Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to Open in Los Angeles in September

George Lucas previewed the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles on Wednesday, describing the project as a long-term effort that began 17 years ago with his wife Mellody Hobson. The 300,000-square-foot building, located next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, will feature more than 30 galleries showcasing Lucas’s personal collection of narrative art, including life-sized Star Wars props, works by Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Maxfield Parrish, Frank Frazetta, as well as photography, comic-book art, Western paintings and sculptures.

"It’s something that I felt very, very strongly about in terms of honoring illustrators, artists who illustrate stories that are already written, and most of the stories are myths; they’re not real, but the illustrations make them real," Lucas said.

He added that the museum’s design was created by architect Ma Yansong of MAD with Stansec, and landscape architecture was provided by Mia Lehrer. Lucas also praised the museum staff, noting that the team assembled for the project has been a significant advantage. The museum is scheduled to open to the public on September 22.