Franklin Institute is one of America’s most renowned science and technology museums, and is one of the major reasons Philadelphia has long been a hub for “Eds and Meds.” Starting November 23, the Franklin celebrates 200 years with a special unveiling of new and reimagined exhibits and galleries. The beloved Giant Heart will be the centerpiece of a new human body exhibit called “Body Odyssey,” and the historic Baldwin Locomotive will be featured in the new Hamilton Collections Gallery.
The expansive "Body Odyssey spans 8,500 square feet and teaches visitors about the inner workings of the human body and how they affect both physical and mental health. It includes the famous Giant Heart too—a museum favorite since it was unveiled in 1953, even appearing in an episode of the hit Philly-based television show Abbott Elementary. In its new iteration, visitors can experience their own heartbeat pulsing from the Heart synchronized through movement, light, and sound.
Hamilton Collections Gallery is a freshly curated two-story space that features the exhibition “200 Stories for 200 Years” with thousands of newly debuted artifacts from its vast collection. In addition, visitors can see the 60,000th steam 350-ton locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Pennsylvania from a new overhead view.
“As we celebrate The Franklin Institute's bicentennial year, unveiling these iconic exhibits marks an exciting chapter in our history. With the Hamilton Collections Gallery and Body Odyssey, we're not just showcasing our two most celebrated artifacts but reimagining the exhibits surrounding them,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of the Franklin Institute in a press release. “Body Odyssey is a state-of-the-art exhibit on the human body with immersive experiences that not only educate but also inspire, while the Hamilton Collections Gallery offers unprecedented access to hundreds of artifacts from our storied collections, showcasing the rich history of innovation and discovery at the museum.”