Last Updated on May 11, 2025
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, OH opened Unofficial Galaxies on May 9, 2025, an all-new, limited-time exhibition inviting visitors to step inside one of the most expansive ‘Star Wars’ fan collections in the world. Open through September 1, 2025, Unofficial Galaxies transports visitors into the heart of a beloved sci-fi universe through an extraordinary array of screen-accurate costumes, iconic ships, behind-the-scenes models, and character recreations that pay tribute to a saga that has inspired generations for nearly five decades.
The exhibition celebrates the creativity, craft, and design behind these fantastical worlds – and how those worlds, in turn, fuel real-world imagination, innovation, and discovery.
“This exhibition taps into something timeless,” Frederic Bertley, COSI President & CEO, said. “Unofficial Galaxies reminds us that imagination is one of humanity’s greatest tools. Science fiction dares us to envision new worlds, new technologies, and bold frontiers. The same curiosity that drives these stories forward also drives scientific discovery. When young people walk through this exhibition, they’re not just seeing iconic ships or characters – they’re seeing how creativity and science can come together to shape what’s next. That spark is exactly what we aim to ignite at COSI, and we’re proud to bring this experience to Columbus and the Midwest.”
To mark the launch of Unofficial Galaxies, COSI has partnered with The Junto Hotel – an iconic boutique hotel in Downtown Columbus – to create an exclusive Columbus travel package for fans and families alike, including:
- Two tickets to Unofficial Galaxies at COSI
- Two themed cocktails at Trade Room, where you must choose your destiny – Dark or Light
- Exclusive merchandise from COSI to commemorate your intergalactic experience
- A 2 Night Stay at The Junto, your basecamp for adventure in Columbus
Visitors can take advantage of the exclusive “Dark Side or Light” package by clicking here.
The journey doesn’t end there – themed experiences and sci-fi-inspired events will be taking place across the city throughout the summer, from interactive events and culinary creations to collectible offerings. It’s a citywide invitation to celebrate the spirit of the galaxy in the heart of the Midwest.
The exhibition is in no way linked to Disney Enterprises INC, Lucasfilm Ltd LLC, Lucas Licensing Ltd or Lucas Entertainment Company Ltd LLC. The exhibition is a privately owned collection. All the images used are reproductions of private works belonging to the exhibition and from Shutterstock.
Plan Your Visit
For tickets and information, visit cosi.org/unofficialgalaxies.
Visitors can also explore COSI’s newly opened exhibition, Sharks – a deep dive into the survival science, natural history, and cultural mythology of the ocean’s most iconic predator. Together, Unofficial Galaxies and Sharks offer a full day of science, spectacle, and storytelling.
About COSI
COSI, ranked “#1 Science Museum in the Country” for five years as voted by USA TODAY’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning.
COSI has been awarded nine Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages.
