THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE THRILLS – GROUNDBREAKING NEW EXHIBITION GOES INSIDE THE IMMERSIVE WORLD OF THEME PARKS, SHOWCASING SOME OF UNIVERSAL’S MOST ICONIC ATTRACTIONS, INCLUDING: Jaws, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Explore the science behind the thrills in Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, a groundbreaking new exhibit that takes guests inside the immersive and innovative world of Universal Destinations & Experiences’ theme parks, making its West Coast premiere at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on November 21, 2026.
This exhibition celebrates the storytelling, innovation, and world-building of Universal’s legendary creations, from The World-Famous Studio Tour to the latest Universal Epic Universe. It is the first exhibit of its kind to offer an inside look at artifacts, costumes, and props while immersing guests in the science, technology, art, and engineering that brings Universal’s most iconic experiences to life.
“The experiences within Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition invite visitors to explore the creativity and innovation behind the films and legendary franchises that have captivated audiences for generations,” said Akiko Minaga, OMSI’s Vice President of Learning Experiences. “We are excited to bring this exhibit to OMSI and hope to inspire the next generation of creators and innovators.”
Created in partnership by Comcast NBCUniversal and The Franklin Institute, one of the most prestigious centers of science education in the United States, the exhibition highlights the innovative spirit that has fueled Universal’s immersive and popular entertainment experiences.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The 13,000-square-foot exhibition spans eight galleries, 20 interactive experiences, and 100 artifacts—and features fan-favorite attractions Jaws, Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions, The Secret Life of Pets and Sing, DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon, Universal Monsters and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.
Beginning with the intro “tram” experience, multimedia features bring Universal’s legacy to life with archival footage, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments. Throughout the galleries, guests will program an animated figure, experiment with projection mapping, call a live show, and more. They will see objects, props, design models, mood boards, and production materials that illustrate the stages of design and the creation of theme parks and experiences — from early ideas to the finishing touches.
Immersive photo ops will place guests inside a ride vehicle, alongside a walk-around character, in a classic Jaws storyboard, and with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s iconic Super Mario™ ? Block. Video shorts featuring storyboard artists, lighting designers, prop masters, and others will offer a rare glimpse into the universe of innovation driven by the creative forces that push the boundaries of themed entertainment.
“Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition explores the innovative world of theme parks, pulling back the curtain to reveal the science, technology and creativity behind the experiences people know and can connect with. At The Franklin Institute, we know how powerful it can be to use those experiences as an entry point to science, and we’ve seen firsthand how effectively this exhibition does just that,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute.
GALLERY THEMES
An Unconventional Spirit showcases the innovative spirit that has fueled Universal’s century-long effort to push the boundaries of immersive entertainment.
Storytelling & Wonder highlights Universal’s distinctive approach to experiential world-building, tracing the journey from early concepts and sketches to fully realized environments.
Technology & Innovation focuses on the creative and technical expertise behind Universal’s most groundbreaking experiences.
Thrills & The Rush of Adrenaline examines how the thrills of the big screen come to life, balancing safety and adrenaline to create jaw-dropping moments.
Scares & Horror delves into Universal’s legacy of horror to understand how design and storytelling combine to create close-up encounters.
Big, Bold & Entertaining celebrates live entertainment as a cornerstone of Universal’s legacy, captivating audiences with grand emotion, energy, and excitement.
Authentic & Immersive highlights how immersive worlds extend beyond attractions, with a focus on food, merchandise, and interactive play to complete the overall experience.
The Creative in You looks toward the future, envisioning the imagination and potential of the next generation of creators.
“At Universal Destinations & Experiences, we’re committed to providing our fans around the globe with new and innovative ways to engage with the worlds, stories and characters they love,” said Gerald Raines, Senior Vice President, Global Location Based Entertainment at Universal Destinations & Experiences. “This exhibition showcases the creativity and immersive storytelling behind our most iconic experiences, and we’re excited to introduce it to new audiences through OMSI.”
Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition – The Science Behind the Thrills will be on view at OMSI from November 21 through April 18. Learn more here.
Interviews will be available in person on or after Friday, November 20.
Tickets & Pricing
Museum Admission, including access to Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition: Adult $26.50, Senior (age 63+) $24.50, Youth (ages 3-13) $17.50. Guests can purchase tickets at omsi.edu.
Museum Hours of Operation
Tuesday–Friday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed select Mondays from mid-September to mid-June
About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums and a trusted educational resource for communities throughout Oregon and the region. Through museum exhibitions, public programs, outdoor programs, traveling exhibitions, digital learning, and learning research and design, OMSI nourishes a lifelong love of science, curiosity and learning among its diverse audiences. The upcoming OMSI District – a collaboration of local, Tribal and regional government entities, nonprofits and businesses – will be a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with innovation, culture and science learning at its heart. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR, 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. Connect with the museum on Facebook and Instagram.
About Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX)
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive, and popular entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, and virtual and live entertainment experiences. We use our rich collection of stories and franchises – from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, and more— to take people to places they couldn’t imagine while creating memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages. Learn more here.
About The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is among the nation’s premier science centers and a renowned leader in science and technology learning. As a dynamic center of exploration, the museum blends storytelling, interactivity, and entertainment to create unique and inspiring experiences for guests of all ages. Over the past two decades, the museum has established itself as a premier destination for immersive traveling exhibits in North America, with a strong track record of presenting major blockbusters and world premieres. Today, it remains a top destination for curious minds seeking to explore the wonders of science and technology. Visit fi.edu to learn more.
