🎬 The Final Thread
A Full-Circle Moment at the Orlando Science Center
After nearly three decades of unforgettable storytelling on one of the last remaining 15/70 giant screens in the U.S., the Dr. Phillips CineDome at Orlando Science Center will dim its film projectors for the final time on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
In a fitting and emotional tribute, Amy Quesinberry, longtime theater director and projectionist, will thread the very last reel—just as she did for the very first show back in 1997. Amy, who was part of the original crew that opened the CineDome, has been a quiet force behind the scenes for decades. Her career has spanned the globe setting up theaters before returning home to run the very one she helped launch.
To celebrate this legacy, OSC has curated a “Farewell Tour” lineup featuring the same classic films that opened the dome 28 years ago: The Living Seas, Dolphins, and Everest—all from MacGillivray Freeman Films. The final screening, Everest, will begin at 2:45 p.m. on August 12, closing the curtain on an era that has inspired close to 4 million visitors.
A Legacy Reimagined
But this isn’t just the end of an era—it’s the beginning of a bold new one. Thanks to a generous $1 million gift from Dr. Phillips Charities and funds from other donors, the CineDome is being transformed into a state-of-the-art digital dome experience. Scheduled to reopen in Spring 2026, the new venue will feature:
- 8K full-dome digital projection
- Immersive, high-fidelity audio
- All-new seating and infrastructure
- A return to planetarium programming, restoring OSC’s roots as a premier destination for planetarium shows (OSC had previously been known as the John Young Museum and Planetarium).
The reimagined space will host not just films, but also live shows, original dome content, and interactive educational programming, making it a dynamic venue for future generations.
#OneLastLookOSC
To mark this moment, Orlando Science Center is inviting the public to share in the celebration with the campaign “One Last Look”. From countdown social posts to behind-the-scenes footage, this is more than just a farewell—it’s a tribute to the people and stories that made the CineDome a cornerstone of Orlando’s cultural and scientific landscape.
“We’re not just changing a projection system. We’re honoring the impact of what came before while building what comes next,” said Jeff Stanford, VP of Marketing at OSC. “And no one embodies that better than Amy Quesinberry—first to thread, last to thread.”
Join the Celebration
📍 Final Showings – August 12, 2025
🎟️ Tickets & info: www.osc.org
đź’¬ Share your stories using #OneLastLookOSC
📸 Don’t miss the final film screenings, giveaways, and tributes happening at the Science Center on August 12.