UNIVERSAL THEME PARKS: THE EXHIBITION
This exhibition is a premier, large-scale immersive experience developed by The Franklin Institute in partnership with Universal Destinations & Experiences that takes audiences behind the scenes of how world-class theme park attractions are conceived and built. It combines storytelling, science, and entertainment to reveal the creative and technical processes that power some of the most iconic experiences in global entertainment.
Organized into a series of dynamic galleries, the exhibition explores key pillars including technology and innovation, ride engineering, live entertainment, and emotional design, offering guests a comprehensive view of the interdisciplinary collaboration required to create immersive worlds. Through hands-on interactives, authentic artifacts, and media-rich installations, visitors engage directly with the tools, techniques, and decisions that shape these experiences.
Designed for broad, multi-generational audiences and built for national touring, the exhibition delivers both high-impact entertainment and meaningful educational value aligned with STEM and creative career pathways. Ultimately, it positions partners at the intersection of innovation, storytelling, and experiential learning, while inspiring the next generation of creators and problem-solvers.
Contact Shaquire Jones (sjones@fi.edu) to request availability for hosting this traveling exhibition.
Key Questions:
1. How are immersive worlds and stories created—from idea to fully realized experience?
2. What role does technology play in bringing imaginative ideas to life?
3. Who are the people behind these experiences, and how do diverse careers collaborate to create them?
4. How do design choices evoke powerful human emotions—thrill, fear, awe, and connection?
5. How can creativity and innovation translate into real-world experiences—and what role can you play in that process?
Select Exhibition Press
Watch: Inside Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition (NBC10)
First look: Inside the Franklin Institute's world premiere Universal Theme Parks exhibit (Philadelphia Business Journal)
The Franklin Institute’s New “Universal Parks” Exhibit Isn’t About the Characters — It’s About the Careers (Philadelphia Magazine)
Inside the immersive world of Universal's theme parks at the Franklin Institute (Blooloop)
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition’ 18,000-square-foot museum tour begins in Philadelphia in 2026 (Attractions Magazine)
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