Items that were worn, handled, scribbled in and typed on during the creation of some of the most iconic science fiction works of our time — and the creators who made those works — are the focus of a new exhibit set to open at the Museum of Pop Culture’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in Seattle.
The new exhibition, opening this weekend, commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Hall of Fame, which was founded in 1996 and moved from the University of Kansas to its permanent home at MoPOP in 2004. The 2016 class of inductees includes the television and film franchise “Star Trek” and the film “Blade Runner,” as well as authors Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams. An additional 20 creators and works are being inducted to mark the anniversary, giving the Hall of Fame 108 inductees in all.
It’s a geek’s dream to get an up-close look at some of the very things that have made certain sci-fi movies and TV shows and books extra cool for so many years. The hand of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), slashed off during “The Empire Strikes Back” lightsaber duel with Darth Vader, is on display along with the lightsaber the character used in the original 1977 “Star Wars” movie.
The weapon itself is decidedly more low-tech than a 10-year-old might imagine, as the prop even includes the rubber blades of car windshield wipers in its construction.
Some of the more exceptional costumes on display include the leather jacket and fedora worn by Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and the headpiece of the Staff of Ra from 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark”; the tunic worn by Spock (Leonard Nimoy) on “Star Trek” in the late 1960s; the silk and snakeskin suit worn by Rachael (Sean Young) in the 1982 film “Blade Runner” and more.
Other interesting props include a hand-annotated “Alien” script that shows off the page from the 1979 Ridley Scott film featuring the scene when the baby creature bursts from the chest of the character Kane (John Hurt).
Here’s the complete list of the 20th anniversary class:
Creators:
- Douglas Adams
- Margaret Atwood
- Keith David
- Guillermo del Toro
- Terry Gilliam
- Jim Henson
- Jack Kirby
- Madeleine L’Engle
- C.S. Lewis
- H.P. Lovecraft
- Leonard Nimoy
- George Orwell
- Terry Pratchett
- Rumiko Takahashi
- John Williams
Works:
- “2001: A Space Odyssey”
- “Blade Runner”
- “Dungeons & Dragons”
- “The Matrix”
- “Myst”
- “The Princess Bride”
- “Star Trek”
- “Wonder Woman”
- “X-Files”
The exhibition also includes an interactive kiosk to allow visitors to get more in-depth information about each inductee as well as a video-viewing area that showcases accomplishments of the inductees. A “personality test” will also use an interactive storytelling experience to help users get connected to Hall of Fame members that match their interests.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame exhibition will open with a celebration event on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. at the museum, located at Seattle Center. Guests of honor will include actor Aaron Douglas (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Dirk Gently”), Wende Doohan, wife of the late James Doohan (Scotty on “Star Trek”) and Robyn Miller (co-creator of “Myst”). The event will also feature a Trek Talk panel exploring “Star Trek’s” 50-year impact on pop culture, fandom and geekery; live music performances by Roladex, DJ Kate (False Prophets) and the all-female Wonder Woman-inspired marching band Filthy FemCorps; themed gaming and activities; a costume parade; and more.
Tickets are available for purchase at MoPOP.org.
