Star Wars: The Experience - A Journey Through the Galaxy

Star Wars: The Experience - A Journey Through the Galaxy opens at The Franklin Institute on February 13, 2027, and runs through September 6. It's the world premiere of a Star Wars 50th anniversary exhibit, marking half a century since the original film first hit theaters. The Franklin Institute put this together with Lucasfilm, MDSX, and Disney Consumer Products, and it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 at a panel moderated by Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano.

Inside, the exhibit covers 18,000 square feet and charts the franchise's legacy from its handcrafted beginnings to its digital frontiers. There are more than 70 screen-used artifacts on display: Darth Maul's lightsaber hilt, Darth Vader's armor, Grogu, R2-D2, and C-3PO, a full-sized speeder bike, and props from Andor. You'll also find over 100 Star Wars action figures, with more than 30 rare prototypes. The galleries include 'Story in the Stars', Queen Amidala's Throne Room, and 'Wireframe Worlds', and the exhibit looks at sound design, creature creation, and fan art along the way.

One of the more distinct parts is the RFID-powered journey, which adapts to your choices and your Force allegiance as you move through. It unlocks hidden moments and evolving interactions that build toward a finale. The organizers bill it as the only official Star Wars exhibition in the world and the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes show ever mounted for the franchise. After its run in Philadelphia, it'll head out on a five-year North American tour.

Tickets are $49 for adults 18 and over during the day and $25 in the evening; teens 13-17 are $45 daytime and $25 evening; children 3-12 are $43 daytime and $25 evening. TFI members 3 and up pay $20 for both. There's a Jedi Council VIP ticket for $65, and group rates for 15 or more are $30 for adults and $26 for youth. Children 2 and under are free. The Franklin Institute is at 22 N. 20th Street in Center City.