The Force is with Detroit as “Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume” comes to Detroit Institute of Arts

Updated Oct 2, 2017

September 22, 2017 (Detroit)—BB-8, Yoda and an Ewok, along with 66 original costumes from the first seven movies in the Star Wars™ saga are some of the highlights of the exhibition “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) May 20–Sept. 30, 2018. In addition, more than 150 pieces and sketches document the creative process, encompassing the essence of George Lucas’ vision and the exciting challenge of translating his iconic characters into a dynamic reality. This is a ticketed exhibition.

“This exhibition allows visitors to explore the creative processes behind the art of costume design, while discovering the unexpected ways in which these works relate to art from the DIA’s collection,” said Salvador-Salort-Pons, DIA director. “It also connects directly with our Detroit Film Theatre program, which has shared the art of film with hundreds of thousands of visitors over its 42-year history.”

Visitors will get an up-close look at costumes of some of the most beloved—and infamous—characters in cinema history, among them Queen Amidala, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, Han Solo, X-wing Pilots and Droids, including C-3PO and R2-D2.

Visitors can watch the designers and actors through several videos and experience the processes of concept artists and costume designers through interactive opportunities. Interpretation of cultural and historic context by Smithsonian scholars is also part of the experience.

“Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume” was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and in consultation with Lucasfilm, Ltd.  The Denver Art Museum provided additional scholarship and creative modifications to the exhibition at the DIA. Objects in this exhibition are on loan from the Archives of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Star Wars™ and all related characters, names and indicia are trademarks of & copyright © & TM 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

September 22, 2017 (Detroit)—BB-8, Yoda and an Ewok, along with 66 original costumes from the first seven movies in the Star Wars™ saga are some of the highlights of the exhibition “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) May 20–Sept. 30, 2018. In addition, more than 150 pieces and sketches document the creative process, encompassing the essence of George Lucas’ vision and the exciting challenge of translating his iconic characters into a dynamic reality. This is a ticketed exhibition.

“This exhibition allows visitors to explore the creative processes behind the art of costume design, while discovering the unexpected ways in which these works relate to art from the DIA’s collection,” said Salvador-Salort-Pons, DIA director. “It also connects directly with our Detroit Film Theatre program, which has shared the art of film with hundreds of thousands of visitors over its 42-year history.”

Visitors will get an up-close look at costumes of some of the most beloved—and infamous—characters in cinema history, among them Queen Amidala, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, Han Solo, X-wing Pilots and Droids, including C-3PO and R2-D2.

Visitors can watch the designers and actors through several videos and experience the processes of concept artists and costume designers through interactive opportunities. Interpretation of cultural and historic context by Smithsonian scholars is also part of the experience.

“Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume” was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and in consultation with Lucasfilm, Ltd.  The Denver Art Museum provided additional scholarship and creative modifications to the exhibition at the DIA. Objects in this exhibition are on loan from the Archives of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Star Wars™ and all related characters, names and indicia are trademarks of & copyright © & TM 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.