The Millennium Falcon is the beloved starship flown by smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca in the Star Wars saga.

But it was West Wales "worst-kept secret" that in 1979, the first-ever life-sized model of the starship was constructed for the Oscar-winning film The Empire Strikes Back in a Second World War aircraft hangar in the town of Pembroke Dock.

The story of the building of the Millennium Falcon by craftsmen from a local engineering firm is to be told by a new exhibition, thanks to an investment of £8,000 from the Heritage Fund.

Star Wars history

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will host the permanent walk-through display, which will include photographs, film, props and costumes. The exhibition will be overseen by local Star Wars expert and enthusiast Mark Williams.

“It was the worst-kept secret in Pembroke Dock – everybody in the town knew they were building a UFO in the hangar,” said Gareth Mills, a trustee of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust. “That story is an important part of the town’s living memory… The exhibition, once opened, will provide a significant boost for Pembroke Dock.”

"I’m hopeful this exhibit will become a new destination for fans around the world.”
 

Lynwen Brennan, Lucasfilm EVP and General Manager

Lynwen Brennan, Lucasfilm EVP and General Manager, is herself from Pembrokeshire. She said: “I am so delighted that this wonderful moment and place in Star Wars history will be preserved.

"I love that such an iconic, beloved ship was built in the town where my mum was born and in the county where I grew up, and I’m hopeful this exhibit will become a new destination for fans around the world.”

The exhibition is set to open in mid 2022.

Funding for your heritage project

If you've got a heritage project in Wales, find out how you can get funding for a £3,000-£10,000 project.