An "unofficial" galaxy far, far away visits COSI this summer
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The life-size X-wing is one of Unofficial Galaxy's showstoppers. Photos: Andrew King/Axios
The Center of Science and Industry's halls feature plenty of the past and the future. But its marquee exhibition of the summer is all about one of today's biggest media franchises: Star Wars.
The intrigue: Open through Sept. 1, the Unofficial Galaxies gallery features "one of the largest Star Wars fan collections in the world."
What to expect: "Fan collections" may make you think of toys and memorabilia, but this largely involves recreations of full-size costumes, characters and scenes.
- Many of the items come from one anonymous collector.
What's inside: Pretty much that whole galaxy far, far away.
- There are replicas of just about everyone, from Darth Vader and Boba Fett to Kylo Ren and R2-D2.
- Massive TIE fighter and X-wing replicas make for popular selfie spots.
- You'll find a few interactive photo ops, too, like a recreation of the classic trash compactor scene and a speeder bike with a screen to make it look like you're zipping through the Endor forest.
Zoom in: There are a few pristinely preserved original toys and other items around, and a highlight was a display of three original draft scripts.
💭 Andrew's thought bubble: I enjoy Star Wars as much as the next guy, and I've loved COSI for 30 years. I genuinely think the center helped nurture my curiosity as a kid.
- But I wasn't very impressed by Unofficial Galaxies.
- COSI's best exhibits are interactive, informative and unique. If you've seen the movies, you've seen this stuff — and there's not much learning, playing or investigating here.
Yes, but: Unofficial Galaxies is just a $15 add-on to a regular ticket. True Star Wars enthusiasts who are already spending a day at COSI probably won't regret it.
- Let's be honest: People have paid a lot more for a good Instagram pic.
🪐 Worthy of your time: The rest of COSI. Just a reminder that this place is wonderful.
- It's especially cool to see kids being curious, engaging with science, exploring new ideas and learning without even realizing it.
- If it's been a while — or you've got a little one who's never been — this is your sign to go back.