The Art of Star Wars Part 2, a new major museum exhibition featuring props, costumes, models and artwork from Episode I and II of the Star Wars films debuts in Kyoto.

The Art of Star Wars Part 2 exhibition explores the genesis and production of the two recent 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.

Last spring archival objects from Episodes IV-VI travelled to Japan for the first installation of the exhibit, however for this second installment the focus now includes various props, costumes, concept artwork, models and production paintings from Episodes I and II.

The exhibition opened in January at the prestigious Kyoto National Museum. Main attractions in the exhibit include two lifesize models of C-3PO, a model of an insect-shaped Geonosian, Anakin Skywalker's humble slave costume, Padmé Amidala's regal thrown room gown and Senate gown, a large-size model of the Royal Box of Jabba the Hutt at the Podrace arena, a model of the acklay arena creature, a production painting of the Naboo Royal N-1 starfighter, concept drawings of the dark Sith Darth Maul and more.

Following its exhibition in Kyoto, tentative dates and venues are:

Kyoto National Museum
Episodes I and II
January - March 2004

Tokyo National Science Museum
Episodes I, II, IV, V, VI
March - June 2004

Fukushima Prefecture Art Museum, Fukushima
Episodes IV, V, VI
July - September 2004

Fukushima Art Museum, Aizu
Episodes I and II
July - September 2004

Click here for more information on the exhibit from the official Kyoto National Museum Web site.