The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has announced its new blockbuster exhibition, Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy.
Opening on 13 February 2027 as part of the Star Wars 50th anniversary celebration, the exhibition was created by the Franklin Institute in collaboration with MDSX, Lucasfilm and Disney Consumer Products.
It is the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrating the Star Wars galaxy, and the only official exhibition during the brand's anniversary year.
Star Wars: The Experience is opening on 13 February 2027 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia
"Star Wars created a cultural landscape that spans decades and delivers massive, undeniable global appeal," said Larry Dubinski, president and CEO of the Franklin Institute.
"Its influence extends far beyond cinema – shaping entertainment, culture, technology, and business, while redefining how stories are created, experienced, and shared across generations."
Spanning 18,000 square feet of interconnected galleries, the exhibition features large immersive moments, more than 70 artefacts, and an RFID-powered interactive experience.
Artefacts from the films to go on view include Darth Maul’s lightsaber and Darth Vader’s costume, as well as a selection of creatures and droids, including Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO.
Star Wars: The Experience is opening at the Franklin Institute as part of the Star Wars 50th anniversary celebration
"Bringing an experience of this scale to life takes an extraordinary amount of dedication and expertise, and together this team has created something we believe will captivate audiences and celebrate the extraordinary and lasting impact of Star Wars," said Abby Bysshe, chief experience and strategy officer at the Franklin Institute.
Dan Picard, owner and creative director at MDSX, said the exhibition "places fans inside unique aspects of the Star Wars saga – blending unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes creativity, and the fandom that continues to shape the galaxy today".
Tickets will go on sale in November for Star Wars: The Experience, which will run through 6 September 2027.
After premiering at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, the exhibition will launch a five-year tour of North America.
Images courtesy of the Franklin Institute
