Press Release  May 21, 2018

Detroit Institute of Arts Explores Artistry in “Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume”

Courtesy Detroit Institute of Arts

BB-8, Yoda and an Ewok, along with more than 60 original costumes from the first seven movies in the Star Wars saga are some of the highlights of the exhibition “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) May 20–Sept. 30, 2018. In addition, more than 150 pieces and sketches document the creative process, encompassing the essence of George Lucas’ vision and the exciting challenge of translating his iconic characters into a dynamic reality.

Courtesy Detroit Institute of Arts

Concept Art, Queen Amidala Senate Gown. Star Wars™: The Phantom Menace. © & ™ 2018 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

"This exhibition allows visitors to explore the creative processes behind the art of costume design, while discovering the unexpected ways in which these works relate to art from the DIA's collection," said Salvador-Salort-Pons, DIA director. "It also connects directly with our Detroit Film Theatre program, which has shared the art of film with hundreds of thousands of visitors over its 42-year history."

The exhibition provides an up-close look at costumes of some of the most beloved—and infamous—characters in cinema history, among them Queen Amidala, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, Han Solo, X-wing Pilots and Droids, including C-3PO and R2-D2.

Visitors can watch the designers and actors through several videos and experience the processes of concept artists and costume designers through interactive opportunities. Interpretation of cultural and historic context by Smithsonian scholars is also part of the experience.

DIA members can see the exhibition for free, and can reserve tickets beginning March 15. General public tickets go on sale April 1. Tickets are available at www.dia.org/StarWars or by calling 313-833-4005.

Tickets

Adults: $19 Tuesday–Thursday, $24 Friday–Sunday;
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents receive a $5 per ticket discount

Groups of 15+: $15 Tuesday–Thursday, $20 Friday–Sunday;
groups from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties receive a $3 per ticket discount

Youth ages 6–17: $7

Youth groups of 15+: $6

Extended hours

Thursdays, 4–8 p.m., exhibition and South Wing open

Saturdays, 9–10 a.m., museum open

Saturdays, 5–8 p.m., exhibition and South Wing open

Sundays, 9–10 a.m., museum open

"Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume" was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in partnership with the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and in consultation with Lucasfilm, Ltd.  The Denver Art Museum provided additional scholarship and creative modifications to the exhibition at the DIA. Objects in this exhibition are on loan from the Archives of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Star Wars™ and all related characters, names and indicia are trademarks of & copyright © & TM 2018 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved.

Regular Museum Hours and Admission

9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. General admission (excludes ticketed exhibitions) is free for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. For all others, $14 for adults, $9 for seniors ages 62+, $8 for college students, $6 for ages 6–17. For membership information, call 313-833-7971.

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