An iconic 50 years will be celebrated at Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy and Disney was on hand at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to share highlights for the upcoming exhibition. When it opens, fans will find 18,000 square feet of interconnected galleries, immersive moments, screen-used artifacts, and more surprises to honor a galaxy far, far away.
Here’s a look at what we got to see at the Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
The panel was moderated by Ashley Eckstein (actor; voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars animation) and panelists included Matt Martin (senior creative executive, franchise content and strategy, Lucasfilm), Portia Fontes (manager of physical assets, Lucasfilm), Abby Bysshe (chief experience and strategy officer, The Franklin Institute), Dan Picard (owner and chief creative officer, MDSX Creative), and David Edmonds (art director, MDSX Creative)
Below are some of the highlights from the panel.
- The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia will kick off Star Wars: The Experience – A Journey Through the Galaxy, a traveling exhibition which promises an interactive experience beyond just white walls with photos
- Featuring more than 70 artifacts — many of them on view for the first time from Lucasfilm — the exhibit invites you to take a closer look at ALL 50years of Star Wars from the earliest films to the latest in toys and animation; honoring the fact that many different entry points into the fandom
- Queen Amidala’s Throne Room: Walk the path of Naboo royalty in a room of suspended fabric and projection, surrounded by voices and imagery from Star Wars makers. Along the way, you’ll encounter key costumes and design stories that culminate with an audience at Queen Amidala’s throne and a closer look at her regal gown.
- Wireframe Worlds: Anchored by a wireframe TIE Fighter, this gallery celebrates the blueprint stage of Star Wars set design. Edge-lit acrylic panels and displayed artifacts showcase early vehicle sketches and design notes that evolved into cinematic icons, while surrounding graphics display diagrams of the many ships that have brought the different sagas to life.
- Carbon Freeze Capture: In this dramatic, photo-ready moment, come face-to-face with a full-scale Han Solo in carbonite surrounded by two interactive stations. Make like an ugnaught and fire off your own “carbon freeze” sequence — an unforgettable fusion of storytelling and technology that allows you to step directly into one of cinema’s most iconic scenes. You’ll love it. We know.
- Hasbro is also featured taking a look at the evolution from the early Kenner days to the hyper accurate toys today. More than 100 iconic Star Wars toys will be featured including over 30 rare prototypes, development models, tooling samples, and original design materials, some of which have never been displayed publicly before
- Tickets will go on sale in November for Star Wars: The Experience, which will run from February 13 to September 6, 2027. Following the Philadelphia premiere, the exhibition will launch a five year North American tour. Cities and dates for the tour haven’t been announced yet… but soon! Scan the QR code to stay updated
- Attendees for this panel also received a pin with the STAR WARS: The Experience logo on it!
See it for Yourself
San Diego Comic-Con takes place July 23 – July 26, 2026.
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