Press Release
January 21, 2020
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Makes Midwest Premiere at The Henry Ford, March 2020
Tickets now on sale
(Dearborn, Mich. – January 21, 2020) – Beginning March 28, 2020, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes, the world’s first and most extensive exhibition that brings to life the 80-year legacy and impact of the Marvel Universe, opens inside Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Making its Midwest debut, the exhibition features more than 300 original artifacts, including Marvel’s earliest comic book, iconic props and costumes from film favorites, rare, hand-drawn images of iconic heroes by the artists who first designed them and more. This exhibition has drawn widespread acclaim from audiences and press alike since its debut at MoPOP in 2018. Tickets are now on sale for the limited engagement exhibition and can be purchased at thehenryford.org.
“Marvel revolutionized storytelling by giving Super Heroes real struggles that audiences could identify with,” said Patricia Mooradian, president & CEO, The Henry Ford. “Their larger-than-life characters have impacted those young and old for the past 80 years and have proven to bring us together not just generationally, but globally. We are honored to host the Midwest premiere of this awe-inspiring exhibition and bring these iconic heroes to life.”
The exhibition traces the story of Marvel and its influence on visual culture, while also uncovering the narratives of individual characters such as Captain America, Spider-Man, Blank Panther, Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange. It gives insight on how Marvel has influenced and drawn inspiration from the ever-changing tides of popular culture, tracing how their stories have responded to historical events and addressed broader issues such as gender, race and mental illness. The exhibit also pays tribute to pioneering creators such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko whose collective imagination made Marvel into the endlessly expansive fictional universe known today.
“Marvel transformed the idea of the Super Hero in the 1960s—and beyond—by ratcheting up the visual spectacle, emotional dynamism and philosophical sophistication of the action-adventure comics genre,” says Brian Crosby, head of Marvel Themed Entertainment. “Marvel has always been a reflection of the world outside your own window and one of its most compelling messages has always been, that anyone—regardless of race, religion or gender—can be a Super Hero.”
Breathtaking artifacts thrill collectors and casual fans alike, immersive set pieces and interactive installations bring the Marvel Universe to life, and the visual aspects of the exhibition are accompanied by an immersive soundscape created by acclaimed composer Lorne Balfe. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to travel through the mysterious mirror dimension of Doctor Strange; get up-close glimpses at concept sketches, props, and costumes from Marvel Studios blockbusters; pose for selfies alongside life-size representations of Black Panther, Spider-Man, and other characters; see the original art from some of Marvel’s most notable comics; and even step into Tony Stark’s lab to test the capabilities of the Iron Man armor for themselves.
“Our show begins with the origins of the Marvel Universe and moves through to the present day, giving a chance to see some of the rarest and most precious objects from the past 80 years of pop culture history, and pointing toward the future with work from some of today’s foremost creators” says curator Ben Saunders about the exhibition.
Tickets to Marvel: Universe of Superheroes are $10 for members. Non-member ticket prices include admission to the museum and are $35 for adults (12-61), $28.75 for youth (5-11), $32.50 for seniors (62+) and children 5 and under are free. To purchase tickets, visit www.thehenryford.org
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is an exhibition by SC Exhibitions, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and Marvel Themed Entertainment.
About The Henry Ford
Located in Dearborn, Michigan, The Henry Ford, a globally-recognized destination, fosters inspiration and learning from hands-on encounters with artifacts that represent the most comprehensive collection anywhere focusing on innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness in America. Its unique venues include Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Benson Ford Research Center and Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school. Together with its online presence at thehenryford.org, its national television programs, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation and Did I Mention Invention? and other resources, The Henry Ford helps individuals of all kinds to unlock their potential and help shape a better future. The Henry Ford advanced its role as a catalyst for change in education with the acquisition of Invention Convention Worldwide, a growing affiliation of organizations dedicated to fostering innovation, invention and entrepreneurship in students, K-12. With this merger, The Henry Ford is now home to the Michigan Invention Convention and the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals, during which thousands of students from across the United States participate.
ABOUT SC EXHIBITIONS
SC Exhibitions creates exhibitions which travel worldwide, and hosts international exhibitions in Germany, Austria and German-speaking Switzerland. SC Exhibitions is a division of Semmel Concerts, the large German live entertainment producer. Since SC Exhibitions started touring its exhibitions TUTANKHAMUN – HIS TOMB AND HIS TREASURES; THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT; and recently MAGIC CITY – THE ART OF THE STREET, they have reached an audience of more than seven million people worldwide, and built a strong international network within museums, science centers, cultural venues and the creative industries. For more information visit sc-exhibitions.com.
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information, visit marvel.com.
© 2020 MARVEL
MoPOP is a leading-edge nonprofit museum in Seattle, with a mission to make creative expression a lifechanging force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities. MoPOP reaches multigenerational audiences through our collections, exhibitions, community engagements, and educational programs, bringing understanding, interpretation, and scholarship to the pop culture of our time. For more information, visit www.MoPOP.org
For more information:
Melissa Foster, Sr. Manager, Public Relations
melissaf@thehenryford.org, 313-982-6126
