Prepare to be amazed! The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is poised to become a cultural juggernaut, and it's set to feature the iconic works of comic and fantasy art legends Jack Kirby and Frank Frazetta, alongside an incredible roster of artistic giants. This isn't just another museum opening; it's a celebration of storytelling in all its visual forms.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the brainchild of George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, is scheduled to open its doors in Los Angeles' Exposition Park in September 2026. Imagine stepping inside a space dedicated to the power of visual storytelling, spanning everything from ancient cave paintings to cutting-edge digital art. This museum aims to showcase how narratives shape our beliefs, communicate values, spark our imaginations, and ultimately, forge communities.
Beyond Kirby and Frazetta, the museum's collection reads like a who's who of artistic brilliance. You'll find pieces by Posy Simmonds, Robert Crumb, Alison Bechdel, Frida Kahlo, N.C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, Judy Baca, Maxfield Parrish, Winsor McCay, Chris Ware, Ernie Barnes, Osamu Tezuka, Miguel Covarrubias, George Herriman, Ralph McQuarrie, Doug Chiang, Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Judith F. Baca, JR, Diego Rivera, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, Robert Colescott, Dorothea Lange, and many more. The sheer breadth of talent promises an unparalleled artistic experience.
And this is the part most people miss: the museum isn't just about paintings. It's about the art of storytelling, and that includes everything from comic books and classic illustrations to photography, props, models, and even items from the Lucas Archives. Think costumes from Star Wars, original concept art, and behind-the-scenes treasures that offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of filmmaking.
The museum boasts an impressive 35 galleries spread across a massive 100,000 square feet, making it one of the largest comic book galleries in the world. Its permanent collection contains over 40,000 works, including gems like Frank Frazetta's cover for A Princess of Mars, Norman Rockwell's cover for The Saturday Evening Post, an unpublished Beatrix Potter drawing titled Mouse with a spinning wheel, N.C. Wyeth's The Duel on the Beach illustration for Ladies' Home Journal, Ernie Barnes' The Critics Corner, Osamu Tezuka's Astro Boy, Doug Chiang's Attack Of The Clones production art, Ralph McQuarrie's Star Wars production art, Miguel Covarrubias' Hollywood's Malibu Beach, Kadir Nelson's Art Connoisseurs cover for The New Yorker, and Frida Kahlo's Autorretrato dedicado al Dr Eloesser.
The building itself is a work of art, designed by architect Ma Yansong of MAD, with assistance from Stantec, a US-based architecture firm. The 11-acre campus also features lush green spaces designed by Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA. The 300,000-square-foot structure will house galleries, two theaters, a retail store, a library, a café, a restaurant, and event spaces – a true cultural hub.
The Lucas Museum's mission is clear: to demonstrate how narrative art influences societies, shaping beliefs, communicating values, inspiring imagination, and creating communities. The museum aims to empower visitors to engage with artworks through the compelling stories they tell. The board of directors is a who's who of creative and business leaders, including George Lucas, Mellody Hobson, Steven Spielberg, and Guillermo del Toro, ensuring the museum's vision is realized with passion and expertise.
Leading the curatorial team are Pilar Tompkins Rivas (Chief Curator and Deputy Director), Dr. Ryan Linkof (Senior Curator), and Laela French (Curator & Head of Lucas Archives). Each brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the museum's collection and exhibitions. Laela French, in particular, has dedicated over two decades to preserving the costumes, props, models, and artworks used in the making of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones films.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that including such a wide range of art forms under the umbrella of "narrative art" might dilute the focus on specific genres like comics or illustration. Others might question whether a museum founded by a filmmaker will inadvertently prioritize film-related narratives over other forms of visual storytelling.
What do you think? Is the Lucas Museum's broad definition of "narrative art" a strength or a weakness? Are you excited about the prospect of seeing Jack Kirby and Frank Frazetta's work displayed alongside pieces by Frida Kahlo and Norman Rockwell? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
