The National Aviary is expanding its facility with a new Immersion Theater and Education Center, the nation’s first indoor bird theater designed expressly to educate visitors about the importance of wildlife, biodiversity and preservation of natural habitats. The Immersion Theater will advance the reputation of Pittsburgh—and Pennsylvania—by offering a Disney-quality, multimedia experience that captures audience members’ attention and awakens a sensitivity to the natural world. This expansion of one of the region’s most visited amenities will bring increased tourism and economic impact to the City of Pittsburgh and the region.

By capitalizing on the ability of live performance to transform audience viewpoints, the Immersion Theater will revolutionize the manner in which individuals view their natural world.

Combining advanced technology, world-class cinematography, and live bird encounters in a multi-sensory experience, the Immersion Theater will take patrons around the world to witness first-hand the wonders of nature. Audiences will observe natural animal behaviors heretofore confined to remote corners of the globe. This experience will awaken the latent passion that exists within people to protect the Earth for generations to come.

Classrooms within the Theater complex will provide traditional learning experiences to channel the excitement and harness the energy that the Immersion Theater show will engender. The foundation of all learning is a desire to know. The unique, personal interaction between show birds and the audience will stir this desire and create the relevancy that is a prerequisite to meaningful learning.

The National Aviary is now in the second half of a $28.5 million capital campaign to build and equip this exciting new facility. To find out more about this important project, or to volunteer time, talent, or financial support to it, please contact Dr. Nick Palazzetti, Campaign and Development Director at 412-323-7235, ext. 214, or by email.