The Marvel: Universe of Superheroes Exhibit At Franklin Institute Is Absolutely Worth The Trip!

I didn’t know what to expect as I walked into the Marvel Exhibit at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia — I knew from social media that there were photo ops with cool statues, but what I didn’t know was the amount of incredible Marvel history that would be hanging on those walls.

For the comic lover, there were original pencil sketches of first issues. Inked covers with all of the markings of pre-production. A section on the process of how comics were made back when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby first started.

For the Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, there was even more. Iron Man suits in chambers from the films, including Mach 1. Props like Peter Quill’s walkman, The Green Goblin’s helmet, Cap’s shield…the list goes on and on, and I truly don’t want to spoil it for anyone who might be going.

And of course, the social media/selfie/photo ops. There were the statues. Awesome. Sit on the couch with The Thing? Absolutely. Spider-man hanging upside down? I had to wonder how many images of people kissing that statue were out there on Instagram. And there were plenty more as well.

The set up was excellent. When you walk up to a waiting room, there’s a faux-vintage newspaper stand covered with comic covers, transporting the viewer back in time to the beginning of comics. Behind curtains, a five minute movie played, both informing patrons of the history of comics and Marvel, and slowing down the massive number of people I can only assume usually pour into this exhibit. We lucked out…we went late enough that the school trips were all getting back onto their buses, but early enough that most people were still at work.

Visually, one of the coolest parts was a wall of screens showing videos of Stan Lee and all of the cameos he’s had in the films. Very cool.

But if you want my moment of nostalgia, it wasn’t posing with Hulk, or looking at the Iron Man suits and thinking back to where the cinematic universe all started. For me, it was the section on Fantastic Four. That was my go-to as a kid. When I walked in and saw the old issues, covers, and other items featuring the Fantastic Four on the walls, it brought me back to childhood and the hours I spent looking through the Fantastic Four section at the comic shop, trying to decide which back issues to buy, and then that feeling of bringing them home, carefully opening the plastic cover and reading it, wondering what would happen next.

Now when I read Fantastic Four, I mostly hope that they will figure out how to make it into a great film (or if they ever will).

The exhibit is happening all Summer, so if you’re nearby (or are within driving distance) I would definitely make the trip.

From Franklin Institute’s website: Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes features more than 300 artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic and sought-after pages, costumes, and props. Spectacular artifacts to thrill both avid collectors, and casual fans—while immersive set pieces, soundscapes, and interactive elements bring the comic book world to life!