SimEx-Iwerks and Shedd Aquarium have opened a redesigned 4D Immersion Theater in Chicago, nearly 20 years into their partnership and their most technically ambitious installation to date.
Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium opened its new Immersion Theater on 9 May 2026. SimEx-Iwerks co-developed the 4D immersion theatre upgrade. The redesign introduces expanded side-wall visuals, choreographed effects, next-generation seating and an augmented reality pre-show.
The space moves well beyond a single-screen format. Side-wall imagery now wraps guests on three sides. The multi-sensory combination of choreographed effects and dynamic lighting places visitors inside the aquatic world. SimEx-Iwerks’ latest seating technology reinforces the effect throughout.
A new pre-show area activates the experience before the main theatre begins. Guests encounter large-scale augmented reality animals and photograph themselves alongside them. Immersive digital media carries the sensory thread through the full visit.
“4D Experiences in this reimagined theater will be more immersive than ever before, allowing our guests to not only learn about, but also feel what it’s like to be part of aquatic environments on the other side of the planet,” said Colby Sellers, senior director of guest relations at Shedd Aquarium. “A core part of Shedd’s mission is to connect people with nature, and sensory experiences are a great way to spark a lifelong compassion for animals.”
SimEx-Iwerks approached the project with a clear brief. “This Immersion Theater was designed to push beyond the traditional 4D theater experience,” said Sean McAllister, senior vice president of attraction development at SimEx-Iwerks. “From the expanded side-wall visuals and interactive pre-show to the choreographed lighting, environmental effects, and new seating technology, every element was designed to surround guests in the story.”
The two organisations have partnered since 2006. Together they have delivered 4D Experiences® to millions of Shedd visitors. SimEx-Iwerks describes the 4D immersion theatre project as a major milestone in that near two-decade relationship.
Image: SimEx-Iwerks
