Nick Crotty and his Star Wars collection in the Scienceworks foyer
Source: Nick Crotty
Internationally, unofficially, the 4th of May is Star Wars Day, when fans of the cult-status films greet each other knowingly with “May the 4th be with you”.
In 2009, the date also marks one month until the exhibition Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination opens at Scienceworks. With material from all six Star Wars films, there will be more than 80 costumes, interactives, models and props on display.
It’s an exhibition that the Star Wars fans among Museum Victoria staff have been anticipating for months. Nick Crotty, collection manager and passionate Star Wars buff, is over the moon about the chance to work closely with the travelling exhibition. He is part of the team installing the artefacts and exhibits and rearranging the museum's collection store to accomodate 200 square metres of crates in which the exhibits will arrive on 9 May.
Nick recently lent his collection to a temporary showcase in the Scienceworks foyer. Like many kids in the 1980s, he collected the figures, including a TIE fighter and an Imperial Shuttle, which now have the marks and battle scars of much-loved toys. He also has one figure (EV-9D9) still in its original box.
“I’ve always loved the films, right from the first time I saw them,” says Nick. “It was a complete world that I could immerse myself in. The toys added to that. With my best friend, I built bases, acted out scenes from the movies and created stories of my own.”
Enthusiasts will relish the chance to view real props, costumes and other artefacts from the films. For Nick, there’s one item in particular he’s keen to see – the wampa, the ice creature from Hoth. “It’s only on screen for about sixty seconds. Now I’ll be able to get a proper look at it.”
The discussion of the science behind the films adds an extra dimension to the exhibition. Some of the technologies that seemed fantastically futuristic when the original films were made are now a reality. Visitors can explore these amazing ideas about transportation and robotics in hands-on activities.
Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination opens on 4 June and runs until 3 November 2009. Those keen to be the first in Melbourne to see the show can attend an exclusive preview event on 2 June. Tickets to the exhibition and the preview event can be purchased online at the exhibition website.