Star Wars: The Experience will make its exclusive world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in February 2027. The officially licensed exhibition celebrates 50 years of Star Wars through immersive galleries, original costumes, props, and interactive elements.
Visitors will move through an 18,000-square-foot exhibition built around how the Star Wars galaxy was imagined, constructed, expanded, and shared. Philadelphia is the first place to see it.
Inside the exhibition
The galleries trace Star Wars from its handcrafted beginnings through modern digital production tools. Topics include sound design, creature creation, fan art, collectibles, and the shift from analog techniques to digital filmmaking.
The artifact lineup includes screen-used pieces and items going on public display for the first time from Lucasfilm. Darth Maul’s lightsaber and Darth Vader’s costume are among the named highlights. Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO will appear alongside a speeder bike and original props from Andor.
Three gallery moments
One room uses suspended fabric, projection, and recorded voices to lead visitors toward Queen Amidala’s throne and gown. Another is anchored by a wireframe TIE fighter, surrounded by early vehicle sketches, design notes, diagrams, and edge-lit acrylic panels.
A full-scale Han Solo in carbonite prop anchors a separate photo moment. Two interactive stations let visitors take part in a carbon-freeze sequence. Together, those rooms show how the exhibition mixes original objects with environments designed for visitors to step into the creative process.
Tickets and timing
Member presale access begins in October 2026, followed by public ticket sales in November 2026. Star Wars: The Experience requires a separate special-exhibition ticket. A daytime exhibition ticket also includes general admission to The Franklin Institute.
Franklin Institute members can buy tickets at a members-only price. Membership also includes unlimited museum and Fels Planetarium admission, no service fees on advance tickets, admission to more than 300 ASTC science museums, $15 parking in the attached garage, and a 10% SciStore discount.
The Franklin Institute is in Center City Philadelphia at the intersection of 20th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Full-face masks are not permitted, and real, fake, toy, or costume weapons are prohibited. Guests may still dress for the theme while following those entry rules.
Join the presale list before booking travel, then choose the member or public sale window that fits the trip.
Source: The Franklin Institute
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