Review of Star Trek: The Exhibition in Philly
Traveling Exhibit of Gene Roddenberry’s Sci-Fi Series on Display
Aug 4, 2009
Photographs of the various starships throughout the series and quotations about space travel (from politicians, scientists, and Star Trek characters) greet visitors to Star Trek: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Also greeting visitors: Onsite photographers at the entrance to the exhibit and throughout the display eager to take photos for a fee and restrict visitors from taking their own pictures. Although resistance to these persistent photogs may be futile, it certainly will be more economical.
Props and Set Pieces From Star Trek
Surrounded by real-life, state-of-the-art science exhibits throughout The Franklin Institute, Star Trek: The Exhibition takes things one step further into the realm of science fiction. The exhibit includes props (and replicas of props) such as musical instruments and communicators, starship models, set pieces including a recreated Sick Bay, Enterprise Bridge, Engineering, and Captain’s Chair, and background information about creator Gene Roddenberry’s visions of the future.
Costumes From Star Trek
The exhibit also features a colorful collection of costumes worn by the original actors including the heavily padded robe worn by Ted Cassidy as Ruk in the “What are Little Girls Made Of?” episode from the 1966 original television series and a form-fitting gown worn on several occasions by Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994). A few costumes from the most recent film released this summer, Star Trek (2009), provide the briefest of mentions regarding the latest product from the 40-year-old franchise.
An Exhibit for the Casual Science Fiction Fan
The 12,500 square-foot exhibit aims for breadth rather than depth, offering a little bit of everything Star Trek for the casual fan without really delving into the details for the true Trekker. The recreated hands-on Bridge (as opposed to the roped-off Sick Bay) and the collection of costumes through the ages may provide the most excitement for visitors. Generating the least excitement: There’s a focus on reading dry information instead of live demonstrations and interactive features. A fun way to spend a couple of hours for the casual Star Trek enthusiast, this exhibit may disappoint hard-core sci-fi fans looking for a more comprehensive display in which to immerse themselves for the day.
Star Trek: The Exhibition
- A traveling exhibit of props, costumes, and other memorabilia from the Star Trek series of television shows and movies.
- The Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
- Exhibit on display now through September 20, 2009
- Cost: Daytime admission to Star Trek: The Exhibition from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. includes a regular Sci-Pass (science museum exhibits, live science shows, and one planetarium show) for $23.75 adult, $22.75 military, and $15.50 children. Evening admission to Star Trek: The Exhibition from 5:00 p.m. – closing (8:00 p.m./Sundays 7:00 p.m.) is $12.00 adult, $11.00 military, and $9.50 children.
- Additional Features: Star Trek trivia games (free with Sci-Pass) and Star Trek Simulator ride ($6.00 with Sci-Pass).
- Restrictions: No re-entry or photography allowed. Onsite photographers available for a fee.
For more information about Star Trek: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, visit the official website.
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