Official 'Star Wars' exhibition to debut in Philadelphia for franchise's 50th anniversary
The official "Star Wars: The Experience -- A Journey Through the Galaxy" exhibition will make its world premiere in Philadelphia in 2027 as part of the franchise's 50th anniversary celebration.
Opening Feb. 13 at the Franklin Institute, the immersive exhibition will run through Sept. 6 before embarking on a five-year North American tour.
Created by the Franklin Institute in collaboration with Lucasfilm, Disney Consumer Products and MDSX, the 18,000-square-foot exhibition explores the making and lasting legacy of "Star Wars" through immersive galleries, interactive technology and behind-the-scenes displays.
Visitors will see more than 70 artifacts from the Lucasfilm archives, many of them screen-used and on public display for the first time. Featured items include Darth Vader's costume, Darth Maul's lightsaber, Grogu, R2-D2, C-3PO, a speeder bike and original props from Disney+ series "Andor."
The exhibition also highlights the creativity behind the franchise, from costume and sound design to visual effects, fan art and gaming. Guests will take part in an RFID-powered interactive experience designed to personalize their journey through the galaxy.
"'Star Wars' created a cultural landscape that spans decades and delivers massive, undeniable global appeal," Larry Dubinski, president and CEO of the Franklin Institute, said in a statement.
More details, including the first gallery renderings, will be unveiled during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 24. The discussion will be moderated by Ashley Eckstein, who voices Ahsoka Tano in several animated "Star Wars" series, and will feature members of the exhibition's creative team.
Tickets for "Star Wars: The Experience" go on sale in November.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News and Lucasfilm.
