Celebrating 26 Years Since the First Moon Landing with Moonwalkers in Boston! 5 Stars!
On July 20, 1969, humanity took its first historic steps on the lunar surface. Now, on the 26th anniversary of that milestone, what better way to celebrate than with Moonwalkers? This immersive experience honors that monumental achievement while inspiring audiences to look toward the future of space exploration.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a striking replica of the lunar lander—an ideal photo opportunity and truly Instagram-worthy backdrop. The lobby itself is lined with high-resolution images of the Apollo missions, each accompanied by informative captions that fuel your appetite for the cinematic journey ahead. Some photos are so large you can snap a selfie that makes it feel like you’re standing right on the moon.
Like a traditional cinema, your ticket comes with an assigned showtime. But as you enter the main space, it’s immediately clear this is no ordinary movie theater. Towering 30-foot walls surround you with immersive projections that also cover the floor, creating a fully enveloping environment. Guests are encouraged to roam during the show, exploring the visuals from all angles. Padded cushions and tiered risers provide plenty of spots to sit back and absorb the experience.
Lightroom – The Moon
Narrating the film is Tom Hanks, whose voice feels like an old friend. Beyond his Oscars for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, Hanks is also beloved for voicing Woody in Toy Story. But space enthusiasts know him best as Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, where he portrayed the drama of an ill-fated mission. His connection to the real-world Apollo program makes him an inspired choice to guide viewers through the triumphs and challenges of human spaceflight.
The film begins with Boston’s own John F. Kennedy, whose bold speech set America’s sights on the moon. From there, we revisit each Apollo mission—Neal Armstrong’s first steps, the Lunar Rover’s debut, and the invaluable scientific discoveries made with moon rocks and experimental equipment. The narrative balances the thrill of exploration with a deep respect for the science that made it possible.
There are breathtaking sequences where the room comes alive—like the rumble of a rocket launch shaking the space, or a moving tribute where a plaque honoring fallen astronauts is projected onto the lunar surface. My personal favorite? A stunning recreation of mission control, complete with its iconic “big board.” It feels as if you have been transported back to NASA during its golden age.
One unexpected gem during our visit was a live Q&A session with a real-world astronaut. Rodrigo Carvalho Santiago, the first Brazilian selected to train for spaceflight with NASA, spoke passionately to a group of eager students who peppered him with questions.
“Space wants to kill you,” Santiago said bluntly. “It’s beautiful what we do, but it’s also very dangerous.” He encouraged the students to pursue careers in STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—but noted that even artists are finding their way into space as new avenues for exploration open. With a nod to Katy Perry’s recent suborbital flight, Santiago predicted that one day space travel could become as routine as catching a bus from Boston to New York.
As the film draws to a close, we’re reminded that the journey isn’t over. The Artemis program promises to send humans back to the moon for the first time in over 50 years—including Christina Koch, poised to become the first woman to walk its surface. The segment leaves audiences energized for the next chapter of lunar exploration.
No visit is complete without a stop at the gift shop, offering the usual T-shirts, hats, and pins alongside high-quality prints from remastered Apollo negatives and booklets for space buffs. One note: restrooms are a bit of a trek from the lobby—an ironic detail in such a well-designed experience. Thankfully, the entire venue is highly accessible, with subtitles provided for the hearing impaired and accommodations for visitors of all abilities.