Sci Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition opening at Riverside Museum

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.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 10 January 2025 8:18

The Sci-Fi Galactic Adventures exhibition will open at Riverside Museum – run by Glasgow Life, the charity that leads culture and sport in Glasgow – from Saturday 11 January to Sunday 6 April 2025.

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 space speeders, galactic soldiers, fighter models and a well-known android.

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, which can now be found in Glasgow’s Riverside Museum.

Sci-Fi Galactic Adventures

Stewart Thompson, Museum Manager at Riverside Museum, said: “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. 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.”

Mike Hutchinson, Back to the 80s Event and Prop Hire owner, said: “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. 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.

Brian McDavid, Imperial Scottish Garrison Commanding Officer, said: “The Imperial Scottish Garrison is honoured to be asked to help make this exhibition the best that we can 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.”

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.

Images Credit: Ross MacDonald / SNS

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square set to open this Thursday

Glasgow's Winter Wonderland gets underway this week with the opening of St Enoch Square on Thursday 6th November from 12 noon until 9pm.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Have a merry little Christmas at Glasgow Science Centre

Make this winter one to remember at Glasgow Science Centre! Discover a line-up of unmissable seasonal events packed with science, wonder and festive fun!

Four top chefs in Glasgow team up to raise money for Hospitality Health

Four of Glasgow's top chefs are teaming up on Thursday 13th November to host a charity dinner for Glasgow based charity, Hospitality Health.

Go to Christmas market for locally made gifts returns to Glasgow city centre

Mary's Meals' much-loved market – where your Christmas shopping can help feed hungry children – returns at The Social Hub this November!

Peter Kay announces triumphant return to the OVO Hydro next year

Extra tickets released including premium seats to celebrate his record-breaking stand-up tour.

Unfolded brings sustainable pop up shop and sample sale back to Glasgow for one weekend only at the iconic Buchanan Galleries

Groundbreaking Scottish sustainable ladies fashion brand Unfolded is returning to the heart of Glasgow and the homeland of ladies fashion for one weekend only.

Martin Compston to bring star power to Hoolie in the Hydro as co host

Celebrated Scottish actor Martin Compston has been announced as the co-host for this year's highly anticipated Hoolie in the Hydro: The Big Yin.

Buchanan Galleries marks Purple Tuesday with Charity Partnerships

Buchanan Galleries is marking Purple Tuesday, on 4th November, with a series of initiatives designed to champion accessibility and inclusion within the centre.

Pizza Punks is coming to town with an all new door to door delivery service

Pizza Punks Glasgow have revealed a revolutionary new service, door to door delivery, and to celebrate, the pizza scene disrupters are offering 50% off your first order!

Reward offered for return of Elvis artwork stolen from The Clutha Bar in Glasgow

The Clutha Bar and local artist Moe Rocksmoore are appealing for the safe return of Elvis, a much-loved artwork created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools.

Book Tales: Storytelling through the lives of readers past and present

This November, the University of Glasgow and The Mitchell Library invite you to explore the rich and historical life of books in a series of engaging Being Human Festival.

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn unveils luxury recliners and immersive 4DX experience

Cineworld Glasgow Silverburn has just completed a major transformation, introducing luxury recliner seating and an immersive 4DX auditorium!

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Crossbasket Castle unveils festive events for 2025

As the festive season approaches, five-star Scottish castle, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled its calendar of seasonal events and experiences.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus

Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.

The Superlative Collection to host charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland in Princes Square

The Superlative Collection are taking over Glasgow's iconic Princes Square, on Friday 21st November, to host a charity fashion show in collaboration with Smart Works Scotland.

KENJI to open first Scottish store at Silverburn

Silverburn, Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, will welcome Scotland’s first KENJI store this December.

Aldi calls on schools in Glasgow to sign up for healthy eating programme

Aldi is inviting schools, parents and guardians in Glasgow to sign up to its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, which teaches children about the importance of healthy eating.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Double win for Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant in Glasgow at the Asian Restaurant Awards

Two of Glasgow's most loved dining spots, Rickshaw & Co. and Raja Rani Restaurant, have achieved a remarkable double victory at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2025.

Omniplex Cinema Group acquires iconic Renfrew Street cinema

Omniplex Cinemas has announced the acquisition of Glasgow's iconic Renfrew Street cinema, the tallest cinema in the world, marking an exciting new chapter for the venue.

Design your own FORTY t shirt at two stores in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.