IMAX Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center
IMAX® Grand Canyon at the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan, just outside the South Rim entrance, invites you to experience the Grand Canyon like never before. This state-of-the-art IMAX theater showcases **“Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time,”** a visually stunning 37-minute film narrated by captivating visuals and laser-enhanced sound. Ideal for families, first-time visitors, or those seeking context before exploring the canyon. See IMAX Theater Photo Gallery »
What Makes This Attraction Special
The centerpiece is the IMAX® theater featuring next-generation **IMAX with Laser** projection and a six-story screen for unmatched clarity and realism. Your adventure begins indoors—with immersive Earth stories—before you head out to explore the real canyon.
Highlights Not to Miss
- Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time – Award-winning IMAX film that tours 1.7 billion years of history, geology, and human stories.
- IMAX with Laser – Crisp, vibrant imagery with deep contrast and immersive surround sound.
- Explorer’s Café – Convenient onsite dining including Pizza Hut Express and deli-style options you can pre-order.
- Adventure Store – Shop Native arts, Grand Canyon books, maps, & souvenirs, plus buy park passes and tickets.
- Shuttle Access – Grab the free National Park shuttle from in front of the Center to avoid entrance lines and park congestion.
General Review Score
4.6 / 5 stars (based on Google reviews) Guests appreciate the cinematic immersion, friendly staffing, and ease of starting their Grand Canyon visit here. “The movie was very personally experiential... Definitely worth your time.”
Admission Pricing (IMAX Film Only)
- Adult (Ages 11–54): ~$14
- Youth (Ages 6–10): ~$11
- Senior (55+): ~$13
- Military: ~$13
- Children under 5: Free with paying adult
- Save ~20% by purchasing online in advance
Additional Visitor Info
- Location: 450 Route 64, Tusayan, AZ—just 1 mile from Grand Canyon South Rim entrance.
- Hours: • Visitor Center: 9 am–10 pm (Mar–Oct); 10 am–8 pm (Nov–Feb) • IMAX Shows: Hourly from ~9:30 am to ~8:30 pm (varies by season)
- Languages: Headset translations available (e.g., Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French) at select showtimes.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible; toddlers free.
FAQs About the Visitor Center IMAX
Do I need to reserve a showtime?
No. Online tickets are flexible and valid for any showing—just arrive 15 min before desired time.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
How long is the film?
Roughly 37 minutes of immersive, non-stop storytelling.
Is the Visitor Center worth stopping at?
Yes. It’s a perfect introduction to the canyon with friendly staff, maps, tours, dining, and shopping—all before you hit the trails.
Can I bring food in?
Food options are available onsite, and pre-ordering is encouraged. Outside food may be limited—check current policies before you go.