After many years of creating distant galaxies, George Lucas finally made his first appearance in San Diego.Comic-Con- the yearly major event in popular culture.
It was a Sunday afternoon when the 81-year-old veteran director, wearing his typical flannel shirt and jeans, took the stage at the event to loud cheers, accompanied by John Williams' famous music forStar Wars swelling around the hall.
However, rather than hinting at a new movie or bringing back an old series, Lucas was present for something much more intimate: to discuss his own museum.
Founded alongside his wife, business leader Mellody Hobson, The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a dream that has taken decades to realize. Scheduled to open in Los Angeles in 2026, it aims to serve as a venue that showcases Lucas’ deep passion for storytelling through various genres, time periods, and forms of expression.
"This is somewhat a sanctuary for the people's art," Lucas said to the audience.
"(Art) revolves more around a bond and emotional engagement with the piece, rather than its price or the celebrity associated with it. I don't believe it's something anyone will explain to you. If you feel an emotional connection, it's art. If not, simply move on to the next painting," Lucas added.
Here's all that has been disclosed regarding this bold initiative thus far:
A gallery resembling a spacecraft
Created by innovative architect Ma Yansong from the Chinese firm MAD Architects, the museum's smooth, curved structure looks like a massive spaceship - a fitting style for the person who brought us the Millennium Falcon.
Once finished, the five-story building will cover 300,000 square feet, equivalent to the size of a standardIKEA store.
It will be located on 11 acres of beautifully maintained green area adjacent to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the University of Southern California, where Lucas previously attended classes.
What will be contained?
Although Lucas insists the museum is not a temple honoring Star Wars, fans of the science fiction series will still find plenty to excite them within.
A buzz reel, displayed only at the panel and narrated by Mace Windu personally,Samuel L. Jackson, showcased several Star Wars artifacts that will be exhibited, such as General Grievous's vehicle, the original landspeeder, and Anakin Skywalker's ship from The Phantom Menace.
Numerous Star Wars-related items, along with pieces created by the renowned concept artist Ralph McQuarrie, will be displayed in the museum's film gallery.
However, the museum's range extends well beyond one specific franchise.
Participants in the panel were shown excerpts from Lucas' private collection, which features artworks by a Mexican iconFrida Kahloand American artist Norman Rockwell, comic art by R. Crumb and Jack Kirby, and the initial character sketch of Flash Gordon from 1934.
Other wonders inside the futuristic structure will feature original Charles Schulz Peanuts comics from the 1950s and '60s, the first pen-and-ink splash page ofBlack Pantherfrom 1968 and even the initial sketch from the first Iron Man comic cover.
In addition to a large gallery area, the museum will include two movie theaters, study rooms, a library, a dining facility, and a souvenir store. The nearby green space will continue to be accessible to visitors.
When will the museum be opening?
The museum was initially planned to be finished in 2021, but the pandemic and the challenges of the construction caused delays.
Although an exact opening date has not been revealed, it is scheduled to unveil its advanced entrance in 2026.