The $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has set an opening date of 22 September 2026 after nearly four years of delays.
Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the new museum is designed by MAD Architects founder Ma Yansong and is located in LA's Exposition Park.
Billed as the world's first institution dedicated to the exploration of narrative art, it was originally due to complete major works in 2021, but has faced several delays.
In May of this year, the museum said it had laid off 15 full-time employees due to a needed shift in focus to ensure the institution opened as planned in 2026.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is housed in a 300-square-foot building situated on an 11-acre campus with new green space.
It includes 35 galleries across 100,000 square feet, plus two theatres, community spaces, a library, restaurant, café and retail store.
Dedicated to illustrated storytelling, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art's collection contains more than 40,000 works, from comic art to children's book illustrations.
"A museum of the people’s art"
On view will be works by artists such as Normal Rockwell, Beatrix Potter and Frida Kahlo.
The collection also includes works by comic artists like Winsor McCay and Alison Bechdel, and photographs by Gordon Parks and Dorothea Lange.
Additionally, the museum houses the Lucas Archives, which contains models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’ filmmaking career.
“Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life,” said Lucas.
“The museum was built on the belief that illustrated storytelling is a universal language.”
Hobson added, “This is a museum of the people’s art – the images are illustrations of beliefs we live with every day. For that reason, this art belongs to everyone.
“Our hope is that as people move through the galleries, they will see themselves, and their humanity, reflected back.”
Images courtesy of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
