Rare private collection of Star Wars memorabilia to be displayed in the North East as iconic film celebrates its 50th anniversary
Life Science Centre and World Touring Exhibitions today announce a major new exhibition for 2027, bringing an extraordinary private collection of Star Wars memorabilia, costumes and artefacts to Newcastle.
The exhibition, titled The Force of the Story, will open in February 2027 and form the centrepiece of a centre-wide programme celebrating the connections between science fiction, real-world science, space exploration and future innovation.
Featuring items from a previously unseen private collection, the exhibition will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of the iconic film franchise.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see rare memorabilia while exploring the ideas, technologies and scientific possibilities that helped inspire the films and continue to shape the world around us today.
“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.”
The unofficial exhibition is being developed by World Touring Exhibitions, an international producer of touring cultural experiences. The collection is drawn from one of the world’s leading private collections of Star Wars memorabilia and will be displayed in the UK as part of a specially curated programme.
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.”
Ben Shaw, Lockheed Martin UK’s Head of Operations and Capture, 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.”
Jen Rea, Head of Marketing, Experience North East England, added: “The Force of the Story has all the ingredients of an international visitor attraction. Seeing this remarkable private collection on public display will generate significant interest and will bring new visitors to the city, encouraging them to extend their stay and explore more of the North East.”
Nigel Jukes, Head of North East Legion, an independent costume group of Star Wars fans 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 collection itself, Life will offer visitors a wide-ranging programme of experiences including live science shows, planetarium shows, hands-on activities and opportunities to explore themes such as robotics, artificial intelligence, space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth.
The exhibition will also support Life’s ongoing work with schools and young people across the North East, helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators.
Through partnerships with organisations across the region’s growing space sector, Life will use the exhibition as a springboard for discussions about future careers, emerging technologies and the role the North East can play in shaping the future of space and science.
Further details of featured objects, special events, educational activities and ticket sales will be announced over the coming months.
Disclaimer
The Force Of The Story is an independently curated exhibition of privately owned memorabilia and cultural artifacts. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Enterprises INC, Lucasfilm Ltd LLC, or any of their affiliates. All trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights associated with the Star Wars franchise are the property of their respective owners. This exhibition is intended for educational and informational purposes only and makes no claim to official status or endorsement. All the images used are reproductions of private works belonging to the exhibition.