‘Star Wars: The Experience’ making its world debut in Philadelphia in 2027 at the Franklin Institute

PHILADELPHIA — Next year marks 50 years since Star Wars took us to a galaxy far, far away, and fans will be able to celebrate the milestone in a brand-new exhibit that will make its world debut in Philadelphia.

We’ve learned what to expect in the world premiere when it opens at the Franklin Institute in 2027.

“It is very exciting to announce a new world exhibition here at the Franklin Institute called “Star Wars: The Experience” “It will open here next February,” says Larry Dubinsky, president and CEO of the Franklin Institute. “This will be an 18,000-square-foot, multi-sensory, multi-generational exhibit. It will cover the entire journey of Star Wars history, but it will also talk about technology. It will also immerse you in different areas of the Star Wars saga.”

The exhibition will feature a collection of more than 70 artifacts, many of which will be shown live on the big screen and displayed for the first time ever.

Straight from the Lucasfilm archives, you’ll see Darth Maul’s lightsaber and Darth Vader’s costume.

Look for creatures, robots and other alien species, including Grogu, R2-D2, C-3PO, original props from Andor, and more.

“We will have everything from commercial products to what they have done in terms of technology and cinema, all of that will be highlighted during this exhibition,” says Dubinsky.

The Franklin Institute is working directly with Lucasfilm on the world premiere of this exhibition.

It will premiere here in Philadelphia and then embark on a five-year North American tour.

“It’s very similar to the Disney100 expo that we did here, and we were very excited to partner with Disney,” Dubycinski says. “These are the things people grow up with. They’re multi-generational experiences, and this Star Wars exhibit spans 50 years of Lucasfilm.”

Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Across the Galaxy From February 13 to September 6, 2027.

Tickets will go on sale in November.

For more information, visit FI.edu.

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