Restoring the Cosmos

RESTORING THE

The Skirball mission echoes across a long and prosperous science fiction franchise.

The 1960s television show Star Trek represented a utopian vision of the future. In each episode, the diverse humans and interplanetary beings worked together to pursue justice as they explored space, the final frontier. Over the past fifty-five years, the series has spawned countless spin-offs and films, along with a devoted multigenerational fan base. Organized by the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington, the exhibition Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds celebrated the enduring appeal of this idealistic fantasy. On view at the Skirball, it also shed light on how Jewish values are embedded within its bold themes, as new and noteworthy Skirball visitors articulate here.

“[The Vulcan salute] is derived from part of a Hebrew blessing that Leonard Nimoy … brought to the role [of Spock]. The prominently displayed photo of that gesture linking Judaism to Star Trek culture helps account for what might seem to be a highly illogical bit of programming: the decision by the Skirball, a Jewish cultural center known mostly for its explorations of Jewish life and history, to bring in an exhibition devoted to one of television’s most celebrated sci-fi shows.”—Adam Nagourney, New York Times “At first blush, a Jewish museum mounting a ‘Star Trek’ exhibit might seem random. … But the Jewish themes and values—not to mention creatives and cast—in this expansive universe of TV shows and films have been a rich field of study for the 55 years since the original series premiered.”—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times “I think the secret to the longevity of Star Trek is that we continue to inspire the human race to live up to its potential.”—Wilson Cruz (“Dr. Hugh Culber” in Star Trek: Discovery) “As someone on the spectrum, I really relate to Data. This episode [‘The Measure of a Man’ from Star Trek: The Next Generation] really calls out to me because, growing up, both classmates, teachers, and even coworkers at times treated me as less than human. And this episode really speaks out to me because it helps me stand up.”—Attendee of the Skirball’s The Best of Trek marathon screening in November

Above: Whether in costume or simply in their element, visitors loved sharing their experiences within the exhibition on Instagram. Facing page: Visitors of all ages enjoyed the set pieces, costumes, props, storyboards, scripts, and interactives on view in Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds. Organized by the Museum of Pop Culture, Seattle, WA. ™ and © 2022 CBS Studios Inc. © 2022 Paramount Pictures Corp. STAR TREK and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 (310) 440-4500

skirball.org

STAY CONNECTED

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT 2112