(Image: Supplied)
A major new exhibition celebrating 50 years of Star Wars will bring rare memorabilia, costumes and artefacts to the North East.
The Force of the Story will open at Newcastle’s Life Science Centre in February 2027, marking the film franchise’s 50th anniversary.
It will feature items from a private collection never previously shown and explore links between science fiction, real-world science, space exploration and future innovation.
Newcastle’s Life Science Centre will a Star Wars exhibition The Force of the Story, marking 50 years with rare memorabilia. (Image: Supplied)
Linda Conlon, chief executive of Life, said: "For nearly three decades, Life has inspired people of all ages to explore science and imagine the future.
"The Force of the Story will help us do exactly that.
"While many visitors will be drawn by their love of Star Wars, our ambition is much broader.
"We want people to leave inspired by the science, technology and innovation that are helping humanity tackle some of its biggest challenges and shape the future of life on Earth and beyond.
"This exhibition gives us a unique opportunity to bring together imagination, discovery and creativity in a way that will appeal to families, schools, science enthusiasts and lifelong fans alike."
World Touring Exhibitions, an international producer of cultural shows, is developing the exhibition.
The exhibition is unofficial.
Corrado Canonici, director of World Touring Exhibitions, said: "The Force of the Story celebrates the enduring impact of a cultural phenomenon that has inspired generations of dreamers, creators, scientists and explorers.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Life, whose unique blend of science engagement, education and imagination makes it the ideal destination for this exhibition embodying how sci-fi, science, and popular culture continuously feed and redefine one another."
Newcastle’s Life Science Centre will a Star Wars exhibition The Force of the Story, marking 50 years with rare memorabilia. (Image: Supplied)
The exhibition will pair rare memorabilia with the scientific ideas and technologies that inspired the films and still shape our world.
It will also showcase the North East’s growing space and STEM industries.
Ben Shaw, head of operations and capture at Lockheed Martin UK, said: "The North East has the talent, ambition, and industrial capability to play a leading role in the UK’s space future.
"The Force of the Story is a powerful example of how we can use inspiration and innovation to engage the next generation, whilst showcasing the world-class expertise that exists across the region today.
"By bringing together industry, academia, government, and cultural organisations, we can create highly skilled jobs, drive economic growth, and strengthen the North East’s position as a hub for space and STEM."
Nigel Jukes, head of North East Legion, an independent Star Wars costume group, said: "We’re really excited to see this incredible private collection coming to Newcastle.
"As Star Wars fans, we know just how much these characters, costumes and stories mean to people, and it’s fantastic to have something like this right here in the North East."
Alongside the exhibition, the Life Science Centre will offer live science and planetarium shows, as well as hands-on activities.
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Visitors can explore robotics, artificial intelligence, space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth.
The exhibition will support Life’s work with schools and young people across the North East and inspire future scientists, engineers and innovators.
Details of the objects, special events, educational activities and tickets will be announced in the coming months.