Smithsonian Exhibition to Feature Costumes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Iconic costumes and other artifacts from “a galaxy far, far away” are presented in the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition. The exhibition will open at Discovery Times Square on November 14th, 2015 and will be on view through September 5th, 2016.

Culled from the collection of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Star Wars and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition is a partnership of the museum, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and Lucasfilm. George Lucas imagined and created a fantastical world filled with dynamic characters who told the timeless story of the hero’s journey. The costumes shaped the identities of these now famous characters, from the menacing black mask of Darth Vader and the gilded suit of C-3PO, to the lavish royal gowns of Queen Amidala and a bikini worn by Princess Leia when enslaved by Jabba the Hutt.

“Craftsmanship and artistry in costume design are valued creative components in the Star Wars saga,” said Lucas. “The detailed precision of a design can be as bold a measure of storytelling as words on a page, leading to truths at the core of a character, situation or shared history. From initial concept drawings to complex physical constructions, the costumes featured in this exhibition serve to further define crucial aspects of worlds created to move, educate and entertain us—to inspire the imagination.”

“There is not a more iconic entertainment property than Star Wars”, said James Sanna, President of Discovery Times Square. “We’re thrilled to host the East Coast premiere of this exciting new exhibit which will connect Star Wars fans to not only iconic costumes and artifacts from the first six films, but also introduces them to the next exciting chapter of the Star Wars saga.”

Presenting over 70 of the finest hand-crafted costumes and dozens of artifacts from the first six blockbuster Star Wars films including a selection from the soon to be released Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the exhibition uncovers the challenges, the intricate processes and the remarkable artistry of Lucas, the concept artists and costume designers.

The costumes reflect an eclectic mix of cultural, historical and mythical sources that add rich texture to the story. Through 15 galleries visitors will explore the creative process from Lucas’s vision through concept drawings by artists such as Ralph McQuarrie and Iain McCaig, to the final costume designs of John Mollo and Trisha Biggar, among others.

Featured costumes include:

  • Select costumes and BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
  • Jedi masters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker and Yoda
  • Intimidating suit and complex breathing apparatus of Darth Vader
  • Military-influenced uniforms of the Imperial Stormtrooper, Senate Guard and TIE Fighter Pilot
  • Yak hair and mohair costume of the towering Wookiee Chewbacca and Han Solo
  • Intergalactic outfits of Senators Bail Organa, Mon Mothma and Mas Amedda
  • Fierce armor of mercenary bounty hunters Jango Fett, Boba Fett and Zam Wesell
  • Elaborately detailed gowns of Queen Amidala, Queen Jamillia and their handmaidens

Short films featured in Star Wars and The Power of Costume: The Exhibitionprovide a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and include interviews with artists, designers and actors. The visitor experience will be enhanced by interactive flip-books featuring sketches, photographs and notes that capture the creative team’s inspiration and vision. In addition, visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see themselves in one of the iconic costumes through a unique virtual experience provided by Platige Image, which specializes in designing CG imagery, 3D animation and digital special effects.

Advanced ticket prices start at $20.00. Special savings for groups of 10 or more are available with advanced reservation. Once open, the last tickets are sold 60 minutes prior to closing. For individual tickets and venue hours, visit http://www.discovery.com or call 866.9.TSXNYC (866-987-9692) or visit the Discovery Times Square Box Office.

Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service:
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 60 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit www.sites.si.edu.

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art:
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a first-of-its kind institution, designed to serve as the country’s premiere venue for understanding the connections and lineage of illustrative and visual art. Conceived by George Lucas, the museum is based on the filmmaker’s passion for education and the role art can play in inspiring young people. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art collection ranges from fine art to animation, from fashion to cinematic design and is comprised of works of the great masters of the Golden Age of Illustration through today’s digital artists, showing the ways culture is reflected in the popular art of any given time.

Lucasfilm Ltd.:
Lucasfilm Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company’s activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

About Discovery Times Square:
Discovery Times Square (DTS) is New York City’s first large-scale exhibition center presenting visitors with limited-run, educational, and immersive exhibit experiences while exploring the world’s defining cultures, art, history, and events. More than a museum, DTS has featured exhibitions of unparalleled breadth, including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Leonardo Da Vinci’s Workshop, King Tut, Pompeii The Exhibit, Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition, and most recently, Terracotta Warriors: Defenders of China’s First Emperor. DTS is located at 226 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenues).

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.