Variety has released an extensive photo gallery offering an inside look at the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art ahead of its September 22 public opening in Los Angeles. Spanning an 11-acre campus in Exposition Park, the futuristic, spaceship-like building designed by MAD Architects showcases the full breadth of human visual storytelling.
Reflecting on the institution’s core mission, founder George Lucas emphasized the timeless power of imagery, noting, “For 2,000 years, the only way you could tell a story was with pictures“. Lucas further explained the expansive vision behind the curated pieces, stating, “The artists in this collection didn’t just create images, they connected our modern imaginations with our ancient emotions—with common beliefs creating community. Their work spans genres, media, and time“.
The photo feature highlights the museum’s 100,000 square feet of exhibition space, featuring over 1,300 works ranging from classical illustration and comic art to iconic cinematic archives and the dedicated “Star Wars in Motion” exhibition. With tickets currently on sale, the landmark cultural destination is set to welcome its first visitors later this month.
George Lucas previewed the long-in-the-works Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles on Wednesday, and Lucas said of the Herculean effort, “I’m fascinated by doing things that people say can’t be done.”
“I’m used to doing the impossible,” said the “Star Wars” creator, who, along with his wife Mellody Hobson, has been working on the museum concept for 17 years. “Part of the problem is I’m a contrarian. I’m fascinated by doing things that people say can’t be done. This one almost broke my will.”