Welcome back the beloved Heart at The Franklin Institute. In addition Body Odyssey is now here and it’s a game changer. Instead of just exploring the heart its about how the heart balances with the rest of the body to help us move. In addition, the addition of technology and AI to help and speed up how we look at sports medicine and more. Lastly, mind and body is on full display. Teaching kids and adults how to help maintain mental health as a priority. So here’s your what to expect.
Before you go
As always The Franklin Institute is for all. There are a lot to do and see. From things to explore and things to touch you will be amazed. Parking is also within but it’s not free. You can pay for parking before you return to your car. I do love the parking lot. It is secure and easy to manage. Get your tickets before you come. It is highly suggested that you do so. Especially with the heart up and pumping (all puns intended) it will fill up quickly. There is plenty of walking involved. However it is stroller friendly. Wear comfortable shoes. Pack snacks as you are allowed to bring food from home. I usually enjoy eating in the cafe. They have something for everyone including drinks for adults too.
What is Body Odyssey?
It is the newest permanent exhibits to appear at The Franklin Institute. It will explore all of aspects of the heart. From its improved heart exhibit but includes so much more. Be prepared to fall in love again. You can hold an active sensor to record your own heartbeat to be used in the large heart. Record your movement so you can see how you bones move with you. It is fully interactive.
Technology and Sports Medicine
Again Body Odyssey is about how the body interacts with all parts of the body. AI is here to stay. With it here it really can have a great reaction on how we interact with our own body. For instance using AI to diagnose bone breaks and more at a much faster pace. This helps get the affected persons to healing quicker too. You will see ways in which AI and Prosthetics help to make not only robots move better but in the help of making body parts move like new. If you have ever lost a body part this is music to your ears.
With a touch of a sensor you can move the prosthetic arm in unison to your own. It is something to see. Kids and adults will love it.
Mind and Body and Franklin Institute
This is my favorite room. It teaches you about mental health and the way it makes us behave. You learn about the choices that you make when you are stressed. For instance you can assess your own stress level. I choose that the day that I went my stress level was medium. That day I had to leave this event, grab the kids and husband and go to my son’s basketball team’s game. I was stressing about time management. The screen asked me what I do when I feel stressed. For me I create. There are other choices as well. It was a great reminder of taking care of me and slowing down. There is a giant screen to demonstrate your feelings in color too. That day I landed one of my biggest brand deals and I felt confident. Confidence is shown in the color of orange.
Food by Seravezza
The Franklin Institute has Seravezza as their food service vendor. Everything that I had was good and wellness was in mind. It definitely was on brand. From wellness shots, to mocktails everything was great. We were able to enjoy your time and food and it wasn’t crowded. This is a rarity when visiting The Franklin Institute. Usually there are crowds of families or schools present.
Grand Opening of Body Odyssey
The Grand Opening of The Franklin Institute Body Odyssey is on Saturday November 23rd. The first 200 participants will get free entry. This is great for families who want to try. If you are looking for gifts for families this would be a great. Gift them an anytime ticket, or membership. This beats buying families that have children more toys.
A special thank you to the entire team of The Franklin Institute. Not only did they welcome me to the exhibit, the team did great making sure we were comfortable. I had a blast and will bring my kids in the coming weeks especially with the Christmas holiday coming up. Remember The Franklin Institute is an indoor activity so it makes a great rain or snow day fun.
Also don’t forget the Hamilton Collections of locomotives is another exhibit that is on display too. Make sure you see it. The Franklin Institute is located at 222 N. 20th Street in Philadelphia PA.
