A Long-Awaited Opening in Exposition Park
Eight years after the initial groundbreaking ceremony, the $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to open its doors in Los Angeles on 22 September. The project, founded by director George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, occupies a site in Exposition Park. While originally scheduled for a 2021 launch, the project faced multiple delays that pushed the timeline back several years. The structure itself is a striking sight, designed by architect Ma Yansong of Mad Architects. Its exterior curves and glass-tube elevators create a profile that draws frequent comparisons to a spacecraft.
Ma Yansong describes the building as a floating tree that provides necessary shade in the Los Angeles climate. Beneath the elevated mass of the architecture lies a public plaza featuring an oculus. This design choice aims to provide a space for visitors to observe the sky. Beyond the building, landscape architect Mia Lehrer created winding garden paths meant to complement the structure. The facility houses 300,000 square feet of exhibition space, much of which is dedicated to an extensive private collection amassed by the founders.
The Philosophy of Narrative Art
Inside, visitors will find over 1,200 objects pulled from a private collection of 40,000 pieces. George Lucas, who began collecting comic strips during his college years, has populated the space with a mix of high art and popular illustration. The galleries display works by Frida Kahlo and Norman Rockwell alongside Robert Crumb strips. While the presence of items like General Grievous’s wheel bike from Revenge of the Sith acknowledges Lucas's film career, he maintains this is not a dedicated film museum. Instead, the focus remains on the broader concept of storytelling through visual media.
Senior curator Ryan Linkof defines narrative art as a translation of words into images. He notes that the curatorial team organized the galleries by themes such as love, play, and adventure rather than by chronology. This approach aims to minimize barriers for visitors who may lack traditional art-historical training. The museum founders emphasize that this collection treats various forms of storytelling as equals. They seek to present paperback book covers and magazines alongside established fine art to show that narrative capacity exists across all mediums.
Community Access and Organizational Challenges
Accessibility is a stated priority for Mellody Hobson, who hopes to make the museum a welcoming space for residents of all financial backgrounds. Admission is free for children 17 and younger, and residents of the local 90037 zip code can register for annual passes. General adult tickets cost $25. These policies reflect a desire to integrate the institution into the South Los Angeles community. Furthermore, the onsite library is open to all visitors without charge.
Despite the clear vision of its founders, the institution has faced turbulence. The pandemic caused significant construction friction, and internal leadership changes occurred as recently as 2025. The departure of director Sandra Jackson-Dumont and subsequent layoffs in the education department drew public attention. Critics like Christopher Knight have also questioned the museum's core premise, labeling the concept of narrative art as a tautology. Regardless of this skepticism, the institution remains committed to the goal of serving as a temple to the people’s art. Whether this unique mix of film ephemera and traditional works succeeds in its mission remains the central question as the public finally gains entry.