Key Takeaways:
* Three Star Trek: The Next Generation fans spent over a decade restoring the bridge from the Enterprise-D.
* The restored set will open to the public in the Sci-Fi World Museum in Santa Monica, California.
* The Kickstarter backers will get exclusive access starting May 27, and it will open for general admission in June.
* This isn’t the original set; it’s a replica, one of three that were created by the show’s set designers.
Over a decade ago, a group of determined Star Trek fans set out on a daring mission: to restore the iconic bridge from Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Enterprise-D. Much has happened since the mission began, and today it comes profoundly close to the finish line.
Replica of Enterprise-D Bridge to Be Revealed in New Museum
These ardent fans have toiled for years to breathe life into this ambitious project and carve out a piece of Star Trek’s legacy. Now, the dream project has morphed into something more – a full-blown museum dedicated to one of the best-loved sci-fi franchises in the world – Star Trek.
The museum is set to open its doors to backers on Kickstarter on May 27 in Santa Monica, California, and then the general public will be admitted starting in June.
A Replica Revitalized, Not the Original Set
Star Trek aficionados should note that the restored set isn’t the original one. The actual set was destroyed during the filming of Star Trek: Generations, where the saucer crashes on the planet Veridian III.
However, three meticulous replicas, overseen by Michael Okuda and Herman Zimmerman—set designers from the show, were built. The replicas sparked enthusiasm at Star Trek: The Experience, a Las Vegas attraction that welcomed Trekkies before its closure in 2008.
From Hollywood to Long Beach: The Bridge’s Journey
One of these three replicas took an exciting journey. It began in Hollywood, then traveled to Europe and Asia for Star Trek: World Tour. Eventually, it ended up stored in a Long Beach warehouse.
This is the third replica, and like an oyster accruing layers around a pearl, it has now been the core around which the Sci-Fi World Museum has been developed.
Unveiling the Fruit of Fan Labor
Most components of the iconic bridge, such as the chairs of famous characters like Riker, Troi, Data, and more were restored from the Las Vegas exhibit. What this means is that the upcoming museum unveiling will represent a fruit of labor born out of pure fan dedication and years of painstaking work.
In Conclusion: A Sci-Fi Shrine Opens
In essence, the Enterprise-D bridge restoration is much more than a mere replica—it’s a beautifully crafted tribute to the Star Trek legacy. It represents the painstaking effort and sheer determination of a few devoted fans who dared to keep alive a piece of this beloved global franchise.
Starting May 27, dedicated fans who backed this project and, from June, every Star Trek lover worldwide, will have the opportunity to step into the world of their favorite sci-fi series and experience, first-hand, where magic was created.
The opening of the Sci-Fi World Museum in Santa Monica, California, signifies a grand achievement. It’s a testament to the global impact Star Trek: The Next Generation continues to have and will undoubtedly serve as an inspiring shrine for fans for many years to come.