Lucasfilm and The Franklin Institute have announced Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy, a massive new exhibition opening in Philadelphia on February 13, 2027, as part of the franchise’s 50th anniversary celebration. Described as the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes Star Wars exhibition to date, it will run through September 6, 2027, before launching a five year tour across North America.
The exhibition spans 18,000 square feet and features more than 70 artifacts, many appearing publicly for the first time. Confirmed pieces include Darth Maul’s lightsaber hilt, Darth Vader’s armor, a full-sized speeder bike, original props from Andor, and fan-favorite characters like Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO. Created in collaboration with MDSX, Lucasfilm, and Disney Consumer Products, the galleries will use RFID-powered technology to personalize the experience for each guest as they move through interconnected sections built around sound design, costuming, fan art, and gaming.
Fans attending San Diego Comic-Con this month get the first real look behind the scenes. A panel titled The Making of Star Wars: The Experience is set for Friday, July 24, from 4 to 5 p.m. PT in Room 7AB, moderated by Ashley Eckstein and featuring creative leads from Lucasfilm, The Franklin Institute, and MDSX. Expect the first gallery renderings and details on how the team balanced cinematic authenticity with museum-style exhibition design.
Tickets go on sale in November for Star Wars: The Experience Philadelphia’s debut.
This exhibition isn’t the only major 50th anniversary milestone landing that month. As we reported back in December, Star Wars: A New Hope is also blasting back to theaters on February 19, 2027, with a newly restored version of the 1977 original playing in theaters for a limited time as part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration. The re-release date moved up from an originally planned April 2027 window tied to May the 4th, meaning fans now get the theatrical return well ahead of the summer celebrations.
Between the theatrical re-release opening February 19 and Star Wars: The Experience opening in Philadelphia on February 13, fans have back-to-back reasons to celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary right at the start of 2027, well before Star Wars Celebration Los Angeles picks things up again in April.
Our Take: Seventy-plus screen-used artifacts under one roof, several never shown before, is the kind of announcement that gets even casual fans thinking about a trip to Philadelphia. What stands out most is the five year North American tour attached to this, since it means guests who can’t make it to the Franklin Institute in 2027 will likely get a shot somewhere closer to home eventually. Pairing the exhibition with A New Hope returning to cinemas the same month is the kind of one-two punch that makes February 2027 an essential month for any lifelong fan. We’ll be at SDCC coverage watching for those first renderings, and we’ll have the exhibition details as tickets get closer to going on sale in November.
Lucasfilm Announces Star Wars: The Experience 50th Anniversary Museum Exhibition
FAQ
When does Star Wars: The Experience open?
It opens at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 13, 2027, and runs through September 6, 2027.
What artifacts are included in the exhibition?
More than 70 artifacts, including Darth Maul’s lightsaber hilt, Darth Vader’s armor, a full-sized speeder bike, original Andor props, and characters like Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO.
Will Star Wars: The Experience travel after Philadelphia?
Yes, following its Philadelphia premiere the exhibition begins a five year tour across North America.
When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale in November 2026.
Is there a San Diego Comic-Con panel for this exhibition?
Yes, The Making of Star Wars: The Experience panel is set for Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4 to 5 p.m. PT in Room 7AB.
Why is this exhibition happening now?
It’s part of the Star Wars 50th anniversary celebration, marking 50 years since the original 1977 film launched the Skywalker Saga.
Is the original Star Wars returning to theaters too?
Yes, Star Wars: A New Hope returns to theaters February 19, 2027, in a newly restored version of the 1977 original, as part of Lucasfilm’s yearlong 50th anniversary celebration.
