DENVER, COLO. — Star Wars fans have been eagerly anticipating Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which hits theaters today, and whose advance ticket sales have been so strong that it is on track to break box office records and easily earn $1 billion — yes we said billion. Tapping into that phenomenon, the Denver Art Museum is preparing for a “sequel” next year in the form of the exhibition, “Star Wars™ and the Power of Costume,” which will be at the museum November 13–April 2.

Concept Art. C-3PO and R2-D2. Star Wars™: A New Hope and C-3PO, Star Wars™: The Empire Strikes Back, R2-D2, Star Wars™: A New Hope. Both images © & ™ 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

The exhibition will give museum visitors a look behind the scenes into the fantasy, marvel and delight of bringing characters in the Star Wars universe to life through a dramatic presentation of original costumes. “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” will closely examine the captivating process of costume conception and design for iconic outfits, from Princess Leia’s unforgettable bikini to Darth Vader’s imposing black uniform, featured in all seven films of the Star Wars series.

“The creative process behind crafting the world of Star Wars is part of a pop-culture phenomenon that we are thrilled to bring to the Rocky Mountain region,” said Christoph Heinrich, the museum’s Frederick and Jan Mayer Director. “A vivid exhibition display and behind-the-scenes look will delight creatives, designers and die-hard fans alike.”

The challenges and triumphs of bringing characters and their believable worlds to life will be revealed through thematic exhibition sections, including Jedi vs. Sith and the Galactic Senate. More than 60 hand-crafted costumes from all seven of the blockbuster Star Wars films will uncover the connection between character and costume. “Star Wars and the Power of Costume” also will explore the imagination and artistry of the world’s most recognized cinematic costumes, taking a closer look at the iconic villain Darth Vader, Wookiee Chewbacca, X-Wing pilots and Droids™, including C-3PO and R2-D2.

“So many of us have warm memories and a fascination associated with the Star Wars films, and it’s really the characters that maintain this longstanding connection,” said Stefania Van Dyke, interpretive specialist of the DAM. “Characters like Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker have become inseparably associated with their costumes, and our unique presentation will give a look at the inspiration and nuanced creative processes of designers and artisans.”

Individual tickets for this ticketed exhibition will go on sale on May 4. Tickets for groups of 10 or more are available now by calling 720-913-0088 or emailing groupsales@denverartmuseum.org.