Martha's Vineyard Museum announces JAWS 50th anniversary exhibition

Martha’s Vineyard Museum is making waves with an exciting new exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of JAWS, the iconic thriller that forever linked the island to cinematic history. Set to open this summer, the exhibition will showcase rare behind-the-scenes photographs, original props, and firsthand accounts from locals who witnessed the blockbuster’s 1974 production. As fans and film buffs flock to the island, the museum’s tribute promises an immersive dive into the making of Jaws and its enduring cultural impact.

The museum’s official exhibit page says….

JAWS at 50: A Deeper Dive

May 24 2025 - September 7 2025

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of JAWS, the Martha’s Vineyard Museum is proud to present the first-ever comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the film’s production on Martha’s Vineyard. Through photographs, oral histories, original art, and movie props, this exhibit will delve into how the Island became the fictional Amity Island, showcasing the Vineyarders who brought the movie to life and the enduring legacy of Spielberg’s blockbuster.

  • Amity Island Comes to Life: Travel back in time to 1974 and witness how Martha’s Vineyard was transformed into the fictional town of Amity. Behind-the-scenes stories, coupled with photographs, drawings, and designs, bring to life the magic created that spring and summer

  • Edie Blake’s Perspective: Go on the scene with photographer and journalist Edie Blake as she covered the filming of JAWS for the Vineyard Gazette

  • Then and Now: Test your knowledge of JAWS filming locations and see how they’ve changed over the decades

  • JAWS’ Enduring Appeal: Explore what continues to captivate audiences 50 years later, featuring props, images, and oral histories

  • Sharks Today: Dive into shark science with interactive displays and conservation insights in partnership with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Not to be missed special features

  • A scaled-down replica of the iconic “Amity Island Welcomes You” billboard

  • Interactive elements, including a to-scale model of the Orca interior (available for one week only)

Selected programming

  • A discussion with production designer Joe Alves.

  • Tours of JAWS filming locations in partnership with local tour operators.

  • Panel discussions and meet-and-greets with Islanders who were part of the movie’s production.

  • Collaborative events with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, including shark tracking workshops and talks by leading experts like Dr. Greg Skomal.

For more info visit JAWS at 50: A Deeper Dive

The Daily Jawsjaws50