George Lucas's art museum, featuring a futuristic design, now recognizes and exhibits comic books as revered art pieces
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: A Temple to the People's Art
The long-awaited Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to open its doors in 2026, in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. This first-of-its-kind institution is dedicated to exploring the power of visual storytelling across time, cultures, and media[1][2][3].
With a modern, futuristic design by MAD Architects, the museum spans an impressive 300,000 square feet across an 11-acre campus[1][2]. The campus will feature galleries, two theaters, a library, restaurant, café, retail, and community spaces, all integrated with beautiful green spaces[1][2].
The museum's objective is to highlight the societal impact and emotional connection that narrative art creates. It aims to be a "temple to the people's art," as stated by George Lucas himself[6]. The collection features over 50 years of Lucas's personal archive and works by renowned artists such as Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, N. C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Robert Crumb, Frank Frazetta, Jack Kirby, and more[1][3][4][5].
The museum will also display props of starships and speeders from Star Wars movies, as well as concept art, costumes, and storyboards from Lucasfilm productions like Star Wars and Indiana Jones[1][3][4][5]. A video presentation at Comic-Con revealed some of what will be inside the museum, including work by artists such as Moebius, Brian Bolland, and Mike Mignola[1].
The museum will house a variety of exhibits, including a Flash Gordon character drawing from 1934, an original drawing of the Iron Man No. 1 cover from 1968, original Peanuts sketches from the 1950s and '60s, and art by Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, and Frieda Kahlo[5].
At Comic-Con International in San Diego, George Lucas was greeted with huge queues, chants, a standing ovation, and no discussion about Star Wars or Indiana Jones. Lucas appeared alongside Queen Latifah, Guillermo del Toro, and Doug Chiang to provide a first look at the museum[6]. Chiang emphasized that the museum is intended to give comic art its rightful recognition[7].
The museum's design reflects the continuous nature of storytelling, with an amorphous fluid design that comprises 1,500 fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels, cloud-like massing, deep cantilevers, and is designed without right angles[4]. MAD Architects opted for this design to represent the museum's focus on the power of storytelling and its ability to shape society[4].
In Chiang's words, "story comes first. Art comes second." This sentiment is at the heart of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a testament to the power of visual storytelling and its ability to transcend fame and price[7].
[1] - Lucas Museum of Narrative Art [2] - Lucas Museum of Narrative Art - Wikipedia [3] - Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to open in 2026 [4] - Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to feature Star Wars, Indiana Jones art [5] - Comic-Con: First Look at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art [6] - George Lucas receives standing ovation at Comic-Con [7] - Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: Doug Chiang on giving comic art its due
- The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will showcase digital art, UI, and graphic design work that shares powerful visual stories.
- As an artist specializing in narrative art, my design is influenced by the layout and color choices in the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
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- In addition to famous artworks, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art also displays sketches and drawings by renowned artists, such as those in the world of travel and lifestyle.
- The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art serves as a testament to the long-lasting influence of narrative art, proving that it's an essential part of various aspects of life, from travel to sports, cars, and more.
