Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: A New Home for Storytelling Opening in 2026
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to Open in Los Angeles in 2026
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, co-founded by filmmaker George Lucas and philanthropist Mellody Hobson, is set to open its doors to the public on September 22, 2026. Located in Exposition Park, Los Angeles, this new cultural landmark is designed by architect Ma Yansong of MAD, with gardens crafted by landscape architect Mia Lehrer of Studio-MLA.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her enthusiasm for the museum, stating, “I’m proud to welcome the Lucas Museum to Los Angeles in a neighborhood rich with history and community. This isn’t just another museum — it’s an investment in imagination. It’s about honoring the artists and storytellers who shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Every neighborhood in our city deserves that kind of inspiration.”
The museum aims to explore the connections forged through storytelling and the shared human experience. George Lucas, co-founder of the museum, remarked, “Stories are mythology, and when illustrated, they help humans understand the mysteries of life.” He emphasized that illustrated storytelling serves as a universal language.
Housing a permanent collection of over 40,000 pieces, the Lucas Museum boasts one of the most significant collections of narrative art in existence. Its expansive 100,000-square-foot building will feature 35 galleries.
Mellody Hobson highlighted the museum’s mission, affirming, “This is a museum of the people’s art — the images are illustrations of beliefs we live with every day. For that reason, this art belongs to everyone. Our hope is that as people move through the galleries, they will see themselves, and their humanity, reflected back.”
The galleries will thematically celebrate the human experience, encompassing concepts such as love, family, community, play, and adventure. Visitors can expect to encounter works from renowned illustrators, mural paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries, comic art, children’s book illustrations, and science fiction imagery. The museum will also feature artifacts from the film industry, including movie posters and documentaries showcasing artists and filmmakers.
The architectural design, in collaboration with landscape experts, integrates new green spaces within the 11-acre campus. Alongside the galleries, the museum will include two theaters, a library, a restaurant, a café, a retail store, and community spaces, enriching the cultural tapestry of Exposition Park.
