GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Are you old enough to remember seeing the original “Star Wars” for the first time?
There was silence for a moment. Then John Williams’ iconic score blared from the speakers. As the music reverberated throughout the theater, Star Wars faded from the screen and a title crawl introduced George Lucas’s world began. Exploding blaster bullets and a giant white spaceship appeared in the sky above an alien planet, followed by a warship too large to fit on the screen.
Nearly 50 years later, several movies, numerous books and several TV shows later, “Star Wars” remains one of the most beloved franchises in history, which is why Upcountry Historical Museum has announced an all-new Star Wars exhibit running from June 15 through November 3. Upcountry Historical Museum has partnered with the Walt Disney Archives and private collectors from around the country to present the exhibit, “Search the Force…The Empire Awakens.”
“Star Wars has been an important cultural touchstone for generations, and Upcountry Historical Museum is proud to bring this Star Wars exhibit experience to the Carolinas,” the museum’s website says.
The exhibit offers what the museum calls a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, allowing visitors to see original costumes, props, concept art, ephemera and collectibles from the series and its wide range of characters, including 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
“Film materials include beloved characters R2-D2 and BB-8,” museum staff say on their website, “as well as models of Poe’s X-wing fighter, maquettes and concept art that highlight the essence of Star Wars creator George Lucas’ vision and the creative process encompassing the exciting challenge of translating his iconic characters into a dynamic reality.”
The exhibit will also show visitors how the franchise influenced Kenner Toys’ Star Wars toy line and changed the toy industry as a whole.
“Kenner Toys are as iconic as the Star Wars films themselves,” the museum’s website states, “and this exhibit will feature a private collection that includes every action figure toy (over 200 pieces) that Kenner Toys produced between 1978 and 1985 based on the original three Star Wars films.”
The Upcountry History Museum is located at 540 Buncombe St., Greenville, SC 29601. It accepts private group visits on Mondays and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.
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