April 7, 2022
What: A new giant screen film about an extremely rare mammal just debuted at the Science Museum of Virginia. “Great Bear Rainforest” opened in The Dome April 1.
Why: Hidden from the outside world, the Great Bear Rainforest is one of the wildest places left on Earth. Found on Canada’s remote Pacific coastline, it is the last intact temperate rainforest, protected by the region’s indigenous people for millennia. It’s home to grizzlies, coastal wolves, sea otters and the all-white spirit bear, the rarest bear on the planet.
The spirit bear is a subspecies of the North American black bear that has white fur due to a rare genetic trait. Spirit bears are only found in the Great Bear Rainforest. Scientists don’t know exactly how many spirit bears exist, but estimates are it is less than 100.
“Great Bear Rainforest” took three years to make and was released in 2019. It is narrated by Ryan Reynolds.
When: Guests can see “Great Bear Rainforest” on the quarter-acre screen at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. While normally closed on Mondays, the Science Museum is open April 18.
In addition to the animal-focused giant screen film, guests can view “Imagine the Moon,” an astronomy show playing in the planetarium each day at 1 p.m.
Who: Dome features are designed for audiences of all ages. Science lovers will find this new film unbearably entertaining.
“Great Bear Rainforest” is a Spirit Bear Entertainment film presented by Seaspan in association with Destination British Columbia. It is distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Films.
How: Guests may purchase a Dome ticket when they purchase Science Museum admission online or onsite. Giant screen films and astronomy shows in The Dome are $5 per person. A Dome-only ticket is $9. Science Museum members may use the Dome passes included in their perk package.
Dome features are subject to change. Guests are encouraged to check the daily schedule before their visit to confirm all run times.
Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220