LOS ANGELES – The new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is set to delight “Star Wars” fans, but it offers much more than just a glimpse into the galaxy far, far away. This museum, founded by filmmaker George Lucas, aims to celebrate various forms of art that often go unnoticed, turning them into treasures that deserve the same admiration usually reserved for classic masterpieces.
Lucas envisioned this museum as a “temple to the people’s art,” where the works of populist painters, commercial illustrators, and comic artists can shine. According to CEO Tracey Bates, the mission is to showcase these familiar pieces in a way that highlights their genius and significance.
The museum opened to the public on September 22, 2023.
Lucas, now 82, made a surprise appearance during a media preview, expressing his disbelief that the museum came to fruition after 17 years of planning. He humorously noted that his contrarian nature often complicates projects, saying, “I’m used to doing the impossible. This one almost broke me.”
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a striking Naboo N-1 Starfighter from “The Phantom Menace,” which hangs in the lobby of the museum’s public research library. The inaugural exhibit, titled “Star Wars in Motion,” features iconic pieces like Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder and speeder bikes from “Return of the Jedi.” However, it’s noteworthy that “Star Wars” only occupies about 7% of the museum’s total space.
The majority of the museum’s 100,000 square feet of galleries is filled with artworks from Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, a prominent collector of African-American art. Lucas began collecting art during his college years, acquiring original comic art for a fraction of what it’s worth today. As his success grew, he expanded his collection to include works by renowned artists like Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish.
Bates highlights Rockwell, known for his evocative storytelling through art, as central to the museum’s philosophy. “He’s one of the greatest storytellers of our lifetime,” she remarked, emphasizing the depth and nuance found in his work.
Among Rockwell’s works is “The Problem We All Live With,” which portrays Ruby Bridges, a young Black girl confronting racism as she integrates an all-white school in New Orleans. This painting serves as a reminder of the artist’s capacity to address complex societal issues.
The museum also showcases Parrish’s ethereal and atmospheric works, which Lucas collected over the years. Bates described one of the galleries dedicated to Parrish as “a little sanctuary,” emphasizing the tranquility it evokes.
Unlike traditional museums, many of the galleries in the Lucas Museum are organized by themes rather than artists or time periods. This approach allows visitors to explore art through the lens of everyday life and the stories it tells.
In addition to commercial art, the museum features works by celebrated artists like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol. If a piece tells a story, it has a place in this unique space.
Designed by architect Ma Yansong, the museum’s structure resembles a modern spacecraft and is situated in Exposition Park, adjacent to the University of Southern California, where Lucas studied. Ma’s vision was to create a space that feels organic and inviting, encouraging visitors to explore.
The museum also features a rich collection of comic art, sci-fi, and fantasy illustrations, with dedicated spaces for iconic artists like Frank Frazetta and Paul Raymond Gregory. There’s even a special section for kids that includes beloved characters from literature and anime.
As the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens its doors, it promises to be a vibrant hub of creativity and storytelling, honoring both popular and fine art in a way that invites everyone to appreciate the narratives that shape our world.
