SAN DIEGO — Get ready for an immersive journey into the “Star Wars” universe, where artifacts and interactive storytelling await fans eager to explore a galaxy far, far away up close.
In an exciting reveal at San Diego Comic Con this past weekend, creators behind the ambitious project “Star Wars: The Experience” offered a tantalizing glimpse into the upcoming exhibition. This historic showcase is a joint effort by Lucasfilm, Disney Consumer Products, the Franklin Institute, and MDSX Creative, commemorating the 50th anniversary of “Star Wars,” which first enchanted audiences in 1977.
“‘Star Wars’ resonates differently with everyone,” stated Matt Martin, Senior Creative Executive at Lucasfilm. “Our focus is on capturing the essence of ‘Star Wars’ storytelling throughout its remarkable 50-year journey.”
Spanning 18,000 square feet, the exhibition comprises galleries that blend personalized interactive experiences with a deep dive into the franchise’s rich history. Among the many treasures, visitors will encounter screen-used artifacts on public display for the first time, including Darth Maul’s iconic lightsaber and Darth Vader’s menacing costume. The showcase features over 70 artifacts ranging from beloved characters such as Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO, to legendary vehicles and props like a speeder bike from “Andor.”
“Engaging all your senses is a crucial element when experiencing ‘Star Wars’,” explained Portia Fontes, Lucasfilm’s Manager of Physical Assets. “It’s the combination of touching, listening, and fully immersing oneself in the sights and sounds of ‘Star Wars’ that truly completes the experience. Imagine hearing those iconic sounds while viewing these legendary artifacts—it’s just like being in a movie.”
The exhibit aims to showcase the evolution across the franchise’s five decades, particularly the technical innovations in filmmaking that “Star Wars” helped pioneer. The displays help track years of artistic ingenuity from analog special effects to hyper-realistic digital imaginations.
“One of our goals is we do want to inspire the next generation,” Owner and CCO of MDSX Creative Dan Picard said. “We want to get the superfan and the non-fan alike to really dial into this.”
The exhibition is also full of radio-frequency interaction points that will help customize the experience. Guests will choose whether to follow the light side or the dark side at the beginning of their journey, a decision that will curate how the galleries react.
The panelists also hinted that attendees of this year’s D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in August will receive a sneak peek at the exhibit: a smaller version of the Han Solo carbonite gallery on the Anaheim show floor, teasing the larger experience to come next year.
“That world building that they basically invented in film, we get to help tell that story of how it evolved over the years,” Picard said. “I think it’s going to be really exciting for people to see in this different way.”
“Star Wars: The Experience” opens in February 2027 at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Lucasfilm and this ABC station.
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