IMAX Theater FAQs and Information
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online, and an order confirmation with your tickets will be sent to the email you provide. Tickets can also be purchased at the IMAX Box Office.
If you cannot find your ticket purchase confirmation email, your tickets can still be looked up in person at the IMAX Box Office (located just outside the theater) when you arrive for your movie.
Our updated ticketing system offers a self-service rescheduling option.
Please note: This option is only available until at least 4 hours before your scheduled showtime.
Planning Your Visit
Location
The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater is located at 201 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN, right across from the Aquarium. Please note that Chattanooga is in the Eastern Time Zone.
Showtimes
Documentary films begin at the scheduled showtime, and Hollywood films start within 10 minutes of the scheduled time, so please arrive early to select your preferred seat.
Parking
There are several paid lots and parking garages within one to two blocks. Street parking is free Mon–Sat (after 6 PM), and all day Sunday.
In Chattanooga, anyone with a valid handicap placard or tag can park for free at any on-street metered space throughout the city.
Accessibility at the IMAX Theater
Wheelchair Access
The IMAX Theater is fully wheelchair accessible and offers a range of seating options for guests using wheelchairs and their companions. Wheelchair seating is located in areas that can be accessed without the use of stairs. All restrooms in the theater are also wheelchair accessible. For easier entry, a curbside drop-off zone is available directly outside the theater on W Aquarium Way.
Closed Captioning Devices
Our theater offers Dolby® CaptiView, a personal in-theater closed captioning system designed for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. The device features a small, adjustable screen mounted on a flexible arm that fits securely into your seat’s cupholder.
To use a CaptiView device, please speak with a member of our theater staff for assistance.
Please note: Captions are available during the feature presentation but not during trailers.
Assisted Listening Devices
Our theater offers Dolby® Fidelio, a wireless audio system designed to enhance the movie experience for guests with hearing or vision impairments.
- Hearing Impaired (HI): Provides amplified audio for guests who are hard of hearing.
- Visually Impaired Narration (VI): Delivers descriptive narration for guests who are visually impaired.
Each Fidelio receiver includes a headphone jack and can be used with the provided plug-in headset or your own personal headphones or earphones. Guests can easily adjust the volume on the device for a customized listening experience.
To use a Fidelio device, please speak with a member of our theater staff for assistance
Theater Ears
TheaterEars makes moviegoing more inclusive for families and guests who prefer to experience films in their native language.
With the free TheaterEars app, you can listen to the movie’s audio in your chosen language while attending any of our Hollywood Films (currently not available for our Documentary Films).
How It Works:
- Download the TheaterEars app on your smartphone.
- Select your movie, showtime, and language in the app to prepare your audio track.
- When the movie begins, TheaterEars automatically syncs using your phone’s microphone and plays the audio in your selected language through your headphones.
Download the App: TheaterEars on the App Store
Learn More: Watch the TheaterEars overview video on YouTube
Service Animals
It is the policy of the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX to only admit service animals that have been individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.
The guest can be asked to remove their service animal if:
- The animal is out of control, and the handler does not take effective action to control the animal.
- The animal is not housebroken.
Sensory Inclusion
The Tennessee Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.
Sensory bags containing fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones, and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our IMAX reception desk. A staff member will be happy to assist you.
Lost and Found
Lost and found items are stored overnight in the IMAX reception office. Contact the receptionist Monday – Sunday between 9 AM and 5 PM at (423) 265-0695 to help retrieve your lost items.
IMAX Theater Policies
Policy for R-Rated Films
Children under 6 are not permitted to attend R-rated movies. Those Under 17 can only attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is at least 21 years old and has a valid ID. This policy aligns with the Motion Picture Association of America’s rating system.
Cell Phone Policy
Out of courtesy for all guests, cell phones, tablets, and other electronic devices that emit light or sound are not permitted during the movie. Please silence and put away all devices once the film begins. Guests who disregard this policy may be asked to leave the theater.
Strollers
Strollers are not permitted inside the IMAX theater; however, a stroller parking area is provided in the lobby.
Prohibited Items/Activities
The following items/activities are prohibited inside the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Theater and lobby:
- Tobacco use – cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- Outside food or drink (including alcoholic beverages)
- Weapons, including firearms, knives, blades, mace, or pepper spray
- Pets
- Clothing with offensive/vulgar language or imagery
- Laser pens and pointers
- Noise-making devices
- Balloons
- Flower bouquets
- Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate