Glasgow’s Riverside Museum is giving visitors a chance to step into a galaxy far, far away and experience the magic of the world’s favourite space saga, Star Wars. Its free “Sci Fi Galactic Adventures” exhibition opens this Saturday, 11th January 2025, and runs until April.
The free display features replica costumed characters, full-size models, props and sets inspired by cosmic battles and galactic encounters, making it perfect for all lovers of science fiction, from die-hard fans of the franchise to those discovering it for the first time.
Among the eye-catching items on show are land speeders, galactic soldiers, fighter models – and a well-known droid.
The Sci-Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition has been many years in the making. After meeting a replica Stormtrooper during a family visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum manager Stewart Thompson decided to follow his dream of bringing the space saga to Glasgow.
Having seen first-hand how popular film car exhibitions were when vehicles such as a replica Batmobile and Jurassic Park jeeps rolled into Riverside Museum, Stewart also wanted to offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy a display dedicated to George Lucas’ space sensation.
The challenge was finding someone or an organisation who could supply enough replica props and characters from the movies. After spending weeks searching for suppliers, Stewart eventually found a Leeds-based event and prop hire company called Back to the 80s.
Back to the 80s owner Mike Hutchinson was able to offer a series of sets, objects and props including a full-size spaceship from the 1977 film, an X-wing built by Yorkshire Props, which can now be found in Glasgow’s Riverside Museum.
“A long time ago, I took my young son to Kelvingrove, where we encountered the full-size replica of an Imperial Stormtrooper, standing 6ft 2 inches tall,” says Stewart Thompson, Museum Manager at Riverside Museum. “I’ll never forget his excitement and I knew then I wanted to bring some of that epic space saga magic to Glasgow.
“Now, visitors to Riverside Museum can witness more of George Lucas’ legendary characters and ships, owned by dedicated fan and collector Mike Hutchinson. Whether fans saw the films in the 1980s, 2000s or more recently, they will love seeing the interplanetary displays which pay tribute to various heroes, villains and their homelands on sand dunes and in forests and deep space. They’ll feel transported out of this world.”
“I have a passion for iconic 80s films and can’t wait to show some of my sci-fi collection to the people of Scotland,” Mike Hutchinson, Back to the 80s Event and Prop Hire owner comments. “It’s not often I get to exhibit some of my larger props in the same place.”
Costuming organisation the Imperial Scottish Garrison will lend characters to help bring the Sci-Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition to life for visitors to Riverside Museum.
“The Imperial Scottish Garrison is honoured to be asked to help make this exhibition the best that we can,” says Brian McDavid, Imperial Scottish Garrison Commanding Officer, “by providing some well-known characters to enhance the public experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to see some fantastic life-size replica props from probably the most popular sci-fi franchise in the world. These props are each so recognisable that being able to be up close to them will be an amazing experience for the public, whether they are fans or not. These props are rarely seen outside of dedicated sci-fi events and to see them in such a great setting as Riverside Museum will be something special.”
This exhibition is perfect for fans of the franchise of all ages, offering something for everyone, from die-hards, to those discovering the saga for the first time through spectacular displays, models and props.
While you’re there, why not keep your eyes peeled for 16 mini figures tucked into unexpected places! Follow the clues for this Adventures Figure Trail, and track down each one and learn something new about the Riverside exhibits along the way.
The Museum is also offering visitors the chance to make your own peg doll inspired by your favourite sci-fi characters from a galaxy far, far away…
Rey’s speeder, based on the original first seen in Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens, was built as a personal project by Yorkshire Props back when the film was first released from wood and fibreglass.
The X-wing has taken the last few weeks to repair, repaint and refit – and took nearly three days to set up in the museum!
The Sci-Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition can be visited for free during Riverside Museum’s opening hours: Monday to Thursday, and Saturday, 10.00am to 5.00pm; Friday and Sunday, 11.00am to 5.00pm.
• Sci Fi Galactic Adventures Saturday 11th January – Sunday 6th April 2025, Riverside Transport Museum Glasgow, 100 Pointhouse Road, Glasgow G3 8RS | Free | Website
• Follow Back to the 80s on Facebook
• Follow Yorkshire Props on Facebook
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Film, Other Worlds, Star Wars
Peter Cushing exhibition running in Whitstable 
The countdown to Portsmouth Comic Con 2024 is on 
Cromford Sci-Fi Saturday offers cracking line up of Sci-Fi models, art and costumes next weekend
Leave a Reply