Celebrate 50 Years of Star Wars With an Immersive New Exhibition Full of Iconic Props and Costumes
Image: The Franklin Institute
Few franchises have shaped pop culture quite like Star Wars. As the beloved saga approaches its 50th anniversary, fans will soon have the chance to experience the galaxy far, far away in an entirely new way. Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy will make its world premiere at Philadelphia's The Franklin Institute beginning February 13, 2027, bringing together iconic props, legendary costumes, immersive environments, and interactive storytelling in one unforgettable exhibition.
Created by The Franklin Institute in collaboration with Lucasfilm, Disney Consumer Products, and MDSX, the ambitious exhibition celebrates the entire Star Wars saga—from A New Hope to The Mandalorian & Grogu—before embarking on a five-year North American tour following its Philadelphia run, which continues through September 6, 2027.
A Galaxy (Not So) Far, Far Away
Image: Lucasfilm
Designed to immerse visitors in the worlds of Star Wars, the exhibition combines cinematic storytelling, interactive technology, and behind-the-scenes filmmaking into one unforgettable adventure. Guests will journey through expansive themed environments while learning how the franchise transformed filmmaking through groundbreaking costume design, practical effects, visual effects, sound design, creature creation, gaming, and the incredible creativity of its global fan community.
Adding to the adventure is an RFID-powered interactive experience that personalizes each guest's journey through the galaxy, making every visit unique.
See Legendary Screen-Used Artifacts Up Close
For lifelong fans, the exhibition's biggest draw may be its incredible collection of authentic Lucasfilm treasures.
More than 70 artifacts from the Lucasfilm archives will be on display, many appearing publicly for the very first time. Visitors will come face-to-face with some of the saga's most iconic pieces, including:
Darth Vader's imposing screen-used armor and costume
Darth Maul's legendary double-bladed lightsaber hilt
Grogu
R2-D2
C-3PO
A screen-used speeder bike
Original props from the acclaimed Disney+ series Andor
Whether your favorite era is the Original Trilogy, the Prequels, the Sequels, or the latest Disney+ adventures, there's something here for every generation of Star Wars fan.
Get a First Look During San Diego Comic-Con
Image: Her Universe
If you’re heading to San Diego Comic-Con you can get a preview on Friday, July 24 at 4 p.m. during The Making of Star Wars: The Experience panel (Room 7AB), where members of the exhibition's creative team will offer an inside look at the ambitious project and debut the first gallery renderings.
The panel will be moderated by Ashley Eckstein, beloved by fans as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars' animated series, making it one of the must-see presentations of Comic-Con weekend.
Here's When Tickets Go On Sale
If you’re ready to reserve your tickets for the exhibition you won’t have to wait long. Franklin Institute Members will receive exclusive presale access in October 2026, while tickets for the general public go on sale in November 2026. For more information and to sign up for presale access you can click here.
May the Force be with you.
