Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Opens April 13 at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute

Marvel fans might want to plan a trip to the City of Brotherly Love this month. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has announced the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes exhibit, which will open on April 13th. This will be the East Coast premiere of this exhibit which features more than 300 original artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic costumes, props, and original art. There will also be new content that was not seen at the world premiere in Seattle.

Some of the things you will be able to see are:

  • A fully-immersive exhibit design with life-size scenes that bring the comic book world to life.
  • Iconic props and costumes including those worn by Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) in Marvel’s Black Panther (2018), and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) in Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World (2013), plus the Captain America costume worn by Chris Evans (2015).
  • Rare, hand-drawn images of iconic heroes such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, andCaptain America — by the artists who first designed them.
  • Many more pages of historically significant hand-drawn original comic art by some of Marvel’s most admired creators, including Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, John Byrne, and Frank Miller — as well as exclusively commissioned original paintings by fan favorites Steve Rude, Esad Ribic, and Jenny Frison.
  • Detailed life-size sculptures of Marvel’s beloved characters, including Spider-Man and The Thing, to complement the larger-than-life super hero narrative.
  • Special sections designed to provide optimal snapshot moments with classic Marvel characters, and a digital feature that transforms guests into Iron Man.
  • An immersive soundscape created by acclaimed composer Lorne Balfe.

In a press release, the curator of the exhibit and the President and CEO of the Franklin Institute had this to say:

“Our show begins with the origins of the Marvel Universe and moves through to the present day, giving a chance to see some of the rarest and most precious objects from the past 80 years of pop culture history, and pointing toward the future with work from some of today’s foremost creators” says curator Ben Saunders about the exhibition.

“Marvel created a cultural landscape that spans generations and delivers massive, undeniable global appeal,” says Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski. “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is a unique exhibit experience that brings together some of the most iconic films, comics, costumes, and props—bringing characters to life and showcasing the legacy and impact of the Marvel Universe. We are thrilled that The Franklin Institute will be only the second stop for the new exhibit, and the East Coast premiere destination come this April.”

The exhibit will run from April 13th to September 2nd. For more information, and admission prices, click here