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Franklin Institute's New Wing Opens With New 'Your Brain' Exhibit

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Franklin Institute debuted its new wing yesterday. The big draw is the country's largest exhibit on the human brain.

The 8,500 square foot "Your Brain" exhibit includes over 70 interactive experiences that allow the young and old to take a peek into one of the most complex organs in the human body.

"We walk you through how the basic building blocks -- the neurons -- in your brain work and then we talk about how that is connected," says Jayatri Das, chief bioscientist and lead designer on the exhibit.

Das says the exhibit demonstrates how the brain processes images, sounds and feelings through fun exploration activities. Like the neuroclimb.

"It's a two story tall climbing structure with interactive lights and effects that make you feel like you are really inside the brain," she says.

There's a room that literally turns your world upside down and teaches you how your brain perceives reality. There's also activities that help you learn why you are afraid when you watch a horror movie, how your brain process language and it allows you to ask all sorts of questions.

"Like why you can never understand what's being said when you ride a SEPTA bus," says Das.

Your Brain is one of new four exhibits debuting Saturday that will be housed in the 53,000 square foot Nicholas and Athena Karabots pavilion. The new wing comes thanks to more than $65 million in capital fundraising.

Other exhibits include Circus! Science Under the Big Top, 101 Inventions That Changed the World and National Geographic's Ocean Soul, which are all available as part of general admission.

The exhibits are free on Saturday to the first 500 visitors and will include giveaways, life music, food and a lot more.

More at www.fi.edu

EXCLUSIVE: First Look Inside Interactive Exhibit At Franklin Institute

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