By 
A New Anchor for Los Angeles Cultural Tourism
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by filmmaker George Lucas and philanthropist Mellody Hobson, is set to open its doors to the public on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Situated in Exposition Park, the institution is designed to integrate with the city's existing cluster of science and educational landmarks.
The facility is a massive undertaking, featuring more than 100,000 square feet of gallery space. Beyond the art, the site includes a 13-acre public park, a dedicated research library, and a rooftop restaurant, making it a comprehensive destination for international and domestic travelers.
Because of the anticipated volume of visitors, the museum will operate on a timed-entry ticket system. This requirement ensures a managed flow through the 30+ galleries that bridge the gap between traditional fine art and modern popular culture.
Bridging Ancient History and Modern Media
The museum’s curatorial philosophy focuses on "narrative art"—the use of images to communicate myths, identity, and social experiences. The inaugural collection features over 1,300 works that span centuries of human storytelling.
A primary highlight is the first-floor exhibition, The History of Narrative Art: Heroes • Myths • The Sacred. To make global history accessible, the museum has utilized high-resolution 3D scanning and imagery to create precise reproductions of works that cannot be moved from their original sites, including:
- The Sistine Chapel ceiling
- The Altamira cave paintings
- The Aztec Sun Stone
- Winged human-headed bulls from the palace of King Sargon II
Diverse Artistic Range: From Rockwell to Banksy
The museum intentionally dissolves the boundary between "high art" and commercial illustration. By placing celebrated painters alongside comic book artists, the institution validates storytelling in all its forms.
Visitors will find works from a diverse roster of creators, including:
- Traditional & Fine Art: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Gordon Parks.
- American Illustration: Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Jessie Willcox Smith, Maxfield Parrish, and Thomas Hart Benton.
- Contemporary & Street Art: Banksy and JR.
- Popular Culture: Charles Schulz and Beatrix Potter.
The galleries are organized by universal themes—such as love, labor, adventure, and family—rather than strictly by medium, allowing visitors to see how different artists tackle the same human emotions.
Expanding into Manga, Murals, and Cinema
The museum's scope extends into specialized genres, including fantasy, romance, and graphic novels. The collection features influential figures such as Takashi Murakami, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, and Georges Méliès.
Local Los Angeles history is represented through a gallery dedicated to monumental storytelling, featuring archives from Judith F. Baca’s The Great Wall of Los Angeles.
For cinema enthusiasts, the Star Wars in Motion exhibit serves as a major draw. This section focuses on the vehicles from the first six films, showcasing concept designs, costumes, and physical props. Key displays include:
- Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder (A New Hope)
- The original physical build of General Grievous’s Wheel Bike (Revenge of the Sith)
Visitor Logistics and Pricing
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Museum Name | Lucas Museum of Narrative Art |
| Opening Date | September 22, 2026 |
| Location | Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California |
| Gallery Space | 100,000+ square feet |
| Total Works | 1,300+ |
| Number of Galleries | 30+ |
| Adult Admission | $25 |
| Senior Admission (65+) | $21 |
| Children (17 & under) | Free |
| Public Park Size | 13 acres |
| Entry Requirement | Advance timed-entry tickets required |
Key Takeaways
- Opening Date: The museum officially opens September 22, 2026.
- Hybrid Collection: The museum blends fine art (Kahlo, Rivera) with illustration (Rockwell) and pop culture (Manga, Comics).
- Tech-Driven Access: 3D scanning allows visitors to see reproductions of global treasures like the Sistine Chapel.
- Cinematic Appeal: A dedicated Star Wars exhibit features original vehicles and props from the first six movies.
- Accessibility: Children 17 and under enter for free, though all visitors must book timed tickets in advance.
FAQ
When does the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art open? The museum opens to the public on September 22, 2026.
Do I need a ticket to visit? Yes, advance timed-entry tickets are required for all visitors.
Is the museum only about Star Wars? No. While it features a significant Star Wars cinema gallery, the majority of the museum is dedicated to the broader history of narrative art, including painting, photography, and illustration.
Where is the museum located? It is located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles, California.