‘Star Wars’ Creator George Lucas Prepares for Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opening
A fresh look at George Lucas within his long-anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has emerged, offering fans a sneak peek into the project he has dedicated years to realizing.
As detailed in a recent feature from Vanity Fair, the museum is not merely another cultural venue in Los Angeles. For Lucas, it embodies decades of contemplation about storytelling, art, and the connections stories forge across generations.
Scheduled to open in September, the museum occupies an 11-acre site in Los Angeles and has been in development for over ten years. Lucas has collaborated closely with his wife, Mellody Hobson, who has significantly influenced the museum’s vision and visitor experience.
The museum’s architecture is already drawing attention due to its unique design. Crafted by architect Ma Yansong, the building features flowing interiors and curved shapes, with almost no straight lines. Vanity Fair noted that it resembles something from one of Lucas’ own science-fiction universes.
However, for Lucas, the emphasis is not on the structure itself but on the art it houses.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will display over 1,000 pieces curated from a much larger personal collection amassed by Lucas and Hobson over the years. This collection encompasses illustrations, comic art, movie artwork, photography, paintings, and various pieces focused on storytelling.
Lucas shared that the museum aims to honor artists whose contributions often go unrecognized by traditional museums.
“I’ve worked with hundreds of illustrators and they never get credit for anything. They’re not going to end up in museums, because the art world is elitist and illustrators are seen as lowly,” Lucas remarked.
One of the primary objectives of the museum is to make art accessible. Lucas desires for visitors to forge emotional connections with what they encounter rather than feeling daunted by it.
“My feeling is, art is emotional; it’s not intellectual,” he stated. “Are you emotionally connected to it? If you’re connected, it’s art. And if you’re not, then it’s not art.”
The museum will feature a diverse range of artwork, from Norman Rockwell paintings to comic strips, fantasy illustrations, movie props, and even exhibits related to ‘Star Wars’. Lucas has emphasized that while the museum is not solely a ‘Star Wars’ museum, some items from the franchise will be included as part of its broader narrative focus.
Hobson noted that the museum was also designed with local communities and younger audiences in mind. Educational programs, affordable options, and public spaces have all been integrated into the visitor experience.
Lucas believes that stories have always been pivotal in human history, from ancient cave paintings to contemporary films. This concept serves as the foundation for the entire museum.
“You have to have a story, and the story is the mythology of the society,” Lucas explained. “It doesn’t have to be true. In fact, everybody knows it’s not true, but it’s emotional. It sticks. It becomes important to the society.”
After establishing one of the most successful film franchises ever, Lucas now appears committed to preserving and celebrating the art of storytelling itself. With the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art nearing its grand opening, visitors will soon have the opportunity to experience that vision firsthand.
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