for a bigger selection of seats as well as perks like a themed sugar cookie.
The dome theater opened alongside Exploration Place in 2000 and has been upgraded over the years. The museum’s website claims it is the largest dome theater in the state and features a “soaring 60-foot screen, immersive 360-degree view and booming surround sound.” It seats 169.
Smith, who joined Exploration Place in November 2019, thinks the theater has been underutilized and has been working with his team to add events that go beyond showing classic documentary films related to science and nature.
“The dome theater that we’ve got here is a real jewel in the crown of Exploration Place,” he said. “It is a great theater and it’s a great space to be in. We’re interested in lots of different ways that we can use what I think is one of the best theaters in town.”
Smith has been in the museum field since 1997 and came to Wichita from San Diego, where he had most recently been executive director for Comic-Con Museum.
“My time there really opened my eyes to popular culture, and I think we’re in an interesting place with pop culture that people are craving this shared nostalgia, from global phenomena like Star Wars and extending down to movies like ‘Christmas Vacation.’ The people who are going to come and fill our theater in December, they have seen this movie 20 times. They are not coming to see the movie so much as to be part of a shared experience and celebrate something that’s part of their personal nostalgia.”
To create “event cinema,” the Exploration Place team develops activities, décor and food and drink tied to the movie. Smith didn’t want to give away all their plans but he said pre-movie activities will include a photo booth with themed props and a costume contest with prizes. Door prizes will be awarded randomly at each showing.
On Thursday and Friday there are early and late show times. For the early ticket time, the doors open at 6 p.m. with prizes and fun starting at 6:45 p.m. and the movie starting at 7 p.m. The event will end at 8:30 p.m.
All tickets are open seating; you choose your own seat. VIP ticketholders can select seats starting at 6 p.m. and general admission ticket holders can find a seat starting at 6:30 p.m.
The same formula is followed for the late ticket time. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., with pre-show activities starting at 9:15 p.m. and the 90-minute movie starting at 9:30 p.m. Seating starts at 8:30 p.m. for those with VIP tickets and 9 for general admission ticket holders.
You can eat and drink in the dome theater, though no outside food or drinks. Expect concessions to include popcorn, candy, soft drinks and a few surprises. Bar service is available and they will offer a signature drink themed to the movie. VIP tickets come with “Christmas Vacation” themed sugar cookies from The Gilded Cookie.
While the first two event cinema experiences in the dome are tied to holidays, Smith plans to continue the series throughout 2022. Beyond classic films, there could be immersive music experiences, and he hinted that Exploration Place has been working on an original film and would like to hear from local creatives with ideas for programming.
“The world today is hungry for experiences, and they want unique experiences,” he said. “There’s something about being in the dome theater, you just sort of relax and there is a whole mindfulness that you can accomplish which is different than a movie theater.”
If you go
What: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” Dome Experience
Where: Exploration Place Dome Theatre, 300 N. McLean Blvd.
When: Doors open at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16 and Friday, Dec. 17; 6 p.m. only on Saturday, Dec. 18
Tickets: $25 VIP, $15 general admission, 15% discount for members. On sale at 8 a.m. Nov. 19 for members and 8 a.m. Nov. 22 for the public.