Lucas Museum Announces Opening Date: Exclusive Inside Look
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has officially announced its opening date: September 22, 2026. After facing nearly four years of delays, the $1 billion project is located in Exposition Park, adjacent to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The museum, spanning 300,000 square feet, was designed by the founder of MAD Architects, Ma Yansong.
Delays and Construction Progress
The museum broke ground in 2018, with initial projections indicating major construction completion in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant delays, hindering progress. In 2022, the opening was postponed to 2025 due to global supply-chain challenges affecting material procurement. Earlier this year, the opening was further delayed to 2026.
Exhibition Space and Collection
The museum will feature 100,000 square feet of exhibition space across 35 galleries. Its permanent collection includes an impressive 40,000 works of art. This collection encompasses:
- Paintings by renowned artists like Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo
- Sculptures and illustrations from children’s books and science fiction
- Photography and comic art
- Costumes, props, and memorabilia from George Lucas’ film career, including items from the “Star Wars” franchise
Architectural Highlights
During a recent hard-hat tour, the museum’s grand entrance lobby and research library were showcased. The library consists of three levels, with two featuring balconies overlooking the space. Honey-colored wooden walls add warmth, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the museum’s surrounding 11-acre park, designed by Studio-MLA. This park will be accessible to the public from sunrise to sunset, even for those without museum tickets.
Culinary Experience
The main lobby will include three glass elevators resembling pneumatic tubes, as well as two theaters and a large exhibition space. Nearby, a café and a gift shop will welcome visitors. A restaurant on the fifth floor aims to be a culinary destination partnered with Oak View Group. Their subsidiary, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, is responsible for the food offerings and is known for prestigious locations like London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Staff Changes and Future Plans
In May, the museum faced scrutiny over its financial health after laying off 15 employees, which constituted about 14% of its full-time staff. The layoffs impacted the education and public programming team, but the museum reassured that education will remain a priority.
With a definite opening date, the Lucas Museum is set to become a significant cultural landmark, bringing illustrated storytelling to life.
