Science meets circus in new Franklin Institute exhibit

SPRING GARDEN (WPVI) -- Cirque du Soleil was in town this week, giving crowds a sneak peak at their new show, headed to Philadelphia next month.

The acrobats stopped by the Franklin Institute to check out the new 'Circus! Science Under the Big Top' exhibit that opened in June.

Cirque acrobats performed "Hand balancing on Canes" for the audience at the science exhibit, demonstrating their strength, balance and flexibility.

"It tells everything about the human body and what the human body is capable of doing," said one of the performers.

They then explored the more traditional circus equipment, available to the children.

"The Franklin Institute is really combining education and fun, particularly in science and technology. Here we're talking about science being in the circus and a lot of that has to do with balance," said Mickey Maley, Franklin Institute.

The high wire is all about balance and children get a chance to be aerial acrobats and feel what it's like to soar through the air.

They even get to do a few flips and understand how their center of mass can determine the speed of their turns, with the help of bungee cords.

There are 23 interactive exhibits under the big top. They all use science to explore the wonder of the circus.

The exhibition targets families with children ages 5-12.

"It's great! We have a membership here and we come down as often as we can," said Natalia Pryszlak.

Cirque du Soleil's 'Verekai', which pays tribute to the spirit and art of the circus tradition will appeal to all ages.

'Verekai' comes to the Wells Fargo Center on September 10th-14th.