Star Wars™: The Experience - A Journey Through the Galaxy
World Premiere | The Franklin Institute Philadelphia
Star Wars™: The Experience is an officially licensed Star Wars™ exhibition, making its exclusive world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in February 2027.
Fans will explore immersive environments, iconic props, and original costumes from across the collection — from the original trilogy to the latest films. Whether you've been a fan since 1977 or are just discovering the Force, this is a once-in-a-generation exhibition, and Philadelphia is the only place on Earth to see it first.
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About the Experience
The all-new exhibition traces the legacy of Star Wars from its handcrafted beginnings to today's groundbreaking digital frontiers, exploring everything from sound design and creature creation to fan art and collectibles. It charts the evolution from analog ingenuity to digital reinvention and highlights the voices of early makers and the current global fandom, uncovering the creativity, craftsmanship, and community that make Star Wars a timeless treasure.
Step Inside the Star Wars Galaxy: Spanning 18,000 square feet of visually rich, interconnected galleries with immersive interactive elements, the exhibition reveals how the galaxy was imagined, built, expanded, and shared with the world through iconic moments, characters, and settings from across the saga.
See a Rare Collection of Iconic Artifacts: Explore extraordinary artifacts, many of them screen-used and on public display for the first time from Lucasfilm, including legendary pieces such as Darth Maul's lightsaber and Darth Vader's costume. Get up close to a selection of fan-favorite creatures, droids, and other alien species, including Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO, along with a speeder bike and original props from Andor.
Download panel details, key art & renderings from the press kit.
Exhibit Renderings
Queen Amidala's Throne Room
Guests walk through a room of suspended fabric and projection, surrounded by voices and imagery of Star Wars makers. Along the way, they encounter key costumes and design stories that culminate at Queen Amidala’s throne and regal gown.
Wireframe Worlds
Anchored by a wireframe TIE fighter, this gallery immerses guests in the blueprint stage of Star Wars design. Edge-lit acrylic panels and displayed artifacts showcase early vehicle sketches and design notes that evolved into cinematic icons, while surrounding graphics display diagrams of the many ships that have brought the different sagas to life.
Carbon Freeze Capture
In this dramatic, photo-ready moment, guests encounter a full-scale Han Solo in carbonite prop surrounded by two interactive stations. Here, guests can experience their own “carbon freeze” sequence— an unforgettable fusion of storytelling and technology that allows fans to “step” directly into one of cinema’s most iconic scenes.
Join today. The Franklin Institute Members get first access to presale tickets in October 2026 — before the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the STAR WARS: The Experience - A Journey Through the Galaxy?
Star Wars: The Experience is the only official Star Wars exhibition in the world, making its world premiere at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in February 2027 — one of the largest and comprehensive celebration of 50 years of Star Wars.
When do tickets go on sale?
The Star Wars: The Experience presale will start October 2026. Tickets for the public go on sale November 2026.
Is STAR WARS: The Experience included with a general admission ticket?
No, Star Wars: The Experience is a separate, special exhibit ticket. A daytime ticket to Star Wars: The Experience, does provide general admission access to The Franklin Institute.
What are the Franklin Institute Membership Benefits?
Franklin Institute Members receive a variety of benefits and value including:
First access to Star Wars: The Experience tickets, at a members-only price
Unlimited FREE admission to the museum and the Fels Planetarium, and no service fees on advance tickets
FREE admission to more than 300 ASTC Science Museums
$15 museum parking at the attached garage
10% off at the SciStore
Members-only events and experiences
100% tax deductible
What is the dress code for STAR WARS: The Experience at The Franklin Institute?
While we encourage everyone to dress up to the theme, full-face masks are not permitted, and shoes, tops, and bottoms are required for entry. Real, fake, toy, or costume weapons are prohibited.
Where is The Franklin Institute?
The Franklin Institute is in Center City Philadelphia, at the intersection of 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
© & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.