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Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition Coming to The Franklin Institute in 2026
Clear your calendars, theme park fans, because Universal is bringing the thrills off the ride track and straight into the heart of Philadelphia! Announced today, Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition will make its world premiere at The Franklin Institute on February 14, 2026, just in time for the city’s big semi-quincentennial celebrations. With this move, Universal Destinations & Experiences is opening the vault and inviting fans into the magic like never before.
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This first-of-its-kind exhibition is a massive 18,000-square-foot immersive experience, bursting at the seams with eight themed galleries, over 100 original artifacts, and 25 interactive experiences from some of Universal’s biggest franchises—including Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters, and more.
So, what can guests expect to see and do?
🦖 Step into the Action – Experience the thrills of Universal’s attractions firsthand with environments designed to make you feel like you’re inside the story.
🎢 Unleash Your Inner Creator – Ever wanted to build your own roller coaster? Design a monster mask? Program an animatronic? Now you can—with real theme park tools and tech!
🎭 Get Up Close with the Icons – Check out costumes, ride vehicles, and props from legendary rides and shows, from Toothless and Po to Jurassic giants and the classic Monsters.
🎇 Explore the Tech Behind the Thrills – Learn how storytelling, special effects, and cutting-edge science come together to create heart-pounding, jaw-dropping attractions.
📸 Strike a Pose – Snap Insta-worthy photos with authentic props and themed backdrops throughout the exhibit.
The exhibition is more than a celebration of thrills—it’s a deep dive into the art, innovation, and teamwork that make Universal theme parks so iconic. From storyboard artists and animators to engineers and visual effects wizards, the showcase brings their behind-the-scenes magic front and center.
Exhibition Dates & Details:
📍 Location: The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia
📅 Dates: February 14, 2026 – September 7, 2026
🎟️ Pre-sale sign-ups: Now live at www.fi.edu for early access to tickets and exclusive updates!
Universal collaborated with award-winning design firm MDSX to bring the exhibition to life, and with support from Comcast NBCUniversal and PECO, this world premiere is destined to be one of 2026’s must-see events.
If you’ve ever screamed on VelociCoaster, marveled at the animatronics in Forbidden Journey, or smiled your way through Minion Mayhem, this exhibit is calling your name. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime look into how the parks we love are built—and a true love letter to the world of immersive entertainment.
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