‘Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition’ 18,000-square-foot museum tour begins in Philadelphia in 2026
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, a museum exhibit about how theme parks are made, will open in 2026 at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute
A first-of-its-kind museum exhibit, first announced in 2024, will go behind the scenes of Universal theme parks, debuting at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Penn., with exhibition dates Feb. 14 – Sept. 7, 2026. The experience will span 18,000 square feet of space.
The exhibit will display ride vehicles, costumes, props, and plenty of artwork, all telling the story of Universal theme parks, from California’s Studio Tram Tour to Orlando’s new park, Universal Epic Universe.
Photo by Blake Taylor
The exhibit will also highlight S.T.E.A.M. components (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and career paths that drive the creation of Universal theme parks and attractions. In interactive portions, guests will get to design their own roller coaster and design their own Universal Monster.
Tickets are now available. Here’s a look at pricing:
The 18,000-square-foot Universal exhibit will span eight galleries in Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute. Below are sneak peeks of a few of them. We spy behind-the-scenes goodies from the ’60s-era Glamor Tram, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Jurassic Park River Adventure, Dark Universe, and Halloween Horror Nights (Lil’ Boo!).
At the time of the original announcement, Universal mentioned the exhibition will eventually visit other cities beyond Philadelphia, though future tour stops have not been announced.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
From the creators of Disney’s ‘Happily Ever After’
The Universal exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will be a collaboration between Universal Destinations & Experiences and design agency MDSX. The latter previously produced the projections for Walt Disney World nighttime spectaculars “Happily Ever After” and “Disney Enchantment” and managed all creative aspects of the Infinity Falls ride at SeaWorld Orlando. The agency’s museum work includes exhibits at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida and several existing galleries at The Franklin Institute.
Photo courtesy of Disney / Steven Diaz
“Hosting the world premiere of an exhibition of this caliber in 2026, during what will be a monumental year for the nation, is extraordinary,” said Larry Dubinski, president and CEO of The Franklin Institute. In reference to the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary celebration happening in the nation’s birthplace, Dubinski continued, “We are proud to add this remarkable exhibit to the already impressive lineup of major events happening during the 2026 semi-quincentennial in Philadelphia.”
Photo by Blake Taylor
The Universal experience won’t be The Franklin Institute’s first theme-park-centric exhibit. The center previously hosted the debut residency of Disney100: The Exhibition, a 15,000-square-foot exhibit spotlighting Disney’s first century.
Photo by Blake Taylor
The Universal exhibit in Philadelphia will open during an era when Universal is extending beyond its traditional portfolio, with new and upcoming projects including the the company’s first kids-focused park, Universal Kids, opening in Frisco, Texas, and a year-round haunt attraction, Universal Horror Unleashed, in Las Vegas and Chicago. That’s not to mention, of course, Epic Universe, the first new theme park to open in Orlando since 1999.
Universal is also looking back at its past with greater frequency. In addition to the upcoming museum exhibit in Philadelphia, Universal will debut a new documentary series, “Epic Ride: The Story of Universal Theme Parks,” Nov. 17, 2025, on Peacock. (We got to see the docuseries early; check out our review!)
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