Franklin Institute unveils details of 10 gallery Star Wars exhibit
The official tour opens in Philadelphia in February, featuring original props, interactive sound labs, and discounted evening entry.
By Neha Kapoor ·
The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has released specific details for its upcoming official Star Wars exhibit, which is scheduled to run from February 13 to September 6, 2026. The show marks the 50th anniversary of the original film and represents the first stop in a planned five year tour across North America.
The exhibition comprises 10 galleries housing original movie props, interactive replicas, and design materials. A central feature is the lightsaber sound lab, which displays weapons such as Kylo Ren’s three beam saber. Visitors can trigger specific audio effects using RFID touchpoints to explore how sound designers created the distinctive hums associated with the franchise.
Other dedicated spaces include a gallery for spaceships, such as the Imperial TIE fighter, and a collection of creatures and droids. The creature section includes a porg from The Last Jedi. A separate area features a wall of helmets belonging to stormtroopers and other antagonists. Designers' maquettes used for animated and live action modeling are also on display.
The main attraction in the design gallery is a replica of Queen Amidala's throne room from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. The exhibit also offers close up views of Darth Vader's armor, Darth Maul's double bladed lightsaber, Grogu, and a full scale prop of Han Solo frozen in carbonite.
Abby Bysshe, the institute's chief experience and strategy officer, described the project's intent during a conference on Thursday. She stated that the mission was to create a new kind of exhibition that takes guests beyond the screen into an immersive and personalized galaxy while celebrating the people behind Star Wars.
Tickets are currently on sale for the Philadelphia run. Standard daytime admission costs $49 for adults and $43 for children. The institute is offering reduced $25 tickets during extended evening hours from 5 to 8 p.m., during which only the Star Wars exhibit will be accessible. The museum is matching the first 100 tickets sold and donating them to the 7uice Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Philadelphia 76ers forward Jaylen Brown that creates educational opportunities for underserved communities.
