The showpiece exhibition will be at Nottingham Castleand Sherwood Forest until the end of October.

The Nottingham Castle exhibition features the character costumes of Robin Hood, plus Maid Marian, Friar Tuck, Little John, King Richard I and Prince John. It also features other costumes, props, weaponry and behind the scenes assets from the movie. It provides an amazing chance to see the original props, weaponry, set pieces and costumes from the film up close.

Sherwood Forest will be displaying other memorabilia including a large wooden cart from the movie that you can sit in and watch behind the scenes footage on large screens. The existing visitor exhibition telling the story of Robin and his Sherwood home has undergone a major refurbishment and will also be open for the media to preview before being opened to the public.

'The film Robin Hood chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard's army against the French. Upon Richard's death, Robin (Oscar® winner Russell Crowe), travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marian (Oscar® winner Cate Blanchett), a woman sceptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marian and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff.

With a country weakened from war, embattled from the ineffective rule of the new king and vulnerable to insurgencies from within and threats from afar, Robin and his men heed a call to ever greater adventure. This unlikeliest of heroes and his allies set off to protect their country from slipping into bloody civil war and return glory to England once more.'

This official movie exhibition has been put together especially for Nottingham Castle and the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre by the film's set designer Sonja Klaus.

The film is expected to be one of the big blockbusters of 2010 and is a gritty modern retelling of the popular worldwide legend that is inextricably linked with Nottinghamshire. The exhibition will link in with The Castle's sizeable medieval collections and treasures.

The Sheriff of Nottingham, Cllr Leon Unczur said: "This is a really exciting time for the City. Not only Nottingham people but visitors from across the world who come to pay homage to the legends of Robin Hood and his Merry Men will be able to join in the celebrations. With a helping hand from a major Hollywood film, the spotlight is shining brightly on Nottingham and we've got a unique opportunity to tell the world about the other great things that make Nottingham the place it is.

"Nottingham Castle has a history of varied and prestigious exhibitions and we are grateful to Universal for their co-operation with this latest one. When I accepted the role of Sheriff I made a promise to do as much as I could to pull Robin Hood back into all our hearts. I feel confident that this will be Nottingham's year."

Nottinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Councillor John Cottee said: "Robin Hood is famous all around the world and it is great that the new film and this new exhibition will add to the legend and introduce a new generation to our county's most famous son. It will give us all a reason to celebrate our legendary heritage and will also attract visitors into the county which will bring real rewards to the local economy."

"It has been marvellous to work with Universal on creating this exciting new exhibition which will bring to life the romance of the silver screen and the legend of Robin Hood and all in the beautiful setting of Sherwood Forest."

Jennifer Spencer, Interim Chief Executive for Experience Nottinghamshire, the county's tourism agency said: ''We've worked hard as a team to cultivate a strong working relationship with Universal which has resulted in the city and county playing host to this exhibition of national and international significance. Our efforts have been rewarded and the exhibition is already grabbing global media attention.  This builds on our Robin Hood heritage and is set to drive a big increase in visitors to our city and county.''

Film Director Ridley Scott says: ''This new adaptation is a Robin Hood that viewers across the world have never seen before. The exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to really get up close and personal with the film and feel part of the production itself, along with understanding the importance of the surroundings we filmed it in.''

Admission information:  Notitngham Castle opening times: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Admission charges: Joint ticket with the Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard Adult £5.50; Child/Concession £4; Family ticket £15. City care holder: Weekdays - admission to the exhibition £1 Adults, 50p Child / Concessions.

Sherwood Visitor Centre opening times: Daily 10am - 4.30pm. Car park charges apply at weekends, Bank Holidays and daily in school holidays - £3.  Admission to the exhibition is free.