Star Wars is a global phenomenon with powerful themes, a well-constructed world, and adventure narratives possessing universal appeal. Come May 4th every year, people proudly celebrate Star Wars Day. With such a monumental legacy in pop culture, the question for a museum becomes how to go about safeguarding delicate treasures from the films and providing perspective on their importance for future generations. In conversation, Smithsonian curators celebrate the Star Wars universe and its place in a familiar galaxy not so far, far away.
The National Air and Space Museum has a long-standing interest in how spaceflight has been imagined. Space History department chair Margaret A. Weitekamp explains how the influential and expansive vision of Star Wars can be understood by considering artifacts from action figures to props and vehicles used in the films.
Curator Ryan Lintelman and conservator Dawn Wallace from the National Museum of American History discuss the journey of C-3P0 and R2-D2 to their new home in “Entertainment Nation,” the first permanent exhibit exploring how music, sports, and entertainment have helped to shape American history. The event is moderated by NPR host, TV critic, and media analyst Eric Deggans.
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