The US$ 1bn Lucas museum project in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park is now set for a new opening date in 2025. Initially, the developer, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art planned for a 2021 opening after its groundbreaking in 2018. But several delays caused by the Covid pandemic forced the developers to shift the opening from last April to 2023.
Sandra Jackson-Dumont, the museum director and CEO gave details of their progress on the Lucas museum project so far. She said all aspects of the new 11-acre complex were now taking shape, along the western side of Exposition Park. Especially the project’s centerpiece, which is a five-story, 300,000-square-foot building that’s home to a 100,000-piece art collection.
This building houses several Roman mosaics, and Renaissance paintings, as well as contemporary photography.
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Development plans for the Lucas museum project
MAD Architects worked on the designs for the Lucas museum project, alongside Stantec, who served as the executive architect. The iconic museum building on the campus was constructed using steel and concrete frames. But the building’s exterior consists of 1,500 glass fiber reinforced polymer panels. Furthermore, the design also includes an extension, which links to the tree canopy of the exposition park. This structure will provide a covering above the plaza, which will be located at the center of the site.
Over 200 trees are currently being planted for the Lucas museum project, in the newly created open space. This space which was formerly a parking lot will also feature an amphitheater, a hanging garden, and a pedestrian bridge. Besides providing an outdoor amenity, the design concept offers a much-needed shade for the neighbors and visitors to the site. Meanwhile, the gardens designed by Studio MLA have replaced surface parking lots southward of the Park and also created new entry points.
According to the developers, the main Lucas museum building will feature two theaters and spaces for learning. On top of that, the building will also include components for engagement, dining, retail, and events. Since the inception of the project, the museum has employed over 4,200 workers.
