New Franklin Museum exhibits will bring back giant heart and train
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A rendering of the Body Odyssey at the Franklin Institute that will open in November. Courtesy of the Franklin Institute
The Franklin Institute will soon unveil a pair of buzzy new exhibits as part of its bicentennial celebration.
Why it matters: The iconic Giant Heart is returning, along with the Baldwin 60,000 Locomotive installation.
Driving the news: The Hamilton Collections Gallery and Body Odyssey open on Nov. 23.
🚂 Hamilton Collections Gallery
- This two-story gallery will show off artifacts including Benjamin Franklin's glass armonica and wing models from the Wright Brothers, and includes interactive elements.
- The 350-ton Baldwin locomotive sits at the center of the exhibit.
❤️ Body Odyssey
- This 8,500-square-foot exhibit will explore the structure and functions of the human body with larger-than-life installations and ultramodern installations.
- The museum's Giant Heart — the centerpiece of this gallery — includes a new feature allowing visitors to hear their own heartbeat pulsing from the massive installation.
Catch up quick: The 4-ton, papier-mâche giant heart was an instant hit when it was unveiled in 1953. It has become synonymous with the museum and even got a cameo on "Abbott Elementary" last year.
- The exhibit was removed earlier this year for renovations and to prepare for the new gallery.
Zoom out: The new galleries cost more than $20 million combined.
