Philadelphia’s flagship science museum, the Franklin Institute, confirmed that it will host the world‑premiere of “Star Wars: The Experience” in February 2027. The announcement was made at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim, where the museum’s Creative Director Dan Picard previewed the 15,000‑square‑foot immersive exhibition.
What visitors can expect
The exhibit promises a fully interactive journey through five decades of Star Wars lore. Highlights include a “Carbon Freeze Capture” photo station that recreates the iconic carbon‑ite scene from The Empire Strikes Back, allowing fans to pose as frozen characters. Guests will also step into Queen Amidala’s Throne Room and view authentic artifacts such as Darth Maul’s lightsaber and Darth Vader’s costume, items that have never been displayed publicly before.
Curators from the Franklin Institute worked directly with Lucasfilm, accessing the studio’s vault to select the most treasured pieces. The museum says the exhibition will blend storytelling, technology and fan culture, offering a blend of hands‑on activities, multimedia displays and behind‑the‑scenes insights.
Local pride and community impact
Abby Bysshe, Chief Experience Officer at the Franklin Institute, emphasized the significance of bringing the first‑ever Star Wars immersive experience to Philadelphia. “We love being the first city to host this world‑class exhibition,” she said. “Providing our community with a unique cultural event aligns with our mission to inspire curiosity and wonder.”
The exhibit is expected to draw both local fans and tourists, boosting foot traffic to the museum and surrounding neighborhoods. Local businesses anticipate increased patronage, especially restaurants and retail shops near the museum’s downtown location.
Tickets and further information
General admission tickets will go on sale in November, with pricing and package details to be released on the Franklin Institute’s website. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, as the limited‑time exhibit is projected to attract large crowds throughout its run.
For the latest updates, ticketing information and a full schedule of related programming, please visit FI.edu.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
