After disappearing from its home outside Fire Station 27 in the Mount Washington neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the beloved “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” Pepsi vending machine has reappeared in Los Angeles, California. The machine traveled more than 2,400 miles and was displayed at the grand opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art on Saturday.
How the machine returned
Content creator Braeden Days, who posted a video in August showing the vending machine being removed from the fire department’s curb, claims he had permission to take the unit for repairs. Days said the stunt was intended to celebrate the museum’s opening, noting that George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” has been developing the cultural institution for years.
Days posted footage of the machine mounted on the back of a flatbed truck as it traveled across the country, eventually arriving at the museum’s new campus in the Exposition Park area of Los Angeles. In his Instagram post, Days wrote, “The iconic Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace vending machine that thousands of fans know and love journeyed 2,429 miles from Fire Station 27 all the way to the grand opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, California. Without a doubt this is one of the most important days for Star Wars fans around the world, and it was absolutely awesome to showcase this vending machine to other fans at the grand opening.”
Reactions in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles
The machine’s disappearance sparked criticism in Pittsburgh, where it has been a beloved local landmark since its installation in 1999. Residents expressed disappointment that a piece of community history was taken without clear consent. Days, who was previously arrested in April 2026 for a separate social‑media stunt involving a dinosaur statue in Los Angeles, says the vending machine is being repaired and will be returned to its original location next month.
Los Angeles attendees at the museum’s opening were excited to see the nostalgic piece, noting its connection to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for pop‑culture tourism. Museum officials welcomed the unexpected addition, saying it added a fun, fan‑focused element to the celebration.
Legal considerations
It remains unclear whether Days will face legal repercussions in Pennsylvania for the removal of the vending machine. Pittsburgh authorities have not yet announced any formal charges, but the incident highlights the tension between creative expression and respect for community property.
Days’ claim that the machine will be returned to its original spot next month offers hope to Pittsburgh fans who have missed the iconic fixture for nearly a year. Until then, the vending machine continues to draw attention in Los Angeles, reminding fans of the enduring appeal of “Star Wars” and the power of local cultural symbols.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
