George Lucas's Epic Museum: What to Know About the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Get ready, art and film fans! George Lucas and Mellody Hobson’s massive Lucas Museum Of Narrative Art is set to open its doors in Los Angeles in 2026, promising a groundbreaking experience that celebrates storytelling from every corner of creativity. And for all you Star Wars fanatics, yes, there's even a little something for you!

TL;DR

• The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA) is a $1 billion institution opening in Los Angeles in 2026.
• It champions "narrative art" across all forms, from ancient cave paintings to film props, breaking down traditional art distinctions.
• While not a Star Wars museum, it will feature one dedicated gallery out of 33, showcasing Star Wars vehicle designs.
• George Lucas himself is the curator, and the museum has been promoted by legendary figures like Martin Scorsese and Guillermo del Toro.

Unpacking George Lucas's Vision for Narrative Art

So, you know George Lucas for creating the biggest space opera ever, Star Wars, right? But he and his wife, Mellody Hobson, have been working on a different kind of epic for years: the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA). And trust us, it's a huge deal. This isn't just another art museum; it’s a passion project aimed at redefining how we look at art and storytelling.

Lucas is pretty clear: this is not a Star Wars museum. Instead, the LMNA is all about "narrative art" – basically, any art that tells a story. We’re talking about a sprawling lineage of artists that Lucas feels a deep connection with, stretching all the way back to Stone Age cave painters and evolving through to modern masters of futuristic fantasy. The idea is to showcase art that explores the myths and stories that bind us as a society, arranged around universal themes like family, love, work, and play.

A Curator's Journey: Stepping Into George Lucas's Mind

It's fascinating to learn that George Lucas himself has taken on the role of the museum's curator. Earlier this year, an experienced museum director stepped down, and Lucas opted to helm the curation himself. Mellody Hobson even described the experience as "stepping into George's mind," which gives you a pretty good idea of how personal and deeply involved Lucas is with this project.

The collection itself is massive, boasting over 40,000 pieces. Lucas started collecting 60 years ago with comic art he could afford in college, and that passion has clearly grown exponentially. Among the treasures are an impressive 160 works by Norman Rockwell, whose vignettes of American life are, for Lucas, the very epitome of narrative art.

"Visual storytelling is very close to my heart. George has been speaking to me about his vision for the museum for many years, where there is no distinction between high art and low art, just images that spark emotion, where we’re told stories that hold us together — stories that connect us. It’s fundamental to who we are as human beings. For me, it was pictures that lead to books, to reading, and to art."

— Martin Scorsese, speaking at the NYCC Lucas Museum panel

From Masterpieces to Movie Magic: What You'll Discover Inside

The LMNA's collection is incredibly diverse, aiming to showcase the breadth of visual storytelling. You'll find works from renowned artists like Norman Rockwell, Kadir Nelson, Jessie Willcox Smith, N. C. Wyeth, Beatrix Potter, Judy Baca, Frida Kahlo, and Maxfield Parrish. It also celebrates comic art legends such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, Frank Frazetta, Alison Bechdel, Chris Ware, and R. Crumb, alongside acclaimed photographers like Gordon Parks, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Dorothea Lange.

One notable acquisition is Robert Colescott’s 1975 painting "George Washington Carver Crossing the Delaware: Page from an American History Textbook," which the museum bought for a cool $15.3 million at a Sotheby’s New York auction. But it's not just paintings and photographs; the museum also houses the Lucas Archive, which is a treasure trove for film buffs, featuring models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas's legendary filmmaking career.

The museum also acquired the Separate Cinema Archive in 2019, which is a significant collection of 37,000 objects dedicated to African American film history. This commitment to showcasing diverse stories and perspectives truly highlights the museum's broad and inclusive approach to narrative art.

Yes, Even a Galaxy Far, Far Away Will Be Represented (Sort Of)

Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or should we say, the X-wing in the gallery? Despite George Lucas's insistence that the LMNA isn't a Star Wars museum, he knows his audience. He reportedly included a Star Wars exhibit "grudgingly" to avoid disappointment from fans. As Lucas put it, "I didn't want people to come to the museum and say, 'Where's the Star Wars?'"

So, good news! Out of 33 galleries, one will be dedicated to the galaxy far, far away. One of the inaugural exhibits will feature designs of Star Wars vehicles, and we already know a Naboo Starfighter is expected to be on display. While it’s just a slice of the overall museum, it’s enough to give fans a taste of the narrative power that propelled Star Wars into a global phenomenon.

"It’s one gallery out of 33. And I did it grudgingly. I didn’t want people to come to the museum and say, ‘Where’s the Star Wars?’"

— George Lucas, discussing the inclusion of Star Wars at LMNA

The Road to Opening: Celebrity Backing and Big Buzz

The Lucas Museum has been building anticipation with a series of high-profile panels at major conventions. These events serve as a sneak peek into the museum's mission and its incredible collection, generating serious buzz for its 2026 opening. It's clear that Lucas and Hobson aren't holding back when it comes to enlisting some serious star power to champion their vision.

Earlier this year, George Lucas made his first-ever appearance at San Diego Comic-Con for a museum panel, joined by Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro (who serves on the museum’s board), Lucasfilm's Doug Chiang, and moderated by the one and only Queen Latifah. Talk about a powerhouse lineup!

More recently, at New York Comic Con on October 12, 2025, another star-studded panel took place, this time moderated by none other than legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. He was joined by street artist JR and celebrated fantasy painters Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell, who discussed the profound impact of visual storytelling. Attendees were treated to renderings of the museum's design, sneak peeks of artworks, and a pre-recorded interview with Lucas and Hobson. These events truly underscore the museum's commitment to elevating and celebrating all forms of narrative art.

Key Details for Your Visit: Location, Cost, and What to Expect

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is currently under construction in Los Angeles, California. The project, which is estimated to cost around $1 billion, has seen some leadership changes on its journey to opening. Director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont stepped down in February, and the institution announced layoffs in May. Currently, Lucas himself handles "content direction," while Jim Gianopulos (former chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox and Paramount Pictures) serves as interim CEO, with a permanent CEO yet to be appointed.

However, despite these internal shifts, the vision remains strong, and the museum is firmly on track for its 2026 debut. This museum is poised to be a major cultural landmark, inviting visitors to explore the universal power of stories through diverse artistic expressions. Get ready to be surprised and inspired when the doors finally open!

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Answered

• When will the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art open? The museum is slated to open in Los Angeles in 2026. While an exact date isn't out yet, keep an eye on official announcements!
• Where exactly is the Lucas Museum located? It's being built in Los Angeles, California.
• Will there be a lot of Star Wars stuff to see? George Lucas has made it clear this isn't a dedicated Star Wars museum. However, there will be one gallery out of 33 specifically focused on Star Wars, featuring things like vehicle designs. So, yes, some, but not a whole lot!
• What kind of art can I expect to see there? You'll find "narrative art" of all kinds! This includes paintings by artists like Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo, comic art from legends like Jack Kirby, photography by masters such as Gordon Parks, and artifacts from Lucas's own film career like props and costumes. It aims to cover storytelling across all cultures, times, and media.
• What about food? Will there be a restaurant? While details on specific dining options aren't fully fleshed out, PETA has publicly requested that any restaurant at the LMNA be 100% vegan. So, there's definitely a conversation happening about food services!

Sources

• Information synthesized from provided articles, including interviews with George Lucas and Mellody Hobson (Wall Street Journal) and New York Comic Con panel reports.
• Lucas Museum of Narrative Art official website (mentioned as a source for opening date of 2026).