Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: The Journey to Los Angeles
The creation of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has been a decades-long odyssey involving multiple cities, architectural debates, and legal challenges. Founded to house the extensive art collection of George Lucas—estimated at approximately $1 billion—the project aims to celebrate narrative art through a world-class facility that blends education, culture, and public space.
Key Facts
- Collection Value: Estimated at $1 billion.
- Final Location: Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California.
- Architectural Firm: MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong.
- Facility Size: Nearly 300,000 square feet across five levels.
- Gallery Space: 100,000 square feet of dedicated exhibition areas.
- Parkland: 11 acres of new park space designed by Studio-MLA.
The Search for a Home: San Francisco and Chicago
Before settling in Southern California, the museum was the subject of intense negotiations in several major cities. It was originally planned for Crissy Field in San Francisco. However, after four years of unsuccessful discussions with The Presidio Trust regarding the land, George Lucas shifted his focus.
Chicago became the next primary contender. Encouraged by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the project was proposed for a site near Soldier Field and Burnham Harbor on the shores of Lake Michigan. The plan involved leasing land from the Chicago Park District for $1 per year. Other cities, including Los Angeles (via Mayor Eric Garcetti) and Youngstown, Ohio (via Mayor John McNally), also bid for the honor of hosting the institution.
The Chicago proposal faced significant backlash. Critics, including the Chicago Tribune, argued the structure was too massive for a democratic public space. Legal opposition from Friends of the Parks led to a federal lawsuit, with U.S. District Judge John Darrah ruling in 2015 that the land was held in public trust. Despite legislative efforts to allow the project to proceed, the protracted confrontation led Mellody Hobson and George Lucas to withdraw from Chicago in June 2016.
Establishing the Los Angeles Site
On January 10, 2017, George Lucas officially announced that the museum would be built in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. This location was chosen for its proximity to the University of Southern California (Lucas's alma mater), the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, BMO Stadium, and various local schools and museums in the South Los Angeles region.
The architectural vision was realized by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects (MAD Studio), with Stantec serving as the architect of record. The resulting design is a five-level complex featuring a library, learning studios, two theaters, a restaurant, a café, and an event space.
Construction and Timeline
Preparation for the site began in January 2018, with Hathaway Dinwiddie serving as the general contractor. The official groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 14, 2018. While the museum was initially slated to open in 2021, the timeline has shifted multiple times due to external factors.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused the first major delay, pushing the opening to 2023. Subsequent adjustments moved the date to 2025, and most recently, the opening has been rescheduled for 2026.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Building Area | ~300,000 sq ft |
| Gallery Area | 100,000 sq ft |
| Total Park Space | 11 acres |
| Lead Architect | Ma Yansong (MAD Architects) |
| Current Expected Opening | 2026 |
Leadership History
The museum's administration has seen several transitions. Don Bacigalupi, the former president of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, served as the first president until early 2019. He was succeeded by Sandra Jackson-Dumont, who served as director and CEO until March 2025. Currently, Jim Gianopulos serves as the interim CEO. Additionally, chief curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas departed the museum in December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art located?
The museum is located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, California, near the University of Southern California.
Who designed the museum building?
The building was designed by Ma Yansong of the Chinese firm MAD Architects (MAD Studio), with Stantec acting as the architect of record.
Why was the museum not built in Chicago?
The project faced significant opposition from preservationists and legal challenges regarding the use of public trust land on the lakefront, leading George Lucas to withdraw the proposal in 2016.
When is the museum expected to open?
After several delays—including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—the opening date has been pushed to 2026.
What will be inside the museum?
The facility will include 100,000 square feet of gallery space, a library, learning studios, two theaters, a restaurant, a café, and an event space.