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It’s the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws,” a movie that not only changed the thriller genre but created the summer blockbuster. To commemorate the milestone, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is opening “Jaws: The Exhibition,” a massive presentation entirely dedicated to this cinematic landmark. Opening September 14, 2025, and running through July 26, 2026, “Jaws: The Exhibition” will be the most comprehensive presentation to date for the film. For the first time, the Academy Museum has allocated an exhibition to a single movie, demonstrating the enduring impact of “Jaws” on popular culture and the film industry.
Visitors will experience an engaging show, featuring over 200 original items in display. Highlights of the auction include concept paintings by production designer Joe Alves, a shirt worn by Roy Scheider during his iconic performance as Chief Brody, original schematics for the shark designs by engineer Frank Wurmser, and a screen-used dorsal fin that previously sent shivers down the spines of viewers. The series is curated with unrestricted access to collections by Steven Spielberg, The Amblin Hearth Archive, NBCUniversal Archives & Collections, and so on, giving a close-up glimpse into the making of the film.
One of the show’s highlights is “Bruce the Shark,” the only surviving full-size model from the original production. Measuring 25 feet long, this behemoth relic has been part of the museum’s collection since its opening in 2021 and will be featured front and center, so visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship behind the legendary great white.
The exhibition has more up its sleeve than static displays. Visitors will get interactive encounters with behind-the-scenes stories that uncover the innovations and challenges that led to “Jaws” being made. There will also be a series of film screenings and public programs to complement the exhibition, continuing to explore the legacy of the movie.
Released on June 20, 1975, “Jaws” was a cultural touchstone that won three Academy Awards and the standard by which all subsequent summer blockbusters were measured. Its influence can be heard in the films of countless directors and is still experienced by audiences today. The Academy Museum’s exhibition not only celebrates the legacy but provides a platform both for hard-core enthusiasts and for new converts alike to engage with the film in a meaningful way.
