Fernbank Museum of Natural History

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When did Fernbank’s Martinis & IMAX® start?
A. Martinis & IMAX® started in 1996. The program actually began as a small event in The Star Gallery with around 50 people in attendance every Friday. Due to a dramatic rise in popularity, the event was moved into the large atrium known as the Great Hall, where it now hosts an average of 1,000+ people every Friday, January to November.

Q. What is the dress code for Martinis & IMAX®?
A. There is not a dress code but generally the attire is casual to dressy casual.

Q. How long are IMAX® films?
A. Films last about 45 minutes. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes prior to your film start time in order to park, pick up tickets and be seated before the film begins.

Q. What is the cost of admission and what is included with my ticket price?
A. There are a couple of options for admission to Martinis & IMAX®. If you are seeing an IMAX® film, you pay the cost of an IMAX® ticket ($15 for adults and $10 for Museum members). Films show on the hour from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Your IMAX® ticket (when purchased for a Martinis & IMAX® specific show time) includes admission to the Great Hall where you can enjoy live music and have access to food and drink bars.

If you would like to attend Martinis & IMAX® but aren’t interested in seeing an IMAX® film, there is a $7 cover charge. The cover charge does not apply to Museum members or to those arriving before 6:30 p.m. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

Q. Can I tour the Museum when I come to Martinis & IMAX®?
A. No. During Martinis & IMAX®, only those exhibitions accessible from the Museum’s Great Hall are open. These include Giants of the Mesozoic, The Star Gallery and The World of Shells. Occasionally, during the run of a special exhibition, the special exhibition gallery will be open during Martinis & IMAX®. Museum tickets, which include access to the special exhibition, start at $15 for adults, free for members; and like an IMAX® ticket, include access to the Great Hall. All food and drinks must be purchased separately. 

Q. Does my film or Museum ticket include the cost of a martini?
A. No, martinis are available for purchase at our cash bars located in the Great Hall. Check out our special martinis and featured wines, beer is also available. Special options are available for groups.

Q. Do you serve food during Martinis & IMAX®?
A. Yes. Food is available for purchase in The Fernbank Café. See the menu. Special menu options are available for groups.

Q. Can I take food and drink into the Theatre?
A. Beverages are allowed in the Theatre but, food is not permitted.

Q. Can I reserve a table when I come to Martinis & IMAX®?
A. No. Reserved tables are not available. Seating is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved tables are only available for groups who make arrangements, in advance, for a semi-private area.

Q. Is there an ATM or a place where I can use my credit card?
A. Yes. An ATM machine is located in the Lobby on Entry Level, near the restrooms. We also accept credit cards throughout the Museum, including at the bars and in The Fernbank Café. You may also choose to run a tab at the bars.

Q. Are children allowed to attend Martinis and IMAX®?
A. Martinis and IMAX® is appropriate for guests 21 and older.