Avengers assemble! It’s time to visit the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We received complimentary passes in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.
As the Infinity War story-line comes to a conclusion with the premiere of “Avengers: Endgame”, a new way to celebrate all things Marvel has opened. Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, an exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, is a cool juxtaposition between comic book history and new artifacts from the recent Marvel Cinematic Universe movies. Both self proclaimed comic book nerds and new fans brought into the franchise because of the films will enjoy this interactive and immersive exhibit.
About Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes coincides with both Marvel’s 80th anniversary year and the 10 year anniversary of the Marvel movies. It chronicles the history of Marvel and its impact on our culture. The exhibit features more than 300 artifacts that include iconic comic book pages, costumes and props. Visitors will learn the story behind the stories while enjoying interactive elements, soundscapes and immersive set pieces.
Highlights of the exhibit include:
- Life-sized scenes straight from the pages of your favorite comic books.
- Rare, hand-drawn images of iconic heroes such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, and Captain America—by the artists who first designed them.
- Concept sketches, props, and costumes celebrating the 10th anniversary of Marvel Studios.
- Interactive elements including the opportunity to travel through the mysterious mirror dimension of Doctor Strange, and pose for selfies alongside life-size representations of Black Panther, Spider-Man, and other iconic Marvel characters.
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit
My family and I recently had the opportunity to see this exhibit first hand. Of the 4 of us, 3 are big Marvel fans. James had some knowledge of the comic books and has embraced the new films with open arms. My kids are new to the franchise. The movies have awakened their inner super hero. And then there’s me, someone who has never seen a Marvel movie. However, each one of us came away from this experience feeling awed, wowed and perhaps a little inspired.
If you are planning on making a visit to the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, we have some tips that will help you make the most of your time.
Buy Your Tickets Online
If you know when and what time you want to visit, save yourself some time by buying your tickets online. There are 3 different packages to choose from including an evening Marvel only pass.
- Marvel: Daytime and IMAX (includes general admission and Fels Planetarium) Adult (12 +): $42.00, Child (3-11): $38.00
- Marvel: Daytime (includes general admission and Fels Planetarium) Adult (12 +): $35.00, Child (3-11): $31.00
- Marvel: Evening (does not include general admission)
Adult (12 +): $20.00, Child (3-11): $15.00
The daytime pass with general admission is the best choice for families, especially those with small children. If you know that the Marvel exhibit is all you want to see, then an evening pass is your best bet. However, we highly encourage you to see what else the museum has to offer.
You can buy tickets online here: https://tickets.fi.edu/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=11&c=Marvel
Visit During the Week
Because of the nature of this exhibit, you’ll want to visit when there are the fewest crowds. Buying your tickets for a weekday will ensure lower crowds and will give you more of an opportunity to take your time through the exhibit.
Arrive Early
Consider scheduling your visit for first thing in the day. We can tell you from experience that it really pays off. We had a 9:30 time and were literally the first people inside. This gave us the luxury of being able to look through the exhibit, take plenty of pictures and stop for selfies without the hassle of crowds.
Plan Your Time
Keep in mind that it will take approximately 30 minutes (more if it’s crowded) to make your way through the entire exhibit. This includes stopping for super hero selfies, reading the placards, and taking advantage of the interactive elements. If you’re making a day out of your visit it’s helpful to know this as special events are scheduled at The Franklin Institute throughout the day.
Stop for Pictures and Selfies
Throughout the exhibit there are numerous opportunities to get up close and personal with your favorite Marvel super heroes. There are opportunities to pose with The Thing, Black Panther, The Hulk, and Spider-man. Larger than life comic books, movie costumes and a bust of Groot are among the other things you can pose with along the way.
Visit the Rest of The Franklin Institute
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is only a fraction of the fun you and your family can have at The Franklin Institute. Take a walk through a giant heart, see the skies in the Fels Planetarium, experience the escape and the excitement of adventure in an Escape Room and so much more. Visit their website for all latest details on their attractions. https://www.fi.edu/explore-the-museum
