Copied to Clipboard
Ground Control to Major Tom: The Franklin Institute takes you to the edges of the universe — and your imagination — in an immersive new space exhibit.
The massive, all-ages permanent exhibit Wondrous Space invites you to peer into the future and explore outer space through interactive displays, immersive simulations, innovative new technologies and cosmic artifacts.
Wondrous Space spans 7,500 square feet and comprises two distinct experiences across two floors, exploring topics ranging from space careers to the search for habitable worlds.
Here’s what to expect at Wondrous Space, which opens on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
Lower Level
The lower level of Wondrous Space immerses you in the vast wonder of space with interactive, multi-person simulations that let you witness celestial phenomena, manipulate natural forces and get closer to understanding how the universe works.
Tap, Roll and Leap Your Way Through the Cosmos
Whirring panels, neon lights, glowing orbs and full-body installations greet you on the immersive lower level.
The exhibit invites you to tap to the rhythm of energy waves, launch asteroids with the flick of the wrist, explore constellations by rolling a massive sphere and see just how high you can jump (on Earth and beyond).
Touch anything and you’ll be in for something special.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
The Gravity of the Situation
Get a crash course in the laws of gravity with installations that highlight one of nature’s wildest forces.
As you move through one section, light projections map your movements and demonstrate your gravitational field.
Another section lets you toss real marbles into a (luckily not real) black hole, treating you to brilliant color trails, mesmerizing Béziers and explosive collisions.
A World of Accessibility
It’s not all leaps and explosions — Wondrous Space offers several comfy benches and tranquil spaces to accommodate folks needing a bit less stimulation.
One particularly space-ious section of the lower level is a sensory-friendly haven. (Low volume. Soft lighting. All vibes.) Plus, all in-exhibit print and digital components are offered in both English and Spanish versions, and all media includes closed captioning.
Upper Level
The upper level takes a broader look at the galaxy by focusing on space-related tools and artifacts, letting you design and test your own gadgets and answering some of the universe’s most interesting questions.
It IS Rocket Science
The upper level ramps up the tactile experiences, eschewing sci-fi screens and digital displays for more knobs, dials and switches.
Here, you can build a rocket, from aerodynamics to propulsion to cargo; create a custom lunar rover and launch it into space; and take a rover on a space mission, avoiding dust storms and navigating harsh terrain.
You can also design the perfect space suit (from choosing the ideal visor color to insulating it against the cold) and then test it out in a virtual space simulation. If your suit holds up, that is. (Ours failed catastrophically. Fun!)
Reaching for the Stars
Get an up-close look at more than 80 real-life space artifacts, including a 10-foot-long rocket engine, two lunar rovers, lunar lander cores, telescope filters and more.
The floor also highlights the rising stars of the aerospace industry, alongside careers in space exploration and the diversity of professions available.
The Truth Is Out There
Are there other planets that can support life? Yes! Can potatoes and celery grow in space? Maybe! The upper level gives you a glimpse of life in space, with installations that let you scan planets for signs of life and discover who (or what) can survive out there. One simulation even lets you power and maintain a virtual cosmic habitat, complete with a space garden.
Bonus: Peer into the Unknown at the Holt & Miller Observatory
Ever wish you could look at the surface of the sun (safely)? The Holt & Miller Observatory reopens Saturday, November 4, 2023 from noon to 3 p.m. — and it’s looking better than ever.
The rooftop observatory features a massive 10-foot-long telescope perfect for gazing out at solar events, along with a brand-new mural of the Philadelphia skyline. The observatory will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only, as well as during select events.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
Wondrous Space is included with general admission to The Franklin Institute.
The Franklin Institute is also complementing the launch of this (inter)stellar exhibit with a series of space-related public programming, including The Curious Cosmos with Derrick Pitts podcast and the unveiling of the touring art piece Mars by Luke Jerram (November 2-19, 2023).
Mars by Luke Jerram — Photo courtesy The Franklin Institute
Wondrous Space is the first of six planned thematic exhibits at The Franklin Institute — and the museum’s first new exhibit in nearly a decade.
Future exhibits will explore topics like the human body, earth systems and robotics, and will replace older exhibits (while preserving museum staples like the Giant Heart and Baldwin locomotive).
For more on Wondrous Space, check out The Franklin Institute’s official webpage below.
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?
Where to begin your exploration of the city's vast cultural scene...