The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has officially announced its opening date of September 22, 2026, marking the end of a seven-year journey that began in 2018. The ambitious $1 billion project, spearheaded by Star Wars creator George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, faced multiple delays including pandemic-related setbacks but is now approaching completion in Los Angeles's Exposition Park.
When the doors open next year, visitors will encounter an impressive 300,000-square-foot facility housing 35 galleries spread across 100,000 square feet of exhibition space. The museum's permanent collection boasts more than 40,000 works of narrative art, encompassing a diverse range of visual storytelling mediums including comic art, science fiction illustrations, classic children's book artwork, murals, and cinematic memorabilia such as vintage movie posters.
The collection features works from renowned artists spanning multiple generations and artistic movements. Visitors can expect to see pieces by American illustrator Norman Rockwell, comic book legend Jack Kirby, graphic novelist Alison Bechdel, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, beloved children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, photographer Gordon Parks, and documentary photographer Dorothea Lange. This eclectic mix represents the museum's commitment to showcasing narrative art across various cultural contexts and artistic traditions.
"Stories are mythology – they help humans understand the mysteries of life," Lucas stated, articulating the museum's core mission to celebrate visual storytelling as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. This philosophy drives the institution's approach to curating and presenting art that tells stories and connects with human experiences.
The museum's architectural design, created by MAD Architects in collaboration with executive architect Stantec, represents a striking addition to the Exposition Park landscape. The five-story structure features 1,500 futuristic polymer panels that create a distinctive exterior appearance, while the building is crowned with both greenery and solar panels, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability. The bold, contemporary design promises to be highly photogenic and will likely become an iconic landmark in the area.
The Lucas Museum sits at the center of an expansive 11-acre campus that will transform the surrounding area with new amenities designed by landscape architecture firm Studio-MLA. The development includes carefully planned gardens, an outdoor amphitheater for performances and events, an innovative hanging garden, a pedestrian bridge to improve connectivity, and updated entryways that will enhance access to the broader park. These improvements are designed to create a cohesive cultural destination that extends beyond the museum walls.
The museum represents one of two major construction projects currently reshaping Exposition Park's cultural landscape. The other significant development is the $400 million Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, which is being built adjacent to the existing California Science Center. Together, these projects are positioning the area as a major destination for education, culture, and entertainment in Los Angeles.
Looking ahead to the post-Olympic period, Exposition Park is scheduled to receive additional enhancements following the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. A planned $352 million expansion will add substantial green space along Figueroa Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, further improving the park's accessibility and appeal to visitors. These improvements will create a more integrated and welcoming environment for the millions of people expected to visit the area annually.
With its massive collection, cutting-edge architectural design, and comprehensive campus development, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is positioned to become one of Los Angeles's most significant new cultural landmarks. The institution promises to offer visitors an unprecedented exploration of visual storytelling while contributing to the city's reputation as a global center for arts and culture. After years of anticipation and development challenges, the museum's opening will mark a major milestone in Los Angeles's cultural evolution.
