The museum converted an underutilized space into a revenue-generating experience, using dynamic visuals and holographic technology to deliver thrilling, larger-than-life scientific adventures – all without the need of 3D glasses.
Laguna Beach, CA, November 13, 2025 – Pioneering a new frontier in mixed-reality
entertainment, BASE Xperiential and MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF) have partnered with
the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale to debut the HoloTheater, the
first custom-built holographic theater in the U.S. The Museum celebrated the grand opening of
the HoloTheater with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony this week. The innovative venue
merges holographic projection, cinematic visuals and spatial sound to transform the way
audiences experience science and storytelling.
Developed by BASE Xperiential, producers of mixed-media and live holographic entertainment,
and brought to market in partnership with content partner MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF),
the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant-screen films, the
HoloTheater redefines museum storytelling.
“Audiences are loving the HoloTheater experience, and we are thrilled to transport our guests
into extraordinary new worlds through this breakthrough technology,” said Joseph P. Cox,
president and CEO of MODS. “At MODS, we are committed to creating powerful, immersive
experiences that spark curiosity, fuel imagination, and bring science to life for all ages. The
HoloTheater represents a bold new chapter in that mission.”
“We transformed an underutilized 1,100-square-foot space into an immersive holographic
theater that now generates revenue while delivering a cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind guest
experience,” said Dominic Roncace, president of BASE Xperiential. “It’s a model that other
venues can replicate to monetize unused space and introduce an exciting new holographic form
of educational entertainment.”
The museum launched its HoloTheater with Dinosaur Discoveries: A Holographic Adventure, a
stunning 24-minute visual journey through 140 years of paleontology that brings dinosaurs to
life in jaw-dropping fashion. Upcoming holographic experiences in the pipeline include Ocean
Giants: A Holographic Odyssey, to be produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films and BASE
Xperiential for release in 2026. Ocean Giants will bring audiences face-to-face with some of the
most magnificent and enigmatic creatures to have ever inhabited the underwater realm, both
past and present.
“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.”
HoloTheater’s flexible design delivers larger-than-life holographic and panoramic film
experiences and the next generation in educational entertainment for science centers, natural
history museums, zoos, aquariums and more. HoloTheater comes equipped with all the
necessary holographic projection technology and can be integrated at institutions as a
standalone attraction, or retrofitted into a museum’s existing theater, auditorium or other
underutilized spaces, with deployable screen options to convert spaces into multi-use.
For more information about HoloTheater and Dinosaur Discoveries, please visit
base-xperiential.com and dinosaurdiscoveries.com. To learn about the HoloTheater at the Museum
of Discovery and Science, please visit mods.org/holotheater.
About the Museum of Discovery and Science
Opened in 1977 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the
forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science,
providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft.
facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance
of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s
Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the
LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network
and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.
The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call
954.467.MODS (6637).
About Base Xperiential
BASE Xperiential’s productions harness the magic of mixed-media, holographic and live
entertainment to bring unique and dynamic immersive experiences to audiences and stages
around the world. BASE has already developed a library of compelling content including
holographic productions of Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Maria Callas, Whitney Houston and
Dinosaur Discoveries. The company strives to develop both educational and entertaining
content that is visually stimulating and brought to life with application for presentation in a
wide range of venues, from experiential and retail major malls, to casinos and cruise ships, to
theme parks and museums. For more information, please visit base-xperiential.com.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of
giant screen 70mm films with more than 45 films for IMAX ® and giant screen theaters to its
credit. Throughout the company’s history, its films have won numerous international awards
including two Academy Award ® nominations for The Living Sea and Dolphins and three films
inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest, the highest grossing giant screen film of
all time. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science
and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar
benchmark for worldwide box office. For more information, please visit
macgillivrayfreeman.com
