culture & technology•Wed, September 23, 2026•5 min read

George Lucas’s $1 Billion ‘Spaceship’ Museum Has Officially Landed in L.A.

After over a decade of planning and construction, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is now open in Los Angeles. The $1 billion project celebrates the history of visual storytelling, from ancient cave paintings to modern cinema.

A New Vision for Narrative Art

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has officially opened its doors in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. Founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, the museum represents a monumental addition to the city's cultural landscape. Billed as the first institution dedicated to the universal human tradition of visual storytelling, the museum occupies a striking, spaceship-like structure designed by architect Ma Yansong.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art officially opened to the public on September 22, 2026.

What Awaits Inside

Spanning 300,000 square feet, the museum is designed to challenge how we look at art. It moves beyond traditional fine art definitions to explore the history of narrative through diverse media. Visitors can expect to explore 35 themed galleries featuring:

Prehistoric cave paintings and ancient sculptures.
A wide range of comics, manga, and children’s illustration.
Dedicated rooms honoring influential illustrators like Norman Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth.
A free, extensive research library housing rare books and archives.

A Monumental Effort

The road to completion was anything but simple. George Lucas has described the process as a test of endurance, noting that the project took more than 17 years of planning and construction. The result is a $1 billion campus that includes 13 acres of park and gardens designed by Mia Lehrer/Studio-MLA, providing an organic counterpoint to the museum's futuristic architecture.

It is here to change the way we look at art. Paris has the Louvre, New York has the Met and now, LA has its artistic equal.
— Mellody Hobson

Key Takeaways

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art officially opened in Los Angeles on September 22, 2026.
The $1 billion facility is located in Exposition Park and covers 300,000 square feet.
The museum focuses on the history of visual storytelling, including film, comics, and illustration.
The campus features 13 acres of park and garden space designed for the public.
A free research library is available for visitors, providing access to rare archives.

FAQ

Where is the Lucas Museum located?

The museum is located in Exposition Park in South Los Angeles.

Is the museum open to the public?

Yes, the museum officially opened to the public on September 22, 2026.

What kind of art is displayed there?

The museum showcases visual storytelling through various media, including cave paintings, comics, illustration, photography, films, and murals.

Does the museum have a research library?

Yes, the museum houses a research library with general research collections and rare books that is open to visitors free of charge.