Lights, camera, action: New exhibit spotlights Jimmy Stewart biopic journey
- By FREY HEIDE Fheide@indianagazette.net
- May 13, 2026 Updated May 13, 2026
Slated for a Nov. 6 release, the cast and crew of the biopic “Jimmy,” detailing the life of James Maitland Stewart, have been hard at work finishing the movie’s production.
And starting on the late actor and WWII veteran’s birthday May 20, folks can take a peek behind the scenes at the Jimmy Stewart Museum in the new “The Making of ‘Jimmy’” exhibition, a collaboration with Burns & Co., the producers behind the film.
“This collaboration with Burns & Co. marks a defining moment for the Museum,” Museum Executive Director Jennifer Buckles said.
“‘The Making of ‘Jimmy’ not only offers a compelling look inside the filmmaking process but also bridges past and present — connecting Jimmy Stewart’s legacy to contemporary storytelling in a way that is immersive, meaningful and nationally relevant. We’re proud to bring new audiences to Indiana, while deepening the experience for those who already cherish his story.”
The exhibit will feature original props and costumes used in the movie, curated displays of special quotes, compelling production insights and an extensive collection of photography from the set.
“Together, these elements bring the filmmaking process to life and illustrate how Stewart’s legacy continues to resonate,” Buckles said, “captivating lifelong fans while inspiring new audiences through cinematic storytelling.”
The festivities begin from 3 to 4 p.m. a day prior, on May 19, with a special event featuring Stewart’s daughter, Kelly Stewart Harcourt, and a display of Jimmy Stewart’s Academy Award, which he received for Best Actor in “The Philadelphia Story.”
On May 20, the day will begin with live broadcast coverage provided by KDKA during its 9 a.m. “Pittsburgh Today Live” segment, which Buckles says will be a regional spotlight with additional visibility across digital streaming platforms.
However, the public with have to wait until the afternoon to experience the exhibit as the museum will open at noon, two hours later than its normal opening hours, due to a private event.
In the afternoon, “Jimmy” star KJ Apa, who portrays Stewart, will make an appearance at the museum from 2 to 4 p.m. that day for a limited meet-and-greet and autograph session along with film director Aaron Burns and Stewart-Harcourt, who is an executive producer for the film.
“Jimmy,” the Warrior Canine Connection service dog named after the late veteran, will also be in attendance.
“The museum has been part of this project from its earliest stages—long before filming began, when the story was still taking shape,” former Jimmy Stewart Museum executive director Janie McKirgan, who helped organize and assemble the new exhibit, said.
“Watching it grow into a major motion picture has been incredibly meaningful. This has truly been a partnership from the very beginning.”
As part of the broader initiative surrounding the film Jimmy, the museum will also serve as a donation collection site for Vet Tix, a national nonprofit that provides free event tickets to veterans and active-duty service members. Burns & Co. is a partner in this effort, and those interested in supporting Vet Tix are encouraged to contact the Museum for more information.
More information about the film “Jimmy” can be found on its website, www.jimmythemovie.com.
More information about the Jimmy Stewart Museum and its upcoming events can be found by calling (724) 349-6112 or on its website, www.jimmy.org.
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