The destruction of evil is not always accomplished by sheer physical force or cunning. There is always hope that those who have given themselves to the forces of darkness can be redeemed. In his confrontation with Vader and the Emperor, Luke wins not through his warrior skills, but through an appeal to his father's heart. It is Vader who slays the Emperor to save his son.
At the climax of the Star Wars trilogy, Vader asks Luke to unmask him. Masks are frequently part of mythic ritual. They can strike fear into the hearts of enemies, summon ancestors, or invoke supernatural beings.
Vader's mask is part of his demonic persona. The dropping of the mask represents Vader's release from the imprisonment of his role, a release that comes for him only at the moment of death. Yet this gesture is also an affirmation of life, the final opening up of father to son.
--from the Smithsonian introduction
The Millennium Falcon is the Trilogy's key vehicle, and it plays a major part in each of the three films. This is a larger model, the detail of which is simply astounding.
The large Falcon model is displayed in a large glass showcase at the culmination of the Smithsonian's exhibit. The presentation format allows viewers to walk around the model and examine its details. A very small long-distance model is also displayed, providing a striking contrast in size.
Simply put, Darth Vader is one of the greatest screen villians of all time. Here's the full costume in all its leathery glory, from which much of the character's persona emanates. The Vader display occurs at the very end of the exhibit, just before the entrance to the gift shop. Visible in the foreground is Vader's saber hilt, and, in the background, the Jedi costume worn by Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi.
The "Vader Reveal" scene, taking place as the second Death Star begins to fall apart, is perhaps the most emotionally powerful moment of the Trilogy's three films. A special helmet was constructed for the scene, with an intricate mechanical interior.