Exhibitions
Dykstraflex-Spielberg Family Gallery

Past Exhibitions

Dykstraflex-Spielberg Family Gallery

May 4, 2024–July 28, 2024

Previously presented on Level 1 (L1) in the Spielberg Family Gallery

About the Exhibition

Star Wars Dykstraflex on View May 4–July 28, 2024

For a limited time, visitors can see the behind-the-scenes innovations that brought thrilling motion to a galaxy far, far away in the original Star Wars trilogy. Groundbreaking special effects company Industrial Light & Magic developed new technologies for the space epic, including the Dykstraflex computerized motion control system. The Dykstraflex’s precisely-controlled shots of single miniature models are the backbone of the trilogy’s memorable, heart-pumping space battles, and the system forever changed the way movies are made.

This special presentation of the Dykstraflex used to film Star Wars is accompanied by an original interview (2022) with its lead inventor, John Dykstra, and a montage celebrating Star Wars’ landmark special effects artistry. Demonstrations will be scheduled periodically from May 4–July 28, 2024. Sign up for our Museum Insider newsletter or check out our Full Calendar of events for the latest scheduling updates. Demonstrations:

Saturday, July 27 12:30-1:30pm 2:30-3:30pm

Sunday, July 28 12:30-1:30pm 2:30-3:30pm

This installation is included in the Academy Museum general admission ticket.

This installation is organized by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in collaboration with the Science and Technology Council, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Richard Edlund (left) and Gary Kurtz (right) film the Millennium Falcon using the Dykstraflex during production of STAR WARS, 1977, American Society of Cinematographers collection, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Supported By

Dolby is the exclusive audio sponsor of this gallery.

Stories of Cinema is presented by PwC. Major funding is provided by Gerald Schwartz and Heather Reisman. Generous support is provided by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Ruderman Family Foundation, FotoKem, Barbara Roisman Cooper and Martin M. Cooper, Jocelyn R. Katz, John Ptak and Margaret Black, Lauren Shuler Donner, Randy E. Haberkamp, Kevin McCormick and A. Scott Berg, CHANEL, and John and Lacey Williams. Technology solutions generously provided by Panasonic and Sony Electronics Inc. Powered by Dolby. Academy Museum digital engagement platform sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.