Philadelphia is set to become the center of the Star Wars universe in 2027. The Franklin Institute will host the world premiere of Star Wars: The Experience - A Journey Through the Galaxy beginning February 13, 2027. The 18,000-square-foot exhibition is scheduled to run through September 6, 2027, before launching a tour across North America.
What fans will see
The exhibition pulls together more than 70 screen-used artifacts and life-size set pieces, including Darth Vader’s armor, Darth Maul’s lightsaber, R2-D2, C-3PO, a full-size speeder bike and Grogu. Developed with experiential design firm MDSX in collaboration with Lucasfilm and Disney Consumer Products, the show pairs archival props with large immersive galleries and RFID-powered interactive features.
As announced on StarWars.com, Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski said Star Wars "created a cultural landscape that spans decades," a legacy the museum is clearly hoping to channel for a blockbuster run on the Parkway.
Tickets and timing
Members will get an early shot at securing their spot, with a presale beginning in October 2026. Public tickets are set to go on sale in November 2026. The Franklin Institute notes that a dedicated exhibit ticket will be sold separately, and that ticket will include general museum admission. The institution has confirmed the exhibition’s February 13 to September 6, 2027 dates.
According to The Franklin Institute, additional gallery renderings and details will be revealed during a San Diego Comic-Con panel later this month, giving fans a deeper look at how closely the experience will mirror the galaxy on screen.
What this means for Philly
The Franklin Institute has quietly turned itself into a go-to venue for giant branded exhibitions, including its Universal Theme Parks show earlier this year. Along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, those pop culture blockbusters have become reliable crowd magnets.
Hoodline’s report on the earlier Universal outing, Jurassic thrills hit Parkway, along with coverage from other local outlets, suggests the Star Wars premiere is poised to boost visitorship and spillover business for nearby restaurants and hotels, local media told the Philadelphia Business Journal.
