The Franklin Institute Celebrates the Grand Opening of Body Odyssey and Hamilton Collections Gallery

Philadelphia, PA—November 21, 2024—The Franklin Institute proudly announces the grand opening of Body Odyssey and Hamilton Collections Gallery on Saturday, November 23, 2024, as part of its bicentennial celebration. These groundbreaking exhibits mark a significant milestone in the museum’s multi-year transformation, setting the tone for The Franklin Institute’s third century as a global leader in science education. In celebration of its 200th anniversary, the first 200 guests will receive free admission on opening day.

“These imaginative exhibits invite us to look inward—at the complexity of the human body—and outward, at the ingenuity of scientific innovation,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “They exemplify our commitment to sparking curiosity and inspiring discovery, ensuring that The Franklin Institute continues to be a place of wonder for generations to come.”

Body Odyssey 

The $8.5 million Body Odyssey exhibit reintroduces the walkthrough Giant Heart as the centerpiece of an immersive, 8,500-square-foot exploration of the human body’s complexities and its quest for balance and well-being. Enhanced with sensory technology, the Giant Heart will now offer visitors the opportunity to synchronize their own heartbeats with the Heart, transforming the space into a pulsating display of light and sound that mirrors human rhythm.

Through interactive environments, cutting-edge technology, and full-body simulations, guests will dive into the complex workings of the human body, discover the profound connection between mental and physical health, and experience the latest advances in medical and sports technology. Experiences include a full-body avatar to visualize our body systems’ harmony, a multiplayer white blood cell vs. virus game, and sensory challenges that track the eye’s response to light and test hearing for age. 

Body Odyssey showcases the latest medical and sports technologies through hands-on experiences, such as operating a prosthetic hand, performing robotic surgery simulations, and experimenting with AI-driven diagnostic tools. Holistic wellness is explored through stations focusing on art therapy, sleep health, and mindfulness, all within a dynamic gallery that changes its ambiance in real time based on the collective emotional energy of its visitors.

The exhibit is enriched by Faces of the Future, which features video vignettes of emerging leaders in AI, gene therapy, and more. The latest technologies used in sports and medicine are displayed through collaborations with industry leaders—including the University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Limbitless, Northwestern University, and Polar.

“Body Odyssey is a testament to the power of science to both inspire and educate,” shared Donald E. Morel, Jr., PhD, of the Morel Family Foundation, the exhibit’s lead supporter. “The exhibit celebrates the extraordinary complexity of the human body and underscores the profound connection between science, health, and well-being. We proudly support this remarkable exhibition and look forward to how it will captivate, engage, and empower future generations.”

Hamilton Collections Gallery 

The $12 million Hamilton Collections Gallery is The Franklin Institute’s first-ever public showcase of its extensive historical collections. This two-story gallery features over 500 artifacts spanning two centuries of scientific breakthroughs and innovation, including treasures such as Benjamin Franklin’s Glass Armonica, Thomas Edison’s light bulbs and other inventions, and wing models from the Wright Brothers Aeronautic Collection.

At its heart is the 350-ton Baldwin 60000 Locomotive atop a new custom cutaway floor that reveals the steel and concrete bridge structures supporting this engineering marvel. Surrounding the locomotive, newly designed visible storage bays rise from a new collections center on the foundation level, offering a rare glimpse into artifacts never before on public display. 

The Hamilton Collections Gallery’s inaugural exhibit, 200 Stories for 200 Years, showcases a curated selection of objects on display to celebrate the museum’s 200th anniversary. The exhibit features interactive components to dive deeper into the innovation and ingenuity of the selected objects and discover unexpected connections. Of the 200 objects on display, thirteen artifacts, such as an original wooden Philadelphia water main, a printing press from Franklin’s company, and early wax cylinder music recordings, are paired with video vignettes of people who share a modern connection to these artifacts, bringing their stories to life.

“The Hamilton Collections Gallery represents a remarkable modern fusion of history, science, and innovation that honors The Franklin Institute’s legacy while creating new opportunities for discovery and exploration,” said Samuel M. V. Hamilton, III of the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, the gallery’s lead supporter. “By showcasing the Baldwin Locomotive and other extraordinary artifacts, this space brings history to life and ensures these treasures continue to inspire visitors for generations to come.”

The gallery marks a significant milestone in the museum’s long history of support from four generations of the Hamilton family, beginning with Samuel M. Vauclain's donation of the Baldwin Locomotive in 1933. In 2019, a $6 million gift from The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust made the gallery possible, and additional support received during the project brought the total contribution to $8.1 million.

Body Odyssey and Hamilton Collections Gallery follow the award-winning Wondrous Space exhibit as the latest in a series of innovative exhibits redefining The Franklin Institute experience. These experiences reflect the museum’s multi-year vision to create immersive, future-focused spaces that blend history, science, and interactive storytelling.

Led by Dr. Jayatri Das, Chief Bioscientist and Director of Science Content, and Abby Bysshe, Chief Experience and Strategy Officer, both of The Franklin Institute, Body Odyssey was brought to life by the award-winning experiential design firm MDSX, with input from local student workshops, leaders from the civic, education and business community and a panel of expert advisors.

The Morel Family Foundation is the Lead Supporter of Body Odyssey, with additional support from Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino, Tobey and Mark Dichter, Independence Blue Cross, Marvin Samson Foundation, and Merck Foundation.

The Franklin Institute received funding from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, to promote the Hamilton Collections Gallery and Body Odyssey exhibits. Additionally, through the Redevelopment Assistant Capital Program, financial assistance has been provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor.

The Baldwin Locomotive’s conservation was led by the Heritage Conservation Collective, with architectural design by SmithGroup, general contracting by Daniel J. Keating, and project management by Becker & Frondorf.

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic center of exploration. As Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.