Star Wars™ Costumes at Discovery Times Square

Smithsonian Exhibition to Feature Costumes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Iconic costumes and other artifacts from "a galaxy far, far away" are presented in the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, Rebel, Jedi, Princess, Queen: Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition. The exhibition will open at Discovery Times Square on November 14, 2015, and will be on view through September 5, 2016.

Culled from the collection of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, Star Wars and the Power of Costume: The Exhibition is a partnership of the museum, the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, and Lucasfilm. George Lucas imagined and created a fantastical world filled with dynamic characters who told the timeless story of the hero's journey. The costumes shaped the identities of these now famous characters, from the menacing black mask of Darth Vader and the gilded suit of C-3PO, to the lavish royal gowns of Queen Amidala and a bikini worn by Princess Leia when enslaved by Jabba the Hutt.

"Craftsmanship and artistry in costume design are valued creative components in the Star Wars saga," said Lucas. "The detailed precision of a design can be as bold a measure of storytelling as words on a page, leading to truths at the core of a character, situation or shared history. From initial concept drawings to complex physical constructions, the costumes featured in this exhibition serve to further define crucial aspects of worlds created to move, educate and entertain us—to inspire the imagination."

"There is not a more iconic entertainment property than Star Wars", said James Sanna, President of Discovery Times Square. "We're thrilled to host the East Coast premiere of this exciting new exhibit, which will connect Star Wars fans to not only iconic costumes and artifacts from the first six films, but also introduces them to the next exciting chapter of the Star Wars saga."

Presenting more than 70 of the finest handcrafted costumes and dozens of artifacts from the first six blockbuster Star Wars films, including a selection from the soon to be released Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the exhibition uncovers the challenges, the intricate processes and the remarkable artistry of Lucas, the concept artists and costume designers.

The costumes reflect an eclectic mix of cultural, historical and mythical sources that add rich texture to the story. Through 15 galleries visitors will explore the creative process from Lucas's vision through concept drawings by artists such as Ralph McQuarrie and Iain McCaig, to the final costume designs of John Mollo and Trisha Biggar, among others.

Featured costumes include:

• Select costumes and BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
• Jedi masters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, and Yoda
• Intimidating suit and complex breathing apparatus of Darth Vader
• Military-influenced uniforms of the Imperial Stormtrooper, Senate Guard, and TIE Fighter Pilot
• Yak hair and mohair costume of the towering Wookiee Chewbacca and Han Solo
• Intergalactic outfits of Senators Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Mas Amedda
• Fierce armor of mercenary bounty hunters Jango Fett, Boba Fett, and Zam Wesell
• Elaborately detailed gowns of Queen Amidala, Queen Jamillia, and their handmaidens

Short films featured in Star Wars and The Power of Costume: The Exhibition provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and include interviews with artists, designers, and actors. The visitor experience will be enhanced by interactive flip-books featuring sketches, photographs and notes that capture the creative team's inspiration and vision. In addition, visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see themselves in one of the iconic costumes through a unique virtual experience provided by Platige Image, which specializes in designing CG imagery, 3-D animation, and digital special effects.

Advance ticket prices start at $20. Special savings for groups of 10 or more are available with advance reservation. Once open, the last tickets are sold 60 minutes prior to closing. For individual tickets and venue hours, visit http://www.discoverytsx.com/star-wars-exhibition, or call 866.9.TSXNYC (866.987.9692) or visit the Discovery Times Square Box Office.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Times Square.