A blockbuster museum experience is heading to Philadelphia. The Franklin Institute and Comcast NBCUniversal have announced Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, a first-of-its-kind immersive showcase opening February 14, 2026. This massive 18,000-square-foot exhibit will debut in the heart of Philly and promises a behind-the-scenes look into the thrills, technology, and imagination that power Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Spanning eight themed galleries and featuring over 100 original artifacts from fan-favorite attractions like Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters, the exhibit is set to highlight the creative minds and innovations behind Universal’s world-renowned parks. Guests will discover the science and artistry behind ride design, special effects, robotics, and costuming—getting an insider’s look at what makes these parks so unforgettable.
Interactive experiences are a major focus of the exhibition. Visitors can:
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Step into immersive themed environments
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Program animatronics and design coasters
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Try on virtual monster masks
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Pose with costumes from characters like Toothless and Po
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View props and ride vehicles from across Universal’s iconic attractions
The exhibit also dives into Universal’s legendary Studio Tour in Hollywood and celebrates the future of themed entertainment with a spotlight on Epic Universe, opening soon at Universal Orlando Resort.
The premiere will be housed in The Franklin Institute’s Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center, running through September 7, 2026. It’s presented in collaboration with creative firm MDSX, with Comcast NBCUniversal serving as the presenting sponsor and PECO as associate sponsor.
“This is a must-see for theme park fans, tech lovers, and families,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “Debuting this exhibition during the city’s 2026 semi-quincentennial celebration is truly special.”
Universal’s Gerald Raines added, “This exhibit pulls back the curtain on how our attractions are made—and celebrates the extraordinary teams who bring dreams to life.”
Advance ticket access and updates are now available at fi.edu.
Janine is a theme park and pop culture nerd from an early age. Since 1994, she’s been traversing the theme park world and has enjoyed all things from Halloween events to new ride releases and beyond. When she’s not at a theme park, she’s probably at a concert or doing something fun with her kiddo.