SouthCoast's first 3D theater launches at the New Bedford Whaling Museum

Faith Harrington, Standard-Times
·2 min read

NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford Whaling Museum sought to bring something innovative and new to the area. After a year and a half of research along with a month of construction, it is launching Big Blue Pictures, a new immersive theater experience.

This is the only 3D theater on the SouthCoast, with the next closest one to the area being at the New England Aquarium in Boston.

“We are excited to reopen our theater with a new projection system and fresh programming this fall,” New Bedford Whaling Museum President and CEO Amanda McMullen said in a release. “The ability to show 3D films gives us a fun, new way to ignite learning for both children and adults alike and allows us to bring award-winning films about our natural world to New Bedford.”

Cook Memorial Theater showing the 3D movie Antarctica: On The Edge.
Cook Memorial Theater showing the 3D movie Antarctica: On The Edge.

The Cook Memorial Theater, which seats 237, will complement the art, history, science, and culture on view in the museum’s exhibits, with visually stunning 20-minute 3D movies. There will be showings daily with two movie offerings, which are set to change each year.

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The two shows launching this month are Oceans: Our Blue Planet which reveals the untold stories of the ocean's most astonishing creatures; and Antarctica: On The Edge which shows how Antarctica influences the earth’s weather, ocean currents, and climate.

Jennifer Zanolli, the director of museum experience and community engagement shared her enthusiasm over the launch.

“I’m really excited to launch this now as the weather is getting a little colder — to be able to offer a great activity that will not only bring families together but also brings them to the New Bedford Whaling Museum,” Zanolli said.

The museum will be able to offer additional programming in 2D and 3D with special events throughout the year. Although they haven’t finalized the programs, they are hoping to have family-friendly showings on the weekends with different options for all ages.

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The theater will also bring an eco-friendly component with reusable 3D glasses that will be sanitized between each show.

Museum tickets are not required to purchase a ticket to Big Blue Pictures. General admission tickets are $5 and tickets for museum members cost $3. Tickets are available for purchase at the museum or online.

For more information, visit www.whaling museum.org.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Whaling Museum launches SouthCoast's first 3D theater