2026 Events in Philadelphia

A Milestone Year of Exhibits, Events & Group-Friendly Experiences

By Nicole Partis  

Philadelphia is poised to be the must-visit destination of 2026. As the birthplace of America, the city offers an unmatched setting to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, and its attractions are rising to the occasion with exciting renovations, refreshed galleries, and inspiring new exhibits. Throughout the year, groups will find special events, commemorations, and unforgettable experiences, along with the added thrill of Philadelphia hosting six FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game, and the 50th anniversary of Rocky. There has never been a better time to experience everything the city has to offer. 

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Museum of the American Revolution: The Declaration’s Journey 

In the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District, the Museum of the American Revolution has earned national acclaim for its dynamic, multimedia approach to telling America’s origin story. The museum has added a powerful new chapter with The Declaration’s Journey, a special exhibit that explores one of the most iconic documents in world history, The Declaration of Independence.  

The exhibition delves into the 250-year global impact of the Declaration of Independence — how it inspired independence movements, human-rights declarations, and political change around the world, from 1776 to today. Featuring rare artifacts, immersive media, and engaging interpreters, the exhibit connects 1776 ideals to the people, conflicts, and movements they inspired across continents. The exhibit is open now through January 2027.  

National Constitution Center: New Galleries on the Foundations of American Government 

Just steps from Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center is an interactive museum dedicated to the past, present, and future of the U.S. Constitution. In 2026, the center will debut two major new galleries: America’s Founding and Separation of Powers, each designed to deepen visitors’ understanding of the country’s most enduring principles as it traces the nation’s journey to independence.  

America’s Founding guides groups through the pivotal debates, personalities, and the emergence of America’s early, new form of government and the innovative ideas that defined it. Through multimedia exhibits, touchscreens, and artifact-rich displays, guests explore how competing visions of governance ultimately formed a unified nation.  

The Separation of Powers exhibit offers an engaging, real-world look at how the three branches of government check and balance one another, and why that system is still important today. With large exhibition halls, award-winning theater programs, and customizable tours, the Center provides an accessible, memorable experience for groups and a standout stop for any 2026 itinerary. 

The Franklin Institute: Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition  

For groups seeking something playful, cinematic, and completely unique, The Franklin Institute will launch the world premiere of Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, early 2026. This exhibition is a dazzling deep dive into the creativity, engineering, and storytelling behind some of Universal’s most beloved attractions. 

Spanning 18,000 square feet, this dynamic showcase reveals how Universal’s iconic rides and worlds are imagined, engineered, and brought to life. With eight immersive galleries, the exhibit invites guests into the creative process, showing how designers sculpt entire environments, craft thrills, and fuse art, technology, and storytelling into unforgettable experiences.  

Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition, the all-new and first-of-its-kind exhibit, takes guests inside imaginative, innovative world of themed entertainment with fan-favorite attractions including Illumination’s Minions, Jurassic World, Jaws, Universal Monsters and more. Groups will experience the thrilling world of theme parks and connect science and technology to some of the most epic experiences in themed entertainment. The exhibition is open from February 14, 2026 – September 7, 2026. 

Learn more about Philadelphia’s group offerings and what’s to come in 2026 by visiting discoverPHL.com. 

Plan your next adventure with the December Leisure Group Travel edition. Subscribe now to stay inspired! 

 PHILADELPHIA CVB  

• Annie Jirapatnakul, Global Tourism Sales and Services Manager  
• Annie@discoverPHL.com  
• 215-636-3405  
• www.discoverPHL.com 

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