“Worst-Case Scenario” Exhibit Debuts at Franklin Institute

No matter whether you are traveling far from home or attending a concert in a nearby city, something can always go wrong. When it does, there is almost always a correct course of action that can save your life. The premise of Worst-Case Scenario, when it first debuted as a book, was to give readers a fighting chance if they were to ever encounter one of the listed scenarios.

The popular book series comes to life at a new exhibit coming to science museums across the country. “The Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience” debuted at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia this October. The special exhibit features tons of interactive demonstrations and information placards to tell attendees how they might be able to survive some of the horrible situations presented, including encounters with quicksand and needing to jump from a moving train.

The book originally hit shelves in 1999 when pre-Y2K fears were coming to the forefront. Philadelphia-originating co-authors David Borgenicht and Josh Piven interviewed real experts to get advice on surviving specific scenarios. In the 20 years since the book was published, some scenarios are new, like how to survive a drone swarm, but classic nightmares, like shark attacks and quicksand, are still present.

Upon admission, guests are granted access to a survival gymnasium. The room contains 13 interactive challenges, plus many more placards telling attendees how to cope in different situations.

“We’re so fortunate to have an amazingly talented team that’s really brought the books to life and created not just an exhibit but really a first-of-its-kind experience that’s going to amaze and educate museum visitors,” said Piven.

“Josh and I always dreamed of turning Worst-Case Scenario into an interactive experience, and we couldn’t be more excited about partnering with the Franklin Institute to make this come to life,” said Borgenicht. “Adults and kids will have a great time testing their limits, facing their fears, and learning to survive life’s sudden turns for the worst.”

The exhibit is available at two different time slots. Daytime tickets also include general admission to the rest of the institute, while nighttime tickets only include the exhibit. Day tickets are valid 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and evening tickets are valid 5–8 p.m.

“Worst-Case Scenario: Survival Experience” will be at the Franklin Institute until April 19, 2020. It then goes on tour around the country.