An exhibition that’s set to be out of this galaxy
From a galaxy far, far away comes an absolute must see for fans of Star Wars and the silver screen.
A stunning May The Toys Be With You exhibition opens at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven on Saturday 27 April and is one of the UK’s finest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and original cinema posters.
Back when the movie Star Wars broke box office records in 1977 no one could have predicted that the merchandising would go on to earn even more than the film itself. The toys of Star Wars took the world by storm and became the must-have playthings for an entire generation. From 1977 – 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.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“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 excited for its first ever visit to Cumbria.”
On the opening day of the exhibition, the West Cumbria Cosplayers will be visiting the museum, and the 501st Garrison visiting on Tuesday 28 May. Both are cosplay groups so visitors can meet characters from a galaxy far, far away.
Owned and managed by Cumberland Council, The Beacon Museum is open daily 10am – 4.30pm during school holidays. During term time it is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm and Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Closed Monday.
Last admission is 45 minutes prior to closing.
Every first Sunday of every month, they hold a ‘quiet hour’ for the first hour of opening (11am – 12pm).
You can find out more at the museum’s website.
The exhibition runs between Saturday 27 April and Saturday 13 July 2024.