George Lucas Museum Opens Doors in Los Angeles

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a $1 billion campus envisioned by filmmaker George Lucas, officially opened its doors last week in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park. After more than a decade of planning and overcoming potential sites in Chicago and San Francisco, the museum welcomed its first visitors on September 22, 2026.

George Lucas and his wife, Melody Hobson, were present to greet the initial wave of guests. The museum, designed by architect Ma Yansong, spans 300,000 square feet on a 13-acre site. Its distinctive figure-eight design and surrounding parkland, developed by Studio-MLA, transform a formerly vacant lot into a public space featuring gardens, an amphitheater, and over 300 new trees.

A Blend of Film and Fine Art

The museum's collection is broadly categorized, with a significant portion dedicated to narrative art, including extensive displays from Lucas's iconic film franchises. Visitors can find full-scale props and costumes from Star Wars, such as Anakin Skywalker's podracer from The Phantom Menace, air speeders from Attack of the Clones, and speeder bikes from Return of the Jedi. The exhibit also features original concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, including early designs for C-3PO and R2-D2, and a statue of Indiana Jones.

Beyond the cinematic treasures, the museum showcases a substantial collection of fine art. A notable section is dedicated to Norman Rockwell, featuring his iconic illustrations and paintings, including "The Problem We All Live With" and "The Runaway." The museum also displays works by Frida Kahlo, comic artists like Jack Kirby and Robert Crumb, and murals by Banksy, including "Don't Forget Your Scarf" and a test piece for "Mobile Lovers."

Theaters and Library

The museum houses two theaters that offer a rotating schedule of films. The Robert Flaherty Theater screens documentaries, while the Slava Vorkapich Theater features short films. Among these screenings is a selection of episodes from Star Wars Detours, an animated series produced by Lucas that was previously shelved. The first episode screened, set between the prequel and original trilogies, offers a comedic take on the Star Wars universe.

A second building within the complex contains a library with a diverse collection of books on topics ranging from science fiction to history. The Murals gallery, located on the fifth floor, presents large-scale works by various artists, including Banksy.

Unique Merchandise

The museum's store offers typical museum shop items alongside more distinctive souvenirs. These include a hand-painted R2-D2 cookie jar priced at $210 and Swarovski crystal figurines of Star Wars characters, which range from $350 to $600. The museum itself is priced at $25 for general admission, with the author noting it as a worthwhile experience for its diverse offerings.