A low-angle interior shot of a dark planetarium or dome theater featuring a massive, immersive projection of a bioluminescent whale swimming through a deep blue abyss. To the right, a large audience seated in tiered rows looks up at the digital display, silhouetted against the glowing blue light.
MOSI screens ‘Sounds of the Ocean’ in its planetarium on Dec. 28 and Jan. 11. Credit: Courtesy of Sounds of the Ocean

The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) offers an escape from the madness of the holidays next weekend.

In this immersive deep-sea experience, the garish reds and greens of Christmas and black and golds of New Year’s are nowhere to be seen. No carols, no “ho ho ho”-ing. Just the endless blue and the meditative sounds of animals who don’t know what a holiday even is.

“Sounds of the Ocean” promises “a captivating blend of art, music, and mindfulness that transports you straight into the ocean’s embrace,” per MOSI’s event description.

Inside what’s now America’s second-largest planetarium, mesmerizing deep-sea visuals pair with the natural music of whale and dolphin sounds, combined with original music composed by humans.

For those who can’t make it this weekend or want an encore, it’ll be back in MOSI’s dome again on Jan. 11.

Tickets are $18-$34 for “Sounds of the Ocean,” screening Sunday, Dec. 28 in Tampa.

Sounds of the Ocean – The Immersive Experience Tampa

Time Sun., Dec. 14, 5:30-6:30 & 7-8 p.m., Sun., Dec. 28, 7:15-8:15 & 8:30-9:30 p.m. and Mon., Dec. 29, 7:15-8:30 p.m. 2025

Location Museum of Science & Industry, 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa

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This article appears in Dec. 18 – 24, 2025.

Selene San Felice is managing editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Prior to joining CL in 2025, she started the Axios Tampa Bay newsletter and worked for her hometown paper, The Capital in Annapolis,...