Detroit is an international city — and an intergalactic one, too, at least in terms of can't-miss museum shows.

In 2018, "Star Wars and the Power of Costume," a sumptuous look at the clothing of the film franchise, spent the summer at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Now "Star Trek," the epic space opera that's captured our imaginations for more than 50 years, is getting equal time. And with this exhibition, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in nearby Dearborn will make it so.

"Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds," which runs through Sept. 2, packs maximum enjoyment and cultural context with its 100-plus artifacts, props and costumes from all of the various TV series (right up to the current "Star Trek: Discovery" on CBS All Access) and many of the films.

It opens officially Saturday, but members can get an early look Friday at what's bound to be a highlight of metro Detroit's museum year.

The exhibition takes a compelling look at how "Star Trek" has shaped our cultural universe —through the worlds of pop culture, fashion, technology, literature and more — ever since the original series created by Gene Roddenberry and starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy debuted in 1966.

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So what is it about trekking through "Trek" history that's museum-worthy? "I find a lot of similarities between the way that 'Star Trek' examines future cultures and possible cultures to the way we look at society in the past and why things were the way they were," says Kate Morland, the Henry Ford's exhibits manager, who started watching "Star Trek: Voyager" in middle school.

The original show's themes of equality, heroism and empathy for the human condition helped make it an iconic franchise that spawned five spin-off TV series (and one cartoon show) and 13 movies. And that's not counting the numerous series and films in development, including an untitled show focusing on Captain Jean-Luc Picard of "Star Trek: the Next Generation" that's expected by the end of this year.

Boasting a massive multi-generation appeal, "Star Trek" has always used its platform to tackle important issues — from racism and war to gender inequality — and always with the hopeful belief that change is possible.

Morland sees the Spock-like logic in bringing "Star Trek" to the Henry Ford. "I think that's a perfect fit with our mission here. We're looking to innovators of the past to help shape a better future. This is looking to the future to shape a better today."

But "Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds" is also about sheer fan fun. The exhibit includes essential gear like the tricorder, communicator and phaser from the original series, a Borg cube, a Klingon disrupter pistol, and those fuzzy and multiplying Tribbles. The costume highlights range from the iconic red dress work by landmark African-American character from the original show, Lt. Uhura (who was played by Nichelle Nichols) to Spock’s tunic worn by Nimoy.

And this is an immersive, interactive experience, which means visitors will be able to put themselves virtually into the U.S.S. Enterprise.

A Khan scream booth will let visitors try their lung capacity at the famous "KHAAAN!" cry that Shatner's Admiral Kirk delivered in 1982's "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." There also will be a transporter simulator that will beam guests into an image that sends them on one of several missions.

The exhibition was created by Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture, known as MoPOP. It premiered there in spring 2016 in time to celebrate the original "Star Trek" show's 50th anniversary and ran for two years. The traveling version premiered in February at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Henry Ford Museum is its second stop.

MoPOP curator Brooks Peck says "Star Trek" has much to say about technology's impact on contemporary life.

" 'Star Trek' is a utopia in that there's no want, there's no war and people have learned to get along and devote their energies to doing cool things like scientific research and exploring the universe," he says. " 'Star Trek' is a particular vision which says, used wisely, technology can be used to make our lives better."

If that sounds optimistic, well, that's the upbeat place where it boldly goes. And its ideals have encouraged a number of people to blaze trails and pursue dreams.

Says the Henry Ford's Morland, "In particular, I really like '(Star Trek) Voyager' because there is a female captain. Growing up and into a management role, one of my management icons was Captain Janeway."

A "Star Trek" captain encouraging someone to boldly go where society used to keep doors closed? Sounds exactly right.

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds: 313-222-6427 or jhinds@freepress.com.

'Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds'

Sat. through Sept. 2 (member preview on Fri.)

The Henry Ford, Dearborn

For more information on tickets and times for the "Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds" exhibition and special events like the May 16 opening party and upcoming "Star Trek" happy hours, go to the official Henry Ford website at TheHenryFord.org.

Exhibit is included with museum admission ($18-$24, member discounts of 15%)