Model, Spacecraft, Mother Ship, Movie, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Manufactured for
Columbia Pictures Corp.
Model Maker
Entertainment Effects Group
Summary
This is the model of the alien Mother Ship used in the filming of the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (Columbia Pictures, 1977). The ship was conceived by Steven Spielberg, the film's director and screenwriter. It was made by a team headed by Gregory Jein, using model train parts and other kits. When filmed with special photographic and lighting effects, the model appears to be a huge, hovering craft. Rotating, colored lights underneath the ship added to its effects.
Looking closely at the model, one can find tiny hidden smaller models which are not seen when the Mother Ship appears in the film. These models were added by the model makers as internal "jokes." They include a Volkswagen bus, a submarine, the R2-D2 android, a U.S. mailbox, an aircraft, and a small cemetery plot.
Alternate Name
Mother Ship Model
1977
Inventory Number
A19790906000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MODELS-Miscellaneous
Materials
Wood, plastic, and metal
Dimensions
Length, 63 inches; width, 38 inches; weight, shipping, 400 pounds; case: 74 x 74 inches
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Human Spaceflight
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A19790906000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv96a74d7c1-3d4d-4229-a51e-a5dc218959b0
Circular gray model of an alien spacecraft. The top tier contains vertical, tubular spires. Rods protrude along the circumference of the middle tier. All set on a saucer-like base.
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Circular gray model of an alien spacecraft. The top tier contains vertical, tubular spires. Rods protrude along the circumference of the middle tier. All set on a saucer-like base.
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