St Maarten: Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit Hologram Tour & Star Wars Props

Summary

St Maarten’s Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit with rare props and creator stories

You’ll wander through St Maarten’s Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit at your own pace, hearing stories straight from Nick Maley—the man behind Yoda—while exploring rare Star Wars props and lifecasts from legends like Michael Jackson and Beethoven. With entry included and narration by hologram or DVD, you’ll feel close to movie magic in a way that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, I always say Yoda wasn’t just built — he was born,” Nick grinned as he waved us inside the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit on Front Street. The place is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, squeezed between souvenir shops and the slow drift of cruise passengers. Inside, though, it’s something else: the air’s cooler (thank god), and you’re hit with this faint smell of old film reels and dust, mixed with whatever tropical breeze sneaks in when someone opens the door. Nick himself was there, chatting about creature effects like he was talking to old friends. I tried not to geek out too much.

The tour itself is pretty much go-at-your-own-pace — nobody rushing you. We started with a hologram of Dave Prowse talking about Darth Vader. It’s wild hearing him describe what it felt like inside that suit; honestly, I’d never thought about how sweaty those helmets must get under studio lights. There are these little rooms packed with props from Star Wars (Han Solo in Carbonite is way smaller than I expected) and other movies like Superman and Terminator. At one point, I got distracted by a wall of lifecasts — Michael Jackson, Robin Williams, even Beethoven — all staring back at me in this weirdly peaceful silence.

I tried reading some of the original “Adventures of Luke Starkiller” scripts on display but got sidetracked by Nick telling a kid how he built Ewoks out of foam and hope (his words). The whole thing feels less like a museum and more like rummaging through someone’s attic full of secrets — except the attic belongs to a guy who actually helped create Yoda. There’s no set path; you can double back or just stand there listening to Nick tell stories about working on The Shining or Men In Black. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything — talks about setbacks as much as successes.

I left with my head buzzing — partly from nostalgia overload, partly from realizing how many people it takes to bring movie creatures to life. If you’re into movie history or just want something different in St Maarten that isn’t sand between your toes, this is worth your time. I still think about that wall of faces sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit in St Maarten

• Go to Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
• Check in at museum shop
• Explore Star Wars Darth Vader display
• View creation of Yoda exhibit
• See Mos Eisley Cantina creatures
• Observe Han Solo in Carbonite
• Visit Ewoks and props section
• Explore Tusken Raiders display
• Learn about unknown Yoda puppeteers
• Review drafts of Star Wars Episode IV
• See Nick Maley's Yoda recreation
• Discover Superman movie effects
• Explore Highlander movie work
• View Men In Black effects
• See Thriller movie effects
• Explore Terminator and Terminator II work
• View Alien special effects
• Learn about The Exorcist prosthetics
• See lifecasts of famous celebrities
• View historical lifecasts and death masks
• Explore The Shining movie effects
• See Lifeforce movie work
• Discover Krull fantasy movie effects
• Explore The Keep cult horror movie work
• Learn about storyboarding process
• Discover careers of Stuart and Graham Freeborn

Top questions

Is the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit suitable for kids?

Yes, children can visit but must be accompanied by an adult.

How long does the hologram tour at the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit take?

The duration varies depending on your interest; you can stay as long as you like during opening hours.

Can I meet Nick Maley at the exhibit?

Nick Maley is often present at the exhibit but his appearance isn’t guaranteed.

Is photography allowed inside the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit?

You can take photos without flash inside the exhibit.

Is there wheelchair access at the museum?

No, due to stairs, it may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility or wheelchairs.

Where is the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit located?

It’s on Front Street in St Maarten’s duty-free shopping area.

What movies are featured besides Star Wars?

You’ll see items from Superman, Terminator, Highlander, Men In Black, Alien, The Shining and more.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the museum.

What’s included

Your day includes entry ticket with unlimited access during opening hours so you can explore every section at your own pace; narration throughout by holograms or DVDs; permission for non-flash photography; plus local taxes already covered—just check in at the museum shop when you arrive on Front Street.