Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Announces 2026 Opening
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to open its doors on September 22, 2026. This landmark institution is the brainchild of filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson.
Location and Size
Situated in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, the museum spans an impressive 11 acres. The main building boasts 300,000 square feet, with galleries covering 100,000 square feet.
Art Collection
The museum will house a remarkable permanent collection featuring over 40,000 artworks. Notable contributors include:
- Norman Rockwell
- Kadir Nelson
- Jessie Willcox Smith
- N. C. Wyeth
- Beatrix Potter
- Frida Kahlo
- Maxfield Parrish
- Winsor McCay
- Jack Kirby
- Frank Frazetta
- Alison Bechdel
- Chris Ware
- R. Crumb
Additionally, the museum’s photography collections will include works by renowned photographers such as Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange.
Special Features
The Lucas Archives is another highlight, showcasing models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking. This archive aims to enrich the visitor’s experience.
Vision and Design
Lucas described the museum as a celebration of illustrated storytelling. He believes these narratives serve as a universal language, helping humanity comprehend life’s mysteries.
Mellody Hobson emphasized the museum as “the people’s art,” asserting that the illustrations resonate with everyday beliefs and experiences.
The architectural design, crafted by Ma Yansong of MAD, incorporates gardens by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA. The facility will include two theaters, a library, a restaurant, a café, a retail store, and community spaces.
Historical Context
The project was first announced in 2016, with Los Angeles chosen as the final location after previous proposals for San Francisco and Chicago were abandoned due to community pushback. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on March 14, 2018, marking the beginning of what promises to be a transformative cultural venue.
