A new I-MAX theater will be built in Des Moines as part of a downtown renaissance project that includes a new sports arena and a new science center. Governor Tom Vilsack was on hand for today’s announcement, and calls the project a “Celebration of Partnerships.”The Blank family, pioneers in the cinema industry, is giving five million dollars for the IMAX theater, which will be built in the new Science Center of Iowa in downtown Des Moines. Science Center executive director Mary Sellers says the domed theater will have 240 seats. It’ll feature a glass wall that allows people to see the projectionist load the film, and a pre-show on the process.The Meredith family, founders of a publishing empire, is giving seven million dollars as a “cornerstone gift” for the new 100-thousand-square foot Science Center of Iowa. Sellers says the time and effort given by the Meredith family is the foundation of the new center.Angela Connolly, a member of the Polk County Board of Supervisors, says the entire project will help create a more “vibrant” capitol city.Des Moines Mayor Preston Daniels says the fundraising for the new Science Center has been impressive.Daniels says the Science Center’s statewide focus has allowed fundraisers to collect 40-million dollars worth of pledges for the new Science Center complex. The project is part of the city of Des Moines’ “Vision Iowa” project.
