Philadelphia is about to become the center of the galaxy. The Franklin Institute has announced that the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Experience” will open in the city on February 13, 2027, as part of the official 50th anniversary celebration of Star Wars.
The exhibition will be the largest and most complete behind-the-scenes showcase of the Star Wars universe ever assembled: more than 18,000 square feet of interconnected, immersive galleries featuring over 70 artifacts from Lucasfilm, many displayed for the very first time. Visitors will get up close to screen-used treasures like Darth Vader’s costume and Darth Maul’s lightsaber, and meet creatures and droids including Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO, plus a speeder bike and original props from Andor.
Created by The Franklin Institute in collaboration with Lucasfilm, Disney Consumer Products, and MDSX, the experience uses an RFID-powered journey to make every visit interactive and personal. It celebrates the artistry behind the saga — sound design, costume creation, fan art, and gaming — and the dreamers and fans who built it. More exclusive reveals will be shared at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, and tickets will be available through fi.edu.
Photo: The Franklin Institute
