For decades, the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) has built its reputation on making science feel anything but hands-off. From experimenting with interactive exhibits, watching live demonstrations or coming face-to-face with everything from native wildlife to astronauts from outer space, it has certainly left its mark within the Fort Lauderdale community.
Now, the Museum is taking that idea one step further with the debut of the HoloTheater, the first custom-built holographic theater in Florida and the first of its kind in the United States.
The HoloTheater surrounds audiences with holographic projection, panoramic visuals and spatial audio that make it feel as though prehistoric giants have wandered straight into the room. Rather than watching a story unfold on a screen, you’re dropped into the middle of it.
“The HoloTheater combines innovative technology with extraordinary storytelling to transport our guests into new worlds,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Its debut production, “Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure,” wastes little time proving that point. The 25-minute experience traces more than a century of paleontological discoveries as dinosaurs appear to stomp and soar far beyond the boundaries of a traditional theater. It’s equal parts science lesson and spectacle, one that will have kids pointing excitedly while adults quietly wondering how something without 3D glasses can look so convincing.
Developed by BASE Xperiential in partnership with MacGillivray Freeman Films, the theater was designed specifically for museums, pairing cinematic storytelling with educational programming that feels more immersive than instructional.
“With Dinosaur Discoveries as the first of many holographic experiences in production, we are building a strong content pipeline that enables exhibitors to maintain consistent programming and gain marketing efficiencies,” said Shaun MacGillivray, president and producer/director of MacGillivray Freeman Films. “It’s an exciting way for museums to offer a truly unique experience while positioning themselves at the forefront of innovative edutainment.”
The dinosaurs are only the beginning. Additional productions are already in development, including “Ocean Giants: A Holographic Odyssey,” expected later in 2026, which will bring whales, sharks and other underwater giants into the HoloTheater.
The HoloTheater is another reminder that museums have come a long way from quiet galleries and “Do Not Touch” signs. Between holographic adventures, interactive exhibits, live demonstrations and rotating special exhibitions, MODS has become the kind of place where it’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time and considerably harder for anyone in the family to claim they’re bored.
The real magic isn’t just finding yourself face-to-face with a dinosaur. It’s how naturally the experience fits into what MODS has always done best: turning curiosity into discovery. One moment, guests are standing eye-to-eye with a dinosaur. The next, they’re exploring hands-on exhibits, uncovering new ideas and discovering that learning never feels like an assignment.
