The East Coast isn’t without its share of comic conventions. But let’s face it: when it comes to large-scale gatherings of nerd culture, West Coasters have more fun. Starting this spring, however, comic fans local to the Philadelphia area can enter the Marvel Universe like never before. Via PhillyVoice, the Franklin Institute will launch Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes in April. This new exhibit spotlights the House of Ideas’ colorful creations and the blockbuster films they’ve inspired over the last two decades.
Coinciding with Marvel’s 80th anniversary, the event includes over 300 artifacts encompassing artwork, props, and costumes. According to curator Ben Saunders, the installation “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.”
Although the exhibit takes advantage of the Marvel Studios films’ popularity by featuring the outfits worn by Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther), it isn’t shying away from honoring the creative legacies of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and more. Rare, hand-drawn sketches of the characters will be displayed alongside their famous costumes.
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Beyond simple eye candy, the exhibit boasts an interactive component as well. Visitors can step inside a simulated Mirror Dimension, made famous by Doctor Strange, and digitally transform themselves into Iron Man. There will also be opportunities for guests to pose for pictures next to life-size recreations of their favorite heroes.
“Marvel transformed the idea of the Super Hero in the 1960s – and beyond – by ratcheting up the visual spectacle, emotional dynamism and philosophical sophistication of the action-adventure comics genre,” said Brian Crosby, Creative Director of Marvel Themed Entertainment. “Marvel has always been a reflection of the world outside your window, and one of its most compelling messages has always been, that anyone – regardless of race, religion or gender – can be a superhero.”
The exhibit will open on April 13 and run through September 2. Tickets can be purchased at the Franklin Institute’s official website. Will you be venturing to Philly to check out Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes ? Let us know in the comment section below!
