SAN DIEGO — San Diego fans of the long-running BBC sci-fi series “Doctor Who” can step inside the TARDIS, get face-to-face with a Dalek and see various versions of the Sonic Screwdriver when the touring exhibition “Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction” makes its U.S. premiere Saturday at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.

For the uninitiated, “Doctor Who” is a long-running sci-fi TV series that debuted on England’s BBC in 1963. It aired continuously until 1989, then took a yearslong break until it was rebooted in 2005. Originally designed as a children’s show, it has been adopted by legions of fans of all ages from around the world.

The show is the story of a time-traveling alien from the defunct planet Gallifrey. The self-proclaimed Doctor travels the universe back and forth through time exploring and healing planets and peoples — always with a companion or two and a wand-like Sonic Screwdriver at their side. The Doctor’s many outer space nemeses have included the thimble-shaped Daleks, the steel robot CyberMen, the ominous stone Weeping Angels and The Master, a fellow survivor of Gallifrey with evil intentions.

Perhaps the most iconic prop from the series is the spaceship the doctor has used since the early 1960s. To park it on a London street without raising suspicion, the Doctor disguised the ship as a 1960s-era blue wooden police telephone booth that both officers and the public could use to call the nearest police station.

Even though the blue call boxes disappeared from London streets many decades ago, the exterior design hasn’t changed for the TARDIS, which is short for Time and Relative Dimension in Space. And just as the TARDIS on the TV series was magically bigger on the inside, museum visitors can enter a large time-travel themed room through the TARDIS doors at the exhibition.

Ever since the first actor cast to play the Doctor was replaced in 1964 due to failing health, series producers have kept the show alive by periodically killing off the doctor, who magically regenerates after death into a new body. The most recent Doctor was played by Ncuti Gatwa, the 15th actor to play the role. The series’ most popular Doctors from the past 20 years are David Tennant and Matt Smith, whose careers exploded as a result of the show.

The “Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder” exhibit features an extensive array of original props and sets from the show, as well as behind-the-scenes resource materials from what is now the world’s longest-running sci-fi show. Besides exhibit displays, there are interactive digital displays and kiosks where fans can learn about the Doctor’s adventures. There are also screens where visitors can learn about the real-life science that the show’s writers incorporate into the show, including the concept of time travel, artificial intelligence, DNA manipulation and cloning.

“We are delighted to be working with BBC Studios and Sarner International to bring this fascinating exhibition that merges the worlds of science, fiction, and the popular arts through such a celebrated show,” said Comic-Con Museum Executive Director Rita Vandergaw. “This is the first time it will ever be shown in the country, and we can’t wait for fans to experience it.”

The exhibition was launched in 2022 in Liverpool, England, and has since visited Scotland and New Zealand. The San Diego tour stop is open-ended, but may still be open when San Diego Comic-Con returns July 24-27. The “Doctor Who” TV series usually has a panel and merchandise booth at the annual sci-fi convention.

‘Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction’

When: Opens Saturday, March 15, in an open-ended run. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays-Tuesdays

Where: Comic-Con Museum, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego

Tickets: $30, adults 18 and up; $20, seniors (65+), students (13-17) and military; $12, children 6-12; children 5 and under are free.

Online: comic-con.org/museum

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