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D23 gives first peek at 'Star Wars: The Experience' exhibit coming to Franklin Institute in 2027
Star Wars D23 gives first peek at 'Star Wars: The Experience' exhibit coming to Franklin Institute in 2027 By Alicia Vitarelli Wednesday, August 19, 2026 3:32PM 'Star Wars: The Experience' is a first-of-its-kind, immersive fan exhibition that's making its world debut at the Franklin Institute in February 2027. WPVI ANAHEIM, Calif. (WPVI) -- Philadelphia was well represented at last weekend's D23: The Ultimate Fan Event in Anaheim, California.
"Star Wars: The Experience" is a first-of-its-kind, immersive fan exhibition that's making its world debut at the Franklin Institute in February 2027.
Fans got a first look at what to expect at the exhibit at the convention's Lucasfilm booth, and from what we can see, it's going to be epic!
"It's super exciting," says Dan Picard, Creative Director for The Franklin Institute. "We brought a sneak peek of what this 15,000 square foot immersive experience is going to be when it comes to Philadelphia."
And when they say immersive, they mean it!
The Franklin Institute gave fans a little taste of what we can expect when "Star Wars: The Experience" makes its world debut in Philadelphia next year.
One of the highlights is the Carbon Freeze Capture, a photo op where you can step into the iconic 1980 scene from "The Empire Strikes Back" where Darth Vader freezes Han Solo in carbonite.
When the exhibition comes to Philly, you can get frozen too!
You will also be able to step into Queen Amidala's iconic Throne Room, and see legendary Star Wars artifacts for the first time ever, like Darth Maul's lightsaber and Darth Vader's costume.
The curators at The Franklin Institute worked with Lucasfilm on this exhibition, going into the vault to bring the best of the galaxy to this exhibition.
It will encapsulate 50 years of Star Wars lore, legacy, storytelling and fandom in a first-of-its kind interactive experience.
"Star Wars: The Experience" will travel the world, but it will premiere in Philadelphia, and there is so much pride in that.
"We love being a first in Philadelphia, bringing these amazing world-class experiences to the city," says Abby Bysshe, the Chief Experience Officer at The Franklin Institute. "Having them be able to experience something like this for the first time is something we love to do at the Franklin Institute."
Tickets for "Star Wars: The Experience" go on sale in November.
Star WarsThe ExperienceFranklin InstituteFansLucasfilm
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