Going to the movies is about to get a serious upgrade for Sydneysiders. More than a decade after the city’s original IMAX closed and three years after the experience returned to Darling Harbour, a second location is now on the way. Event Cinemas Miranda will welcome a new IMAX cinema this December, giving Sydneysiders another option without having to head into the CBD. It will form the first stage of a wider transformation planned for the Miranda complex, with more changes to follow in 2027. The timing also lines up with the release of the final instalment in the Dune trilogy, which will feature selected scenes filmed for IMAX. Here’s what we know so far.
What to expect from the new IMAX cinema
The new auditorium will use IMAX with Laser projection, paired with a 12-channel sound system designed specifically for the format. Moviegoers will also have a choice of seating rather than a single standard layout, ranging from regular premium seats to full recliners with additional legroom.
At the top end will be private box seats, positioned separately from the main auditorium to offer more space and privacy. The combination should make the Miranda location noticeably different from a conventional cinema experience, particularly for films produced specifically with IMAX screens in mind. The opening will also make Miranda Event Cinemas’ fourth IMAX location in Australia. Its existing Sydney IMAX at Darling Harbour is currently among the four highest-performing IMAX cinemas globally, according to the company.
The IMAX auditorium is only the beginning of the work at Miranda. Further refurbishments are scheduled for 2027, although details of what those upgrades will include have yet to be announced. In the meantime, you can check out what’s currently screening at Event Cinemas Miranda here.
