Lucas Museum in Los Angeles: Science Fiction, Comics, and Star Wars Archives Under One Roof. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is preparing to open in Los Angeles—a project by George Lucas that will bring together more than 1,200 works of art, comics, manga, and unique Star Wars materials. The building's architecture has already become a new landmark in the city.
On September 22, 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will open in Exposition Park, Los Angeles—a major cultural project initiated by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson. The building, reminiscent of a futuristic space station, has already transformed the district’s familiar landscape and become an iconic symbol of the city's renewed ambitions in the arts.
The museum will launch with an exhibition of over 1,200 works, spread across 30 themed galleries. The core collection exceeds 40,000 pieces: from classical painting and sculpture to comics, manga, photography, digital and animation art. This approach showcases how visual images shape our perception of the world—regardless of genre or era.
Architecture and concept
The building was designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects. Its aerodynamic shapes and expressive lines instantly evoke associations with science fiction and the Star Wars aesthetic. Yet the museum is conceived not only as a repository for Lucas’s personal collection: over 9,000 square meters of exhibition space will make it possible to display large-scale and experimental works, as well as to host major thematic exhibitions.
A separate section will house the Star Wars archives—sets, props, costumes, and visual materials that not only illustrate the history of the cult saga, but also influenced the museum’s architectural choices.
What visitors will see
The opening exhibition places particular emphasis on key figures of visual storytelling. Among them are photographer Dorothea Lange (author of the famous Migrant Mother photo), fantasy artist Frank Frazetta (A Princess of Mars, Mothman), and muralist Judy Baca, whose work is associated with Diego Rivera and JR.
The literary illustration section features works by N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, Thomas Hart Benton, Jessie Willcox Smith, Beatrix Potter, E.H. Shepard, and Jacob Lawrence. These are names whose images have accompanied children's books, stories, and visual culture for decades.
Comics, graphic novels, manga, and anime also occupy an important place. Among the authors are Jack Kirby (Capitán América, X-Men), Frank Miller (Sin City), Mœbius (Alien), and Alison Bechdel (Fun Home). This selection highlights that the museum is not limited to classical art or pop culture, but aims to showcase the entire spectrum of visual narrative.
How the exhibition is organized
The curatorial concept revolves around two directions. The first consists of thematic halls dedicated to universal storylines: love, family, community, work, education, sports, adventures. The second features separate spaces for 20th-century authors to trace how artists interpret the myths and meanings that shape collective consciousness.
This combination makes it possible to bring together antique sculpture, photography, murals, comics, and animation under one roof—and to show that visual stories are not divided into 'high' and 'popular' art. The museum aims to make art accessible to a wide audience, not just specialists.
The Road to Opening
The Lucas Museum was originally scheduled to open in 2021, but the timeline was postponed several times due to construction challenges and changes in leadership. In 2025, Sandra Jackson-Dumont stepped down as director, followed soon after by chief curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas. Despite these changes, the museum's concept remains the same: to become a destination for everyone interested in art, culture, and visual storytelling.
Practical Details
For those planning a visit, several details are important: the opening is set for September 22, 2026, at Exposition Park, Los Angeles. The inaugural exhibition will feature over 1,200 works, about 30 themed galleries, and separate spaces for the Star Wars archives. Special attention should be paid to the galleries dedicated to comics, manga, muralism, photography, and digital art.
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The opening of the Lucas Museum promises to be a significant event not only for Star Wars fans, but also for everyone interested in how visual images shape our perception of the world. This project can unite generations and demonstrate that art is not limited to galleries, but also includes comics, film, animation, and even architecture.
