Philadelphia is set to become the hub of theme parks! On February 14, 2026, Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition will debut at The Franklin Institute. This exciting event will celebrate creativity, movie magic, and theme park innovation right in the city’s heart.
The exhibition spans 18,000 square feet and dives deep into the storytelling of Universal Destinations & Experiences. If you’ve ever been curious about how a T. rex comes to life or how animators create dragons, this is the place for you.
The exhibit features eight themed galleries, 20 interactive stations, and 100 original artifacts from popular attractions like Jurassic World, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters. You’ll get to explore everything from animatronics and ride design to special effects and costuming.
Visitors can hop into ride vehicles, build their own roller coasters, program animated figures, and even create monster masks. Plus, you can take photos with beloved characters like Toothless, Po, Tigress, and Gingy. There will be plenty of hands-on activities for those who want to see how things work behind the scenes.
Larry Dubinski, the President & CEO of The Franklin Institute, calls hosting the world premiere during America’s 250th anniversary “extraordinary.” The exhibition runs from February 14 to September 7, 2026, in the Karabots Pavilion and Mandell Center.
If you love theme parks, movies, or just want to unleash your creativity, this exhibition promises to be an unforgettable adventure!
