There's a rule in Hollywood so strict it must never be broken

As I stepped into the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, my eyes widened at the sheer scale of the exhibits on display. Among the 52 million objects that make up the museum's collection, I spotted the original Star Wars droid C-3PO, a 25ft-long shark called Bruce, and the most famous pair of shoes in cinema history. It's not every day you get to see such iconic relics up close. But what struck me most was the strict rule that governs the Academy Museum's collection: the rule that ensures that the museum never displays the original Star Wars lightsaber.

Founded in January 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has been awarding Oscars to the movies its members deem best since 1929. The Academy Museum, opened in 2021, was established as a space for AMPAS to house and display film props, costumes, and memorabilia of all sizes. The museum's collection has grown exponentially since its inception, with over 52 million objects now on display. Not everything can be shown at once, of course, and the Academy rotates new exhibitions regularly.

The rule that the original Star Wars lightsaber must never be displayed is rooted in the Academy's desire to preserve the integrity of the film's original props. According to assistant curator Emily Rauber Rodriguez, the Academy is "looking to confirm stories that fans talk about" from the making of iconic films like Jaws. The museum's collection includes everything from the exact Panavision camera used underwater to a buoy yanked out of the water by a local once filming wrapped, and even a beer can. But the pièce de résistance is surely Bruce, Jaws' sole surviving full-scale shark model, cast from the original mould in the 70s.

The Academy's displays also rely on loans from Academy members, many of whom kindly donate their objects to the museum. As Rodriguez notes, "Often, they're like, 'Come down to the museum and we'll show you the stuff we have.'" This approach not only enriches the museum's collection but also fosters a sense of community among its members.

Jaws, the world's first blockbuster, popularised the wide theatrical release model and claimed the highest grossing opening weekend at the time. Its impact on popular culture has been profound, and the Academy's exhibition celebrating its 50th anniversary is evidence of this. As I walked through the exhibit, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the museum's collection and the rule that governs it.

As the Academy approaches its centenary, it's clear that the museum will continue to grow and evolve. With over 52 million objects in its collection, there's no shortage of material to draw from. But for now, the original Star Wars lightsaber remains off-limits, a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of film history.

The Academy Museum's collection is a treasure trove of Hollywood history, and the rule that governs it is evidence of the institution's commitment to preserving the integrity of film props. As the museum continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how it balances its desire to showcase iconic relics with the need to preserve their original context.