Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away … many of us were sitting in a movie theater getting blown away by the special effects in the first Star Wars movie. No one could have imagined the love affair the saga would inspire since that film premiered in 1977.
The generational appeal of Star Wars has continued through the original trilogy, the prequel movies and now the popular TV series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. And that's why the new Pacific Science Center exhibit, "Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination," will appeal to children and adults alike.
The exhibit uses the imaginings of the films as a lens into the future of robotics and travel, which for my family was just a positive offshoot to the grand opportunity to see our favorite costumes, spacecraft and weapons up close. Whatever you like best about Star Wars, this exhibit will not disappoint.
Originally developed by Boston's Museum of Science and Lucasfilm Ltd., the exhibit's interactive stations and artifact cases kept my kids busy for a good couple of hours. There are over 100 costumes and props, two "Engineering Design Labs" and a few experiential activities to occupy museum-goers.
Upon entry, you are greeted with the only full-size vehicle at the exhibit – Luke's Landspeeder (you'll remember him racing over sand dunes with it in the first film). The rest of the famed spacecraft, including the Millennium Falcon, an X-wing Starfighter, Imperial TIE fighter and Sebulba Podracer, are intricate and impressive scale models. The models are often accompanied by TV screens that show movie clips and interviews with filmmakers, scientists or engineers.
My 6-year-old son loved the models. He plays with my husband's old Star Wars toys and the two bond over lightsaber fights. He also enjoyed the first Engineering Design Lab, where kids build floating cars out of LEGOs and magnets and test their magnetic levitation on different tracks.
My 4-year-old daughter, and admittedly myself, lacked the patience and wherewithal to build the floating car. But thankfully, younger children can have a few turns with a car that is already built when the older kids are done with them.
Kids ages 5 and older have a chance to ride a hovercraft, which also demonstrates levitation. This vehicle floats on a cushion of air and may be steered by its occupant. The ride is over in a matter of seconds, which keeps the line for this hot attraction moving quickly.
Robots are a major theme in the Star Wars exhibit. Several robots from the movies are on display, including the beloved C-3PO and R2-D2. Current robotic technology is also explored.
Families can take in a 15-minute movie featuring C-3PO and other robots. The audiovisual elements of this experience weren't quite up to par – it was hard to hear with the outside noise from the exhibit and we couldn't see the on-screen narrator, since we were at the far end of the theater. However, the kids got a kick out of seeing the robots.
In the second Engineering Design Lab, young people can test out the mobility, perception and cognition of robots by constructing their own machines or helping pre-built robots navigate obstacles. This section was particularly popular with the 10 and older crowd, but younger kids will have fun with guidance from adults.
Don't miss the Millennium Falcon Interactive Experience, a multimedia presentation that places participants into a full-size cockpit replica for a virtual jump to light speed. This activity is elsewhere on the Pacific Science Center campus, in Building 2, and costs an extra $3.
After perusing the exhibit, people are funneled through a Star Wars gift shop before they exit. Be prepared for the begging. We scooted out with a couple of Pez dispensers and a puzzle (and a few tears because there were some awesome LEGO sets for sale).
Each member of my family enjoyed the Star Wars exhibit. I loved seeing the costumes, especially the larger-than-life Darth Vader and the Yoda puppet. The weapons case was a hit with the boys. And my daughter, when asked what she liked best, piped up with "the Pez!" Clearly, there is something there for everyone.
IF YOU GO
Where: Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., at Seattle Center.
When: Exhibit hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Tickets for the timed-entry to Star Wars, which includes general admission to Pacific Science Center, are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for youth (6 to 15), $13 for children (3 to 5), and free for children younger than 3.
Contact: Tickets: 800-664-8775; information: 206-443-2001; www.pacificsciencecenter.org.
Taryn Zier is a freelance writer based in Lake Forest Park and mother of two children, ages 4 and 6.
