The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art aims to celebrate storytelling through visual art in all its forms. Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, it embodies the belief that illustrated narratives matter for everyone. The museum sets out to blur boundaries between popular culture and fine art, thus making the “people’s art” a central focus of its collection. Through exhibitions, education, and public programming, the institution intends to engage communities with deep, immersive experiences. It will also integrate cinematic artifacts, placing the visual story-element of film alongside murals, comics, illustration and more.
The Story Behind the Architecture
Located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, the museum sits on an 11-acre campus adjacent to major cultural landmarks. It occupies a 300,000-square-foot building designed by MAD Architects (led by Ma Yansong) with landscape design by Studio-MLA, and its style is curvilinear and bold. The site integrates the building with greenspace and public areas, fostering access and community. The architecture looks to reflect a fusion of form and narrative, with expansive galleries, learning spaces, and theaters all designed to serve both art and public engagement.
Opening timeline and collection highlights
After several delays, the museum is scheduled to open on September 22, 2026. Its permanent collection will include more than 40,000 works, spanning illustration, muralism, comic art, children’s book imagery, photography and cinematic materials. Among the artists represented will be Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, Jack Kirby and others; furthermore the “Lucas Archives” will display models, props and concept art from Lucas’s films.
Project Factsheet
Location: Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California, USA
Campus Size: 11 acres
Building Size: Approximately 300,000 sq ft
Gallery Space: 35 galleries, roughly 100,000 sq ft of exhibition space
Permanent Collection: More than 40,000 artworks spanning comics, illustration, photography, cinematic artifacts
Opening Date: September 22, 2026
Architecture: Designed by MAD Architects (Ma Yansong) with landscape by Studio-MLA
Mission: To elevate visual storytelling, engage broad audiences, and merge popular culture with fine art
Public impact and opportunities
The $2.6 billion Los Angeles Convention Center expansion complements the city’s growing portfolio of cultural and civic infrastructure. By opening in Exposition Park, the museum strategically aligns itself with other cultural institutions, enabling synergies in visitor traffic and educational outreach. The location offers strong access for schools and families, thereby enhancing community impact. As the institution emphasizes narrative art—often overlooked in traditional fine-art contexts—it presents opportunities for inclusive programming and diverse representation. With its scale and ambition, the museum is likely to become a landmark destination in Los Angeles, boosting cultural tourism and local economic activity.
What Challenges are Faced
Despite its promise, the project has faced a series of delays due to construction, supply-chain disruptions and organizational restructuring. Ensuring the museum opens on schedule in 2026 will require rigorous project management and coordinated construction effort. Moreover, fulfilling the mission of broad public engagement means that programming, accessibility and outreach will need sustained attention. For your construction-oriented audience, the build-out of 300,000 sq ft within an active cultural district offers rich insight into large-scale institutional construction, finishing, and public realm integration.
