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New exhibition for lovers of Star Wars

May The Toys Be With You exhibition in Gloucester

The force is strong at the Museum of Gloucester with new, out of this world exhibition…

On Saturday 24 June 2023, from a galaxy far, far away comes an absolute must see for fans of Star Wars and the silver screen…
Star Wars toys and original cinema posters is going to go on display in a stunning exhibition brought to you by the Museum of Gloucester.

Back in 1977 when the movie Star Wars broke box office records, no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys and merchandise of the film took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 to 1985, an estimated 300 million action figures were sold, allowing children to re-enact the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo.

May The Toys Be With You is both a celebration of the now highly collectable vintage toy line and also of the iconic design work and art of the Star Wars movies. From X-Wing Fighters to lightsabers, these fantastical designs have fired our imaginations and stamped their place on our cultural landscape. For little kids and ‘big kids’ alike, this is an unmissable opportunity to view many rarely seen Star Wars treasures. This exhibition has broken visitor attendance records at a host of museums around the country and we’re now getting excited for its visit to Gloucester.

The exhibition runs from Saturday 24 June until Saturday 30 September 2023 – please see the museum website for all opening hours. On Saturday 24 June, please note that we are also inviting the Gloucestershire Troopers to ‘open’ the exhibition for us and be around the city centre welcoming visitors to Gloucester and the museum itself…

Cllr Andrew Lewis, cabinet member for Culture said:
“This exhibition is a striking return to form for the blockbuster exhibitions that we have become used to seeing at the Museum of Gloucester each summer. I am delighted that such a popular and prestigious exhibition is coming soon to a museum near you and I have no doubt that the team at the museum will make this a spectacular show to remember for all ages young and old, kids big and small.
All audiences will find something of interest and we aim to provide something for all interests, whether you are a seasoned visitor or a new visitor to the museum, we look forwards to the force guiding you in your visit...”

Matt Fox, exhibition curator said:
“Since first seeing Star Wars as a wide-eyed five year old, it has never ceased to fill me with a sense of childhood wonder. A bit of that magic is captured in the fantastical art of the cinema posters and the designs of the vintage toys. It is a privilege to share my collection and some of that magic with you!”

For all up-to-date news and information on the exhibition and the additional programme of events and activities to be announced please see links below.