IMAX operates several theater formats, each with its own technical setup and market positioning. The IMAX Dome, formerly Omnimax, is the least common and most distinct: it uses a fisheye lens to fill a domed ceiling with a 180-degree field of view, rather than a flat vertical screen. This format is primarily found in science museums and educational centers, not commercial multiplexes.
From a business perspective, the Dome represents a niche segment. Most Dome-optimized films are nature documentaries like 'Secrets of the Sea' or 'Volcanoes: Fires of Creation,' rather than Hollywood blockbusters. However, some major releases, including Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' and 'The Odyssey,' have been shown in Dome locations, indicating occasional crossover appeal.
IMAX does not maintain a public list of Dome theaters, but fan-run sites track them. Notable venues include the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Saint Louis Science Center, as well as international sites like La Géode in France and the China Science & Technology Museum. While the Dome is a smaller part of IMAX's business, it offers a differentiated experience that can attract audiences seeking immersion beyond standard IMAX.