Fans wanting to see C-3P0 up close and personal, or stand next to a podracer, now have their chance with The Art of Star Wars, a new major museum exhibition featuring over 200 pieces of artwork, props, and costumes from the original Star Wars trilogy is traveling throughout Japan in 2003 and 2004.

The Art of Star Wars exhibition explores the genesis and production of the films in the Star Wars saga. It includes original objects used in the creation of the films, from concept artwork and production paintings to models, prototypes, costumes and props from the archives of Lucasfilm, Ltd.

Fans will not be disappointed with the bounty of objects on display which include art of stormtroopers, C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, the Emperor, Yoda, Chewbacca and a major Jabba the Hutt model. In addition to various costumes on display worn by beloved characters of Luke, Leia and Han Solo, there are also plenty of production drawings and paintings, storyboards and posters (including the Revenge of the Jedi poster mock-up, which was later changed to Return of the Jedi.)

Thanks to the The Art of Star Wars exhibit fans gain an understanding of the evolution from Ralph McQuarrie's production paintings to what is seen on screen. Many of the displays showcase illustrated ideas, prototypes and final models, so fans can get a better grasp of the overall creative process in a linear fashion.

Lucasfilm Collections Manager Laela French, Lucasfilm Director of Special Programs Kathleen Holliday and ILM Master Model Maker Lorne Peterson traveled to Japan to help the staff at the prestigious Kyoto National Museum prepare for the exhibit.

Five museum venues will host The Art of Star Wars, which will travel Japan throughout 2003 and 2004. The exhibition opened at the Kyoto National Museum with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony attended by President of Lucas Licensing Howard Roffman and none other than C-3PO himself, actor Anthony Daniels.

Following this first exhibition at the Kyoto National Museum, tentative dates and venues are:

Nagoya Science Museum
October-December 2003

Kyoto National Museum (Episodes I & II)
January-March 2004

Tokyo National Science Museum
March-June 2004

Fukushima Prefecture Art Museum, Fukushima
July-September 2004

Fukushima Prefecture Museum, Aizu
September-December 2004

Snapshots from the exihibit:

Kathleen Holliday (Lucasfilm Director of Special Programs) stands under umbrellas with Ms. Narita and Mr. Hata from the Kyoto National Museum.

ILM Master Model Maker Lorne Peterson lends his special touch to the preparation of the exhibit.

Lucasfilm Collections Manager Laela French wears protective white gloves to help set up fragile props for the exhibit.

President of Lucas Licensing Howard Roffman, C-3PO actor Anthony Daniels and esteemed members of Kyoto National Museum cut the ribbon to open the event.