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  • Photo/Steve Howell "Star Wars: Identities" at the Montreal Science Centre is an interactive exhibition experience that offers a stunning collection of 200 pieces of "Star Wars" memorabilia. --

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  • Photo/Steve Howell Which Star Wars character are you most like? "Star Wars: Identities" helps visitors answer that question. --

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June 30, 2012

Interactive 'Star Wars' exhibit proves popular in Montreal

By STEVEN HOWELL, Press-Republican Press-Republican

MONTREAL — This time, the galaxy is not so far, far away.

The Montreal Science Centre and Lucasfilms present a summer blockbuster in the making with their newest exhibition, “Star Wars: Identities.”

The interactive exhibition combines a stunning collection of “Star Wars” memorabilia, including life-size robot models, ship replicas, props, costumes, and scene and character drawings and sketches. In all, some 200 pieces are displayed.

The collection spans all six installations of the “Star Wars” saga. The appeal goes well past any intrepid “Star Wars” fan. That said, a word to all wise Yodas: Be prepared for a wait in line, especially when visiting on the weekends. A weekday visit is highly recommended to get the most out of the experience.

The exhibition comes two-fold. The display of movie artifacts and fun facts stands on its own merit.

Standing at full attention is a unique array of “Star Wars” robots. Here, stormtroopers, R2-D2, C-3PO, and mouse and battle droids stand side by side waiting for their photo op — yes, photos without a flash are allowed.

The starship replicas will make anyone want to trade in their car for a much newer model. The impressive collection includes Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon, Imperial shuttle and Anakin’s full-sized Podracer.

All the main characters get a rightful nod as well. The “Star Wars” who’s who goes into depth about favorite characters, with Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and the intimidating Darth Vader all getting an exhibition close-up.

The character bios come complete with movie clips, early character-development sketches and fun facts. For example, wise, old Yoda’s eyes may look familiar as they were fashioned after the eyes of Albert Einstein.

And then there’s the interaction-identities part, which addresses what forces shape the visitor as a person, specifically: How did you become you? Are you most like a Twi’lek bounty hunter, a Wookiee Jedi Knight or an Ewok with fighter-pilot skills? The exhibition will let the museum-goer know.

Armed with an electronic smart-technology wristband and earphone, visitors travel through a series of 10 interactive stations sprinkled throughout the exhibit. Each station asks a variety of questions, including what were you born with, who do you hang out with, and what experiences have marked you?

Data is collected as the visitor answers each question with a swipe of the wristband. By visit’s end, the exhibit-goer takes one last swipe at a computer terminal, which enables them to add their email address to receive a personalized character profile when they get home.

May the force be with you.

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