The Franklin Institute and Universal Destinations & Experiences Announce North American Tour of Groundbreaking New Exhibit

All-new traveling exhibition delivers an immersive exploration into the world of themed entertainment.

Philadelphia, PA, October 22, 2024—In partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences, The Franklin Institute is creating and developing a groundbreaking new exhibit delving into the exciting world of themed entertainment. The exhibit will celebrate the trailblazing success of Universal Destinations & Experiences' world-class theme parks, which feature the industry's most thrilling and technologically advanced film and television-based attractions. The exhibit is set to launch its North American tour at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in early 2026.

Created in collaboration with the award-winning creative design firm MDSX, the all-new traveling exhibit goes beyond the ordinary, offering an immersive exploration through the layers of creativity that define the extraordinary world of Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks. It will showcase its illustrious history and recent attractions through original artwork, replicas, models, and interactive elements—and pull back the curtain for a behind-the-scenes look at the storytelling, innovation, and worldbuilding that have inspired Universal's awe-inspiring designs from their earliest Studio Tram Tour to the launch of contemporary projects like Universal Epic Universe. 

The exhibit will explore principles of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math (STEAM) in theme park design and creation, spotlight the diverse careers driving Universal's innovation process, and give guests a glimpse into its universe of creativity powered by a talented team of individuals pushing the boundaries of themed entertainment to make epic history worldwide. 

“Universal Destinations & Experiences thrills and delights more than 50 million guests every year in our parks around the world. We are delighted to partner with The Franklin Institute, one of the world’s leading museums, on this exhibition that will show visitors how Universal brings the worlds of famous movies, stories, and video games to life with a combination of creativity, innovation, and industry-leading technology.” - Page Thompson, President of Universal Destinations and Experiences, New Ventures.

"The Franklin Institute is thrilled to announce its partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences, a trailblazer in the themed entertainment industry, to develop a first-of-its-kind exhibition on how theme parks are made," said Abby Bysshe, Chief Experience and Strategy Officer at The Franklin Institute. "This showcase of innovation and creativity with global audience appeal is a testament to our commitment to delivering dynamic storytelling through exceptional experiences."

"Hosting the world premiere of an exhibition of this caliber in 2026, during what will be a monumental year for the nation, is extraordinary. We are proud to add this remarkable exhibit to the already impressive lineup of major events happening during the 2026 semi-quincentennial in Philadelphia." - Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of the Franklin Institute.

The exhibit covers 12,000 to 16,000 square feet and includes a retail store with themed merchandise. 

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is among the nation's premier science centers and a renowned leader in science and technology learning. As a dynamic center of exploration, the museum blends storytelling, interactivity, and entertainment to create unique and inspiring experiences for guests of all ages. Over the past two decades, it has emerged as a premier destination for immersive traveling exhibits in North America, with a strong history of success in presenting major blockbusters and world premieres. Now in its 200th year, the museum remains at the forefront of innovation and a top destination for curious minds seeking to delve into the marvels of science and technology.