Los Angeles residents will soon have a new cultural landmark in their backyard. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a 300,000‑square‑foot, five‑story facility built in Exposition Park, is slated to open its doors on Sept. 22. The museum, funded by “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, promises a blend of beloved franchise artifacts and a wider celebration of visual storytelling.
Star Wars treasures and beyond
Visitors can expect to see iconic characters, droids and starfighters from the beloved saga—Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, R2‑D2, C‑3PO and Darth Vader—displayed alongside original concept art, costumes and props. But the collection does not stop at the galaxy far, far away. Senior curator and head of film programs Ryan Linkof explained that the museum also showcases newspaper photographs, advertisement book covers, comic books, posters, street art and movies, all examples of how images convey narrative.
Beyond pop‑culture, the museum houses thousands of additional works, including classic comic strips, contemporary sculptures, and paintings by Norman Rockwell. Lucas says the goal is to illustrate the evolution of storytelling through images, noting, “The picture is very powerful, and the stories are very powerful, and you combine them together, and those two elements create a society.”
Facilities and community space
According to museum CEO Tracey Bates, the complex includes more than 100,000 sq ft of gallery space spread across 30 galleries. The surrounding grounds will feature new public parks and gardens, offering residents additional outdoor recreation options within Exposition Park.
Admission is set at $25 for adults, while visitors under 18 can enter for free, making the museum accessible to families. With a construction cost exceeding $1 billion, the Lucas Museum represents a major investment in Los Angeles’ cultural community and is expected to draw tourists and locals alike.
Local impact
The museum’s opening aligns with ongoing efforts to revitalize Exposition Park, complementing nearby attractions such as the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center. City officials anticipate that the new venue will generate jobs, boost nearby businesses, and provide educational opportunities for schools and community groups.
George Lucas, who described the project as a personal challenge, said, “I’m used to doing the impossible. This one almost broke my will,” underscoring the perseverance behind the decades‑long development.
Los Angeles families, art enthusiasts, and Star Wars fans now have a reason to mark their calendars for late September, when the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens to the public.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
