The Art of Star Wars is the major event this autumn at the Helsinki City Art Museum Tennis Palace. It is a tribute to the numerous artists and movie professionals who, together with filmmaker George Lucas, created the Star Wars universe known throughout the world.

The exhibition illustrates the art of filmmaking from numerous perspectives. It includes production paintings and concept designs by Ralph McQuarrie, who created the look and feel of the original Star Wars trilogy, and Doug Chiang, who was responsible for the visual world of The Phantom Menace. The significant contribution of model makers is illustrated with several scale models, including the Millennium Falcon, the X-wing and TIE fighters, and a full-scale model of Anakin's Podracer from The Phantom Menace.

An entire section is dedicated to the sounds and music of Star Wars, with special sound effects created by sound designer Ben Burtt. Sound is also a key feature of the installation showcasing the dark spectre of Darth Vader, which also supplements the extensive costume section. The most famous costumes from the original trilogy included in the exhibition are those of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. Also on display are the costumes for Darth Maul and two elaborate gowns of Queen Amidala and her handmaidens, designed by Iain McCaig and Trisha Biggar for The Phantom Menace. In Helsinki, the costumes section also includes a replica of the silver necklace Planetary Valleys worn by Princess Leia in the final scene of the first Star Wars movie. The replica necklace is on loan from the designer Björn Weckström, one of the most famous jewelry designers in Finland.

The extraordinary aliens of the films come to life in a section which traces their evolution from first concept designs and scale models down to the final characters. This section especially highlights the creative process behind the characters of Jar Jar Binks and Jabba the Hutt. The exhibition also presents the loveable droids C-3PO and R2-D2, both in concept designs and as full-scale models.

In the interactive section, visitors can further explore the Star Wars universe by surfing the official homepages of the saga at www.starwars.com, and play the latest Star Wars games.

The Art of Star Wars also includes several ancillary events. In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition, a panel of Star Wars artists will talk about their work with the public. The panel discussion will be opened by a series of talks, which will introduce visitors to the world of filmmaking from different angles. In addition, musical performances and programs designed especially for children and families will be featured.

The Art of Star Wars exhibition and tour were organized by the Barbican Centre, London in collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd. All of the objects in this exhibition are on loan from the Archives of Lucasfilm Ltd.

The main sponsor of The Art of Star Wars is Finnet International. The main media sponsor of The Art of Star Wars exhibition is Helsingin Sanomat. The museum has also cooperated with HKL (Helsinki City Transport).

For more information, please contact: Senior Curator Sointu Fritze tel. +358 9 310 87022 / Educational Curator Arja Hentinen tel. +358 9 310 87007 / Press Secretary Karri Buchert tel. +358 9 310 87004.

Guided tours: Free tours in Finnish on Wednesdays at 18.00 and on Saturdays and Sundays at 14.00 in Finnish and at 13.00 in Swedish every first and third Sunday of each month. To book tours at other times and in other languages, please call +358 9 310 87003.

Art Museum Tennis Palace
Open: Tue-Sun 11-20.30
Admission: FIM 50/40/25, family ticket FIM 120. Children under 7 free admission.