Image provided by The Franklin Institute

Star Wars: The Experience Debuts in Philly This Winter — Here's What to Expect

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Image provided by The Franklin Institute

Philadelphia, get ready to head to a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: The Experience swoops into The Franklin Institute on February 13, 2027, with Philadelphia serving as the first city on a five-year tour of North America.

This cosmically charged journey — which runs through September 6, 2027 — is the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes exhibition ever displayed about the beloved sci-fi movie franchise, and is set to debut in time for the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.

Spanning 18,000 square feet, Star Wars: The Experience showcases everything that keeps Jedi Junkies safely addicted to their favorite films, including a vast collection of more than 70 screen-used artifacts that are being unveiled for the very first time.

The Franklin Institute, first opened in 1934 as a “Wonderland of Science,” plans to add nuanced touches to the highly anticipated Star Wars exhibit by highlighting the movie’s contributions to science and technology. Look for wondrous interconnected galleries featuring immersive moments and RFID-powered experiences, plus deep dives on sound design and costume creation.

Read on for more of what to expect this winter at The Franklin Institute.

What will I see at Star Wars: The Experience?

While much of the exhibit remains under tight wrap, museum organizers did share a few key details on what visitors can expect to see.

It’s a virtual treasure trove of interstellar goodies — go ahead, break out the Galactic Credit Standard! — with special attention paid to never-before-seen movie mementos.

Some highlights: Darth Maul’s lightsaber, Darth Vader’s costume, along with a who’s who of noteworthy and nefarious characters, including Grogu, R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Oh, and on-set props. Look for an authentic speeder bike and original props from Andor, all visible up close.

Lucky attendees can get an exclusive first look at Star Wars: The Experience at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con 2026 on Friday, July 24, 2026. There, actress Ashley Eckstein — the voice of Ahsoka Tano in multiple Star Wars animated series — leads a panel discussion alongside key creative minds from Lucasfilm and The Franklin Institute, including Abby Bysshe.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets for Star Wars: The Experience go on sale in November 2026.

Follow both Lucasfilm and The Franklin Institute on social media for more information in the coming weeks and months.

And, as always, may the force be with you!

Mike Greger

Web Content Manager, Visit Philadelphia

I hunt for content that shouts Philly’s greatness from the rafters. After earning a bachelor's degree in communications from Boston University, I returned home with new perspectives … except one: Philly, Philly, where I am from.

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