‘Star Wars: The Experience’ arrives in 2027 with immersive galleries and carbon-freeze photo op

A long time ago, fifty years to be exact, George Lucas took audiences to a galaxy far, far away. And to celebrate the 50th anniversary, a world-class exhibit full of incredible Star Wars items will open in Philadelphia, Penn. Newly released renderings reveal an interactive carbon-freeze experience, a gallery inspired by Queen Amidala’s Throne Room and a personalized journey shaped by each visitor’s connection to the Force.

What’s inside Star Wars: The Experience?

Thanks to the generosity of Lucasfilm, more than 70 artifacts from the movie and television franchise – some of which have never been on display before – will be part of the exhibition. Fans can get an up-close view of Darth Vader’s armor and Darth Maul’s lightsaber hilt, as well as creatures, aliens, and vehicles from Star Wars canon, including the lovable Grogu of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu” fame, and the Empire’s scout troopers’ favorite mode of transportation, the iconic speeder bike.

Props used in the Disney+ television series “Andor” play their role, and no Star Wars compilation would be complete without the two characters who have been there from the beginning: Second Generation Robotic Droid Series-2 and Cybot Galactica 3PO Series protocol droid, better known as R-2 D-2 and C-3PO.

First look at the immersive Star Wars galleries

Queen Amidala’s Throne Room

Guests will pass through suspended fabric and projected imagery while hearing from the costume designers who helped define the visual identity of Star Wars. Costumes and concept art lead toward Queen Amidala’s elaborate red Throne Room Gown.

Wireframe Worlds

A wireframe TIE fighter anchors a gallery devoted to the blueprint stage of Star Wars set and vehicle design. Edge-lit panels will display early sketches, design notes and artifacts, while surrounding graphics trace the development of ships from across the saga.

Carbon Freeze Capture

A full-scale Han Solo in carbonite prop provides the setting for one of the exhibition’s major photo opportunities. Two interactive stations will allow visitors to experience their own carbon-freeze sequence, placing them within a recreation of the famous scene.

The creative side of building a galaxy

A portion of the exhibit galleries’ 18,000 square feet will be dedicated to gaming, art, sound design, and costuming. Explore Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic’s evolution, from the rugged analog technology to the broad spectrum opened up by digital cinematography.

Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute, shared his thoughts: “Star Wars created a cultural landscape that spans decades and delivers massive, undeniable global appeal. Its influence extends far beyond cinema, shaping entertainment, culture, technology, and business while redefining how stories are created, experienced, and shared across generations.”

The Force Connects Us

RFID technology will personalize the experience based on each guest’s choices and alignment with the Force. Those decisions will activate hidden moments and evolving story elements throughout the galleries before culminating in a personalized finale.

50 years of Star Wars action figures

The exhibition’s finale will trace the history and creation of Star Wars action figures through more than 90 collectibles and over 20 rare prototypes. Vintage figures, development models, tooling samples and original design materials will illustrate how the work of Kenner and Hasbro evolved alongside the franchise. Some pieces have never previously been displayed publicly.

A galactic effort

Star Wars: The Experience is the culmination of a four-year collaboration between The Franklin Institute, design company MDSX, Lucasfilm, and Disney Consumer Products, and is a follow-up production to the Institute’s previous delve into popular culture, Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition.