Two heroes.
They share the same genes. They came from the same planet. So what makes them so different?

During my stay at Vienna I visited BAROQUE BAROQUE and Star Wars Identities THE EXHIBITION. Something completely different! But maybe you know Michelle and me we are both Star Wars fans and that’s okay. It’s part of our pop cultural history. ;D

You can visit Star Wars Identities until April 16th at MAK (Austrian Museum of Applied Arts / Contemporary Art). The museum was only the exhibition place, they didn’t take any curating functions. Star Wars Identities was planned by X3 Productions, they’re “developing and promoting interactive blockbuster touring museum exhibitions”.

What you can see in the exhibition

A numerous of costumes of Luke Skywalker, Padme Amidala, Lea Skywalker or Anakin Skywalker aka Darth Vader! The different dresses of Padme were really wonderful. You see models, props, artworks and lifesize figures. Props from all six Star Wars movies and the television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. A true paradise for all fans!

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION pod racer

This is the dress Padmé Amidala wore to the galactical senat when Palpatine named himself imperator of the galaxy. Costume, Star Wars: Episode III., 2005. (Lucasfilm Archive)

Padmé Amidala became queen of Naboo at the age of 14. Her costumes were extraordinary and a true highlight in the movies. This one was worn by Natalie Portman in Star Wars: Episode I, 1999 (Lucasfilm Archive)

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION The dark side! Different sith characters from the movies.

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION Early sketch of Anakin’s mother, Shmi Skywalker. In this sketch she’s even wearing a light saber. Sketching. Computer print. Dermot Power. Star Wars: Episode I, 1999. (Lucasfilm Archive)

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION Model of one of the many creatures made for the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION BB-8 the new droid in the series who followed R2D2 and C-3PO. The little droid is the secret star in Star Wars Episode VII the force awakens

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION The famous robot human communicated droid who became famous as the perfect match of R2D2. C-3PO was made by Anakin Skywalker.

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION The costume of a storm trooper.

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION Three different storm trooper helmets

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION Chewbacca is the famous Wookiie from the series and best friend of Han Solo who rescued him from slavary. He navigates the millennial falcon.

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION “I work best under pressure” several sketches show the evaluation of figures from the Star Wars universe. Some took ages to became what we know them for today. Cartoon. Ken Ralston. Star Wars: Episode VI. Return of the Jedi, 1983. (Lucasfilm Archive)

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION Visuals of planets and places

When I entered the museum I got an audio guide and a bracelet. I was a little bit confused and excited – two things at once. What might happen in the exhibition? I had to activate my bracelet before I entered the exhibition. After a few minutes I started my walk through the world of Star Wars. At first I saw a movie, which is an introduction for the audience. The exhibition includes ten stations, at every station you are invited to respond to a series of identity questions. With my smart bracelet I created my own Star Wars hero and learned something about myself. Sounds crazy? It was! There are questions about your childhood, education or your attitudes. Your answers are saved in the bracelet. Every station has it’s own topic: What kind of creature are you? How did you grow up? What experiences have shaped you? What’s important for you? You answer all those questions for yourself, but you find out, how Anakin and Luke did, too. It’s hard to describe, but it was really fun.

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION One of the several sound stations in the exhibition. Movie scenes explain the relation between science and fiction. An interesting concept!

Star Wars Identities – THE EXHIBITION Which powers do you want? The exhibition invites visitors to explore their personality and the world of Star Wars

Every single one of those ten stations included at least two sound and video stations. The first station was about the gerenal topic, factual knowledge is in demand. On the website you can read: „These videos were developed in collaboration with the Montreal Science Centre and a team of experts practicing in a variety of scientific fields, including genetics, neuropsychology, health sciences, and psychology.” At the second sound and video station you got more information about the Star Wars characters.

The last question iwas a decision you had to make: For what side of the force is your heart beating? Do you choose the dark force? Or the bright side? Are you a Jedi or a Sith? Any idea what I choose? 😉 Have a look at my personal Star Wars character!

I’ve heard every sound and video installation, read several texts in the exhibition, took part at every single interactive station to create my character. My visit took 1 hour and 15 minutes. After enjoying the world of Luke and Anakin I checked out the store, but I found nothing, nothing which was financeable and beautiful. What a pity!

Admission

The admission is 21,95 € for adults (Monday to Friday). On Saturday and Sunday adults have to pay 24,95 €. Families pay 19,50 € per person (2 adults, 2 children under 18 years) = 78 €. I have to ask myself, who can afford the admission price? The exhibition is really cool, that’s not the question. But the admission makes me think about it. For families a truely expensive adventure! But I am sure, real Star Wars fans can’t be swayed! I am a nerd and I had fun.

#exhibition | Star Wars Identities

#museum | MAK (Museum für angewandte Kunst)

#until | 16. April 2016

#soon | 14. Mai 2016 in Munich