The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Set to Open in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is on the cusp of welcoming a groundbreaking cultural landmark: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Co-founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas and philanthropist Mellody Hobson, the museum will officially open its doors to the public on September 22, 2026, in Exposition Park. After more than a decade of planning, relocations, and construction delays, this $1 billion institution promises to redefine how audiences experience visual storytelling.
Designed by acclaimed Chinese architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the building features a striking, biomorphic form that evokes organic, dream-like shapes. Elevated volumes create shaded public spaces below, while an expansive green roof and surrounding landscapes—crafted by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA—transform a former parking lot into an 11-acre campus blending architecture, nature, and community. The 300,000-square-foot structure includes 35 galleries spanning 100,000 square feet, two theaters, a library, education spaces, a cafe, restaurant, and retail areas.
At its core, the museum celebrates narrative art as a universal language—illustrated works that convey stories across time and media. The collection, amassed by Lucas over decades, boasts more than 40,000 objects. Highlights include Golden Age illustrators like Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Jessie Willcox Smith; comic pioneers such as Winsor McCay, Frank Frazetta, Jack Kirby, and Robert Crumb; modern masters including Frida Kahlo, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, and Robert Colescott; and muralists like Judith F. Baca and Diego Rivera.
A major draw is the Lucas Archives, featuring props, costumes, concept art, storyboards, and artifacts from Lucasfilm productions. Iconic items from Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises join materials from other films like Willow and Howard the Duck, offering rare insights into cinematic storytelling. The museum explores how images—from ancient mosaics to contemporary works—shape beliefs, values, and collective imagination.
This visionary project positions Los Angeles as a hub for innovative cultural experiences, bridging fine art, popular media, and digital innovation. As George Lucas has noted, illustrated stories serve as modern mythology, helping humanity grapple with life’s mysteries.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is poised to become a must-visit destination, inviting reflection on the power of visual narratives in an increasingly connected world.
