Fact Sheet — Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater

In the National Aviary’s new Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater, visitors will witness the flights of macaws, vultures, eagles, parrots, black kites and multiple other species in a setting enhanced by lighting, video and sound. Footage of wild birds hunting, nesting and navigating their native habitats will create a powerful sensory backdrop to the Aviary’s birds as they fly, walk and feed among various stages within the theater space.

The facility will be the nation’s first indoor educational theater built to incorporate free-flight bird demonstrations. Conservation-focused programming will be designed to help educate visitors about the importance of wildlife, biodiversity and the preservation of natural habitats. Conservation messaging will also draw attention to the survival challenges facing many species of birds around the world.

FliteZone™ Theater design features:
• Theater exhibition space and interior are part of a planned multiphase reconstruction that includes expanded building wings and new façades;
• Theater and expansion a project of SPRINGBOARD Architecture Communication Design LLC of Pittsburgh
• 125-seat theater
• LEED certified, sustainable design
• High-definition video wall and surround sound projection
• Bird holding areas for show birds