If you are in Singapore, you need not travel to a galaxy far, far away to get up close and personal with the original costumes, props and artefacts from the hallowed and beloved Star Wars film series.
After travelling the world for more than eight years (after its 2012 inception in Montreal, Quebec), Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition has finally landed at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum, marking the 12th and final stop of its global tour. It’ll run from Saturday (Jan 30) till Jun 13.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
Showcasing over 200 original costumes, props, models and pieces of conceptual artwork from the extensive Lucas Museum of Narrative Art archive, the exhibition focuses on the first six films in George Lucas’s expansive canon.
This means fans of Rey, Poe and everything from The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise Of Skywalker will have little to geek over, save for a display of an original First Order stormtrooper outfit and the model for fan favourite droid BB-8.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
But aside from that, devotees of the original three films (episodes IV–VI) and the much-debated prequels (episodes I–III) will feel like kids in a candy shop as the exhibition deep-dives into the creative legacy of Lucas’ sacrosanct space opera.
In among the geeky goodies and pieces of production history from the Lucasfilm Archives, there are some fascinating nuggets of behind-the-scenes lore, related mostly to the original Star Wars trilogy. Visitors will also get a chance to come up with their own Star Wars character, complete with unique sociological, psychological and genetic traits.
“Through the exploration of the characters and worlds of Star Wars, this interactive exhibition connects us with themes that can resonate with our own sense of self, familial identity and shared experience,” said Lucas, creator of Star Wars. “In Singapore, the exhibition will engage that connection… fantasy meets reality, with a dash of reflection and adventure.”
Here are four things to look out for at Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition.
ORIGINAL COSTUMES
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
R2-D2, Yoda, C3-PO, Stormtroopers and more! The original droid costumes (yes, that’s the actual R2-D2 costume worn by Kenny Baker) and puppets (yes, that’s the very Yoda you see in Empire Strikes Back) used during filming are all featured – every little detail on full display.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
There are many fun facts sign-posted as well. Like how several different R2-D2 units were used in the filming of Star Wars: A New Hope. Some like the one on display could be controlled from the inside by Baker; others were operated by remote control.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
Also on show are the authentic costumes from the original film trilogy that spanned from 1977 to 1983, including the actual furry outfit worn by Chewbacca actor, the late Peter Mayhew; Darth Vader’s petrifying ebony cape and mech-suit; and multiple costumes worn by Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker, the late Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia and Harrison Ford’s Han Solo. Seeing all these in the flesh is probably worth the price of admission.
10 INTERACTIVE CHECKPOINTS
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition is divided into sections focusing on the development of specific characters. And along the way, the tour asks you, the visitor, to go on your own journey and create your own Star Wars identity by choosing everything from the Star Wars universe – from the species you want to be to the planet you’re from, the natural abilities you desire or who you would like your mentor to be.
At the end, you decide whether you end up on the dark or the light side, and you’ll have your own personalised digital avatar to take home as a memento.
AUTHENTIC PROPS
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
You’ll get to see an impressive array of the very starships and vehicles used in filming that simulated the experience of travelling at light speed. Marvel at the Imperial Star Destroyer squared off against a rebel squadron. Or geek out at the technical blueprints and models that detail the passion that went into the production of the beloved Millennium Falcon.
You’ll also get to see Jabba The Hut’s original eyes and yes, Han Solo in carbonite.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION AND CONCEPT ART
Fanboy alert: You’ll get to see Ralph McQuarrie’s original illustrations. Die-hard fans will instantly recognise the concept art, and seeing the raw storyboards in person highlights the visual inspiration for the films.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
We also get a fascinating look at Lucas’s original prototypes for Yoda, Jabba the Hutt, Han Solo and Luke. And on the dark side, a lowdown on the early incarnations of the always controversial (perhaps maligned?!) Jar Jar Binks.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition (Photo: Genevieve Loh)
Tickets (which start from S$20 for Singapore residents) are available at all Marina Bay Sands box offices and website. You can also use your SingapoRediscovers Vouchers too! Admission times will be every 15 minutes starting from 10am. Expect to spend an average of 1.5 hours at the exhibition.
Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition runs from Jan 30 to Jun 13th at the ArtScience Museum.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974.
