The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, will open its doors to the public on September 22, 2026. This new cultural institution in Los Angeles aims to celebrate illustrated storytelling across various art forms.
Located in Exposition Park, the museum is the culmination of over a decade of planning and construction. It promises to offer a unique perspective on art that tells stories, from classic paintings to contemporary comic art and film archives.
Key Takeaways
- The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens on September 22, 2026.
- It features over 40,000 works of narrative art.
- The museum includes a vast collection of film props and concept art from George Lucas's career.
- Its galleries are named after human experiences like love, family, and community.
A Vision for Narrative Art
The museum's mission is to showcase art that illustrates human experiences and mythology. Mellody Hobson, co-founder, emphasizes the universal appeal of this art. She states that these images reflect beliefs we live with every day, making the art accessible to everyone.
George Lucas himself highlights the power of illustrated stories. He believes they help people understand the mysteries of life. This philosophy underpins the entire collection and exhibition design.
Fast Facts
- Opening Date: September 22, 2026
- Location: Exposition Park, Los Angeles
- Gallery Space: 100,000 square feet across 35 galleries
- Collection Size: Over 40,000 works of narrative art
- Estimated Cost: $1 billion
Diverse Artistic Storytelling
The permanent collection is extensive, featuring more than 40,000 works. These pieces span a wide range of artists and genres. Visitors will see works by celebrated painters like Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo. The collection also includes illustrations from Beatrix Potter and N. C. Wyeth.
Comic art legends such as Winsor McCay and Jack Kirby are represented. Contemporary artists like Alison Bechdel and Chris Ware also have their work on display. The museum integrates photography from masters like Gordon Parks and Henri Cartier-Bresson, showing the breadth of narrative art.
"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."
Inside the Galleries
The museum's 35 galleries will cover 100,000 square feet. Each gallery is designed to explore different aspects of the human experience. Themes include love, family, community, play, work, and sports. This thematic approach aims to connect visitors with the art on a personal level.
Recently announced pieces include Frank Frazetta’s 1970 cover for "A Princess of Mars." Norman Rockwell’s "Age of Romance," a cover for The Saturday Evening Post, will also be featured. An unpublished 1890 drawing by Beatrix Potter, titled "Mouse with a spinning wheel," adds historical depth.
Other notable additions are N. C. Wyeth's 1926 illustration "The Duel on the Beach" for Ladies’ Home Journal. Ernie Barnes’ "The Critics Corner" from 2007 offers a more modern perspective. These diverse selections demonstrate the museum's commitment to varied forms of narrative expression.
A Long Journey to Opening
The Lucas Museum has faced a long and complex journey. Initial plans considered San Francisco and Chicago. However, public and political challenges led the founders to choose Los Angeles in 2017. Construction officially broke ground in 2018.
The original target opening date was 2021. Delays caused by the global pandemic and construction issues pushed this back. The opening was first rescheduled to 2023, then to 2025, and finally to the confirmed date of September 22, 2026. The project represents a significant investment, with a reported cost of $1 billion.
The Lucas Archives and Film Legacy
A significant part of the museum's appeal lies in the Lucas Archives. This section will house an extensive collection related to George Lucas's filmmaking career. Visitors can expect to see original models, props, concept art, and costumes from his iconic films.
This unique archive provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. It connects the narrative art theme directly to one of the most influential storytellers in modern cinema. Fans of his work will find a wealth of material exploring the visual development of his stories.
"Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life."
Building Excitement
George Lucas has been actively promoting the museum. He made his first appearance at San Diego International Comic-Con in July. He participated in a panel discussion with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Star Wars production designer Doug Chiang, moderated by Queen Latifah.
In October, Lucas also attended New York Comic Con. There, he joined a panel moderated by Martin Scorsese, featuring fantasy artists Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. These appearances have helped generate significant interest in the museum's unique focus on narrative art and its broad collection.
- Norman Rockwell: "Age of Romance" (The Saturday Evening Post cover)
- Frank Frazetta: Cover for "A Princess of Mars"
- Beatrix Potter: Unpublished drawing "Mouse with a spinning wheel"
- N. C. Wyeth: "The Duel on the Beach" (Ladies’ Home Journal illustration)
- Ernie Barnes: "The Critics Corner"
The museum is set to become a major cultural landmark in Los Angeles. It offers a fresh perspective on how art communicates stories, drawing from diverse traditions and mediums. Its opening in 2026 marks a new chapter for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.