HISTORY OF THE EXHIBIT

The Franklin Institute's Giant Walk-Through Heart was originally built in 1953 as a temporary exhibit, called The Engine of Life, at a cost of $40,000. The idea for the future Philadelphia icon was conceived by Dr. Mildred Pfeiffer, a major figure in public health in Pennsylvania after World War II, and was designed by illustrator Richard Albany and engineer Albert Jehle. The exhibit opened to the public on January 29,1954.

Originally scheduled to remain open for only six months, the Heart was constructed of temporary materials including four tons of plaster and paper mache. However, due to its immense popularity, the Heart remained opened, undergoing various surgeries and name changes in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's.

In 2003, the Institute celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Heart. In April 2004, the Heart and surrounding exhibit (Bioscience and the Heart) were closed for six months of extensive renovations. On October 1, 2004, the Institute re-opened the Heart as part of the Museum's newest exhibit, The Giant Heart: A Healthy Interactive Experience.