Official Star Wars 50 year Anniversary Exhibit coming to Philadelphia
Before it became a pop culture phenomenon, Star Wars was considered a major gamble by George Lucas. The little-known USC film school graduate was risking his entire future on a first-of-its-kind science fiction movie, and initially only 32 theaters across the United States held screenings for the new film.
But did you know that some of the first movie theaters to show the 1977 premiere of Star Wars were in Philadelphia and New Jersey? Among those initial 32 movie theaters to show the famous film were located in Center City, Philadelphia, along with Pennsauken, and Trenton, New Jersey.
Another regional connection to the legendary Star Wars franchise is Director Irvin Kershner, who is Philadelphia-born and raised, along with attending Temple University's Tyler School of Art and Architecture. Kershner was the Director of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, the film that some consider the best of all the Star Wars movies.
Exclusive Star Wars Event Coming to Philadelphia
The Franklin Institute has announced that the world premiere of "Star Wars™: The Experience - A Journey Through the Galaxy" will be coming exclusively to Philadelphia in 2027.
Officially licensed, this Star Wars exhibition will be an immersive fan experience to kick off the celebration of the 1977 film's 50th anniversary. Here is the statement from The Franklin Institute about this special event coming to Philadelphia:
"Star Wars: The Experience, an epic journey through the legacy of Star Wars, will open on February 13, 2027, as part of the Star Wars 50th anniversary celebration. Created by The Franklin Institute, in collaboration with MDSX, Lucasfilm, and Disney Consumer Products, it is the largest and most comprehensive behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrating the Star Wars galaxy, and an official exhibition during the landmark anniversary year.
The exhibition spans 18,000 square feet of visually rich, interconnected galleries, featuring large immersive moments, screen-used artifacts, and an RFID-powered experience for an interactive, personalized, and cinematic journey into the creative force behind Star Wars."
Tickets go on sale to the General Public in November 2026, and presale access for The Franklin Institute Members will start October 2026. The official Star Wars exhibit will be exclusively in Philadelphia from February 13th to September 6th, 2027.
