September 16, 2024
Starting next month, the Science Museum of Virginia is offering a new experience in The Dome: Laser Shows! These music-and-light performances give viewers a unique, immersive experience they can’t get anywhere else in Central Virginia.
The shows, developed by Laser Fantasy, involve colorful beams being projected as shapes, patterns and images on The Dome’s nearly quarter-acre screen. The visuals are choreographed to the pulsating beats of music from popular artists. The dynamic performances last just under an hour, delighting guests with the illuminated sound journey.
“Laser Shows are the perfect blend of technology and entertainment,” said Science Museum Chief Wonder Offer Rich Conti. “Not only are the shows mesmerizing, they also showcase yet another application for lasers, which have been around for more than 60 years. As the largest screen in Virginia and one of the largest all-digital planetariums in the world, you can’t find a better venue for an experience like this than The Dome.”
The Science Museum has rented ten Laser Shows featuring music by Beyonce, Taylor Swift and others artists from past and present. In addition, there are holiday-themed and seasonal shows the Science Museum will feature during corresponding parts of the year.
The debut Laser Show will be Thursday, Oct. 3. It will showcase Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” album. The Science Museum is offering two showings: 6:30 and 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 for Science Museum members and $15 for non-members. Space is limited to 250 guests each show, and tickets can only be purchased on the Science Museum’s website.
Adding Laser Shows to the Science Museums offerings was part of the recent enhancement work in The Dome. The programs require specialized projectors and a hazer to produce a very fine water-based mist to make the laser beams sufficiently visible. The Dome’s improved sound system works well with the concert-like music in the Laser Shows.
More information about Laser Shows is available on the Science Museum’s website. Guests are encouraged to sign up for the Science Museum’s newsletter and follow the Science Museum on social media for information about upcoming Laser Shows.
About the Science Museum of Virginia
From virtual presentations featuring STEM experts to fun videos on social media to in-person experiential exhibits, the Science Museum of Virginia looks for every opportunity to inspire all Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Helping curious minds discover the connections between — and their connection to — science, technology, engineering and math guides Science Museum staff in all they do. Learn more at smv.org or call 804.864.1400.
About Laser Fantasy
Laser Fantasy was founded in 1977 and quickly grew to become the world leader in planetarium laser light shows. They have since expanded into many areas of the industry including theme parks, corporate events, school tours, and event productions. Even though the trends in the laser industry have ebbed and flowed, Laser Fantasy has continued to provide top laser hardware and astonishing shows. Learn more at laserfantasy.com.