Los Angeles residents will soon be able to explore the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a 100,000‑square‑foot cultural hub that opens its doors on September 22. The museum, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, is positioned as a “temple to the people’s art,” showcasing the work of commercial illustrators, comic‑book creators, and popular painters whose stories have shaped everyday American life.
Local roots and a community focus
Located in Exposition Park, next to the University of Southern California, the museum’s design by architect Ma Yansong resembles a floating cloud or tree canopy, offering sweeping views of the city through broad oval windows. Ma’s organic style aims to create an emotional journey for visitors, encouraging them to wander and discover the narratives woven into each gallery.
Beyond “Star Wars”
While the museum’s most famous franchise is represented in a bright yellow Naboo N‑1 Starfighter and a “Star Wars in Motion” exhibit, museum CEO Tracey Bates notes that the saga occupies only about 7 % of the total space. The majority of the galleries celebrate the art of everyday storytelling—sports scenes, civic activism, and family life—presented without the rigid categories of discipline or era.
Pop culture icons on display
Visitors will encounter original comic strips like “Alley Oop,” early “Flash Gordon” panels that inspired Lucas, and classic paperback covers. A dedicated Frank Frazetta gallery showcases his sword‑and‑sandal fantasy art, while a striking collection of J.R.R. Tolkien‑inspired paintings by Paul Raymond Gregory adds a heavy‑metal epic flair.
Celebrating American illustration
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by Norman Rockwell, whose Saturday Evening Post covers of Boy Scouts and Thanksgiving dinners captured mid‑century small‑town America. Senior curator Ryan Linkof says his initial skepticism gave way to admiration for Rockwell’s depth and cultural significance. A centerpiece is Rockwell’s “The Problem We All Live With,” depicting Ruby Bridges’ historic walk into an all‑white New Orleans school in 1960.
Maxfield Parrish and the glow of popular art
Maxfield Parrish’s luminous, blue‑toned landscapes—once dismissed as decorative fluff—are displayed in a gallery described by Linkof as a “little sanctuary, a little chapel.” The museum’s lighting highlights the ethereal quality of Parrish’s work, inviting visitors to experience the tranquility he intended.
Family‑friendly spaces
A children’s wing features Hilary Knight’s illustration of Eloise at the Plaza, a Van Gogh‑style portrait of Pikachu by Naoyo Kimura, and a variety of anime and manga panels. These spaces reinforce the museum’s mission to honor the art that shapes the imaginations of families across generations.
Local impact and future plans
By housing Lucas’s personal collection—augmented by Hobson’s significant African‑American art holdings—the museum promises to become a major draw for tourists and locals alike, boosting cultural tourism in the city. The institution also plans educational programs and research resources in its public library, further integrating the museum into Los Angeles’s civic fabric.
Opening details
The museum will welcome the public on September 22, with tickets available online and at the venue. Guided tours, family workshops, and special exhibitions are slated for the first year, ensuring a steady flow of community engagement.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
