Recently I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek at the new Star Trek exhibit at the Detroit Science Center. The variety of memorabilia was astounding and covered five TV series, ten (soon to be eleven) feature films. Items included outfits, “equipment” as well as busts of the alien races that became iconic. While there are pieces from all the series, it seemed that there were more items from the original series as well as The Next Generation. Each of the Star Trek captains’ uniforms were present as well as those of important supporting characters such as Dr. Bones McCoy and Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series, and Seven of Nine’s infamous skintight bodysuit.

When I started my journey as a Trekkie watching Star Trek: The Next Generation, I never imagined ever being to see that universe up close. I was able to see the bridge from the Shatner-era Star Trek. While not a huge fan of that show, I could appreciate that this was the same set where Shatner and Nemoy filmed their scenes. Guests at the exhibit had the opportunity to sit in the chair and touch the buttons. If anyone had fantasies of being Capt. Kirk while delivering his classic lines, then this part would appeal to you.

In another part of the exhibit, I was able to see personal items from Capt. Jean-Luc Picard’s personal quarters, which included: a bottle of wine from his family’s vineyard, the brass-colored flute that he played, as well as an assortment of other personal effects. There were also a selection of Picard’s uniforms from each of his work uniforms to his dress one. As I saw each of those pieces and remembered the episodes where I saw them, I could envision myself being in Picard’s quarters were it not for the barriers to keep out the crowds. Outside was a hallway that looked just like one of the many in The Next Generation. On the walls were replicas of the access panels where crew members did their work. Part of me wanted to touch them even though they didn’t do anything. I was happy to be living the fantasy.

Another section of the exhibit that tied it all together contained models of just about any ship that has ever been mentioned. Hanging from the ceiling were models of these ships and ranged from Dr. Zefrem Cochrane’s Phoenix (the first warp-capable ship); Kirk’s Enterprise (NCC-1701); Picard’s first ship, Stargazer, (NCC-2893); and, Sisko’s Defiant (NX-74205). Running along the walls, there was a timeline that likewise described every event in every character’s life that has ever been featured in a TV show or movie. This is an excellent point for those people intimately familiar with the Star Trek canon. For visual effect, this exhibit closely resembled the rear of the bridge of Picard’s Enterprise.

For any Star Trek fan, this exhibit is definitely something worth visiting. It runs until September 7th, which leaves plenty of time to check out this considerable exhibit.  I’m sure that there are plenty of Trekkies coming to see it for the first time or coming back for yet another repeat visit. Keep in mind that this exhibit doesn’t cover just the facts but also the “science” behind the show,  some of which became real (i.e pocket communicators=cell phones). So for all those hardcore Trekkies out there, I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. Prepare and get ready to go where no one has gone before!

Author: Jose A. Rodriguez (jarodriguez@miestilomag.com)