Universal's First Exhibition Features 100+ Artifacts from Iconic Franchises in 2026
- - Universal's First Exhibition Features 100+ Artifacts from Iconic Franchises in 2026
Melina GrayFebruary 14, 2026 at 4:42 AM
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Universal Destinations & Experiences is finally letting us peek behind the curtain.
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition makes its world premiere on Feb. 14, 2026, at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Organizers are calling the 18,000-square-foot experience the "first exhibit of its kind" to pull authentic costumes and artifacts directly from the vault while breaking down the actual engineering used to build the company's most massive attractions.
The limited-time engagement runs through Sept. 7, 2026, before launching a North American tour.
Raiding the Universal Vault
The exhibition spans eight distinct galleries and features more than 100 original artifacts, costumes, and props that have never been displayed this way before.
The collection includes authentic items from the studio's heaviest hitters, including:
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Jurassic World
Jaws
Illumination’s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing
DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon
Universal Monsters
Super Nintendo World
Related: Disney World Officially Announces Water Parks’ Opening Date for 2026 Season
The Science Behind the Screams
This isn't a look but don't touch situation. The galleries are designed to be hands-on, featuring 20 interactive areas that simulate the complex design process behind the parks.
Visitors start with a "tram experience" that uses "archival footage" to set the history. Once inside, you can program animated figures, "experiment with projection mapping" technology, "call a live show, and more."
The exhibit also features immersive photo ops that put you inside the movies, including:
A seat in a ride vehicle
A meeting with a "walk-around" character
A pose with a Super Mario Question Block
A "classic Jawsstoryboard" backdrop
Ticket to Ride
The exhibition is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended evening hours available Thursday through Saturday.
Daytime Tickets (Includes General Museum Admission):
Adults: $47
Teens (13–17): $43
Children (3–12): $41
Evening Tickets (Exhibit Only):
All Ages: $25
Tickets are timed and dated. The Franklin Institute strongly recommends purchasing in advance via their website.
Next: Universal Studios Quietly Retires Beloved Live Experience After More Than 30 Years
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
