Lucas Museum Narrative Art: Opening Galleries

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art’s opening galleries showcase how visual storytelling works across cultures and centuries, featuring everything from comic book pages and film concept art to illustrated manuscripts and children’s book drawings. When the museum opens in Los Angeles, visitors will first encounter spaces that trace the building blocks of narrative imagery, then move into deeper explorations of how artists use composition, color, and character to tell stories. This article details what those opening galleries contain, how they’re organized, and what you can expect to see.

Background: A Museum Built on Story

Founded by filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is dedicated to art that tells a story. Unlike traditional fine art museums that focus on paintings and sculptures, this institution collects illustration, comics, animation, and digital art alongside more classical narrative works. The museum’s permanent collection spans thousands of years, from ancient Egyptian reliefs and Greek vases to contemporary graphic novels and video game concept art.

The building itself, designed by architect Ma Yansong, is a futuristic structure with a flowing, organic form located in Exposition Park, near the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center. The opening galleries are arranged to introduce visitors to the museum’s core idea: that narrative art is a universal human practice.

What the Opening Galleries Show: Core Exhibitions

The opening display is organized into several thematic galleries rather than a strict chronological timeline. Here’s what you’ll find in the initial spaces:

• The Art of Storytelling: A broad introductory gallery using works from different eras and cultures to illustrate basic narrative devices—like a single frozen moment, sequential panels, or symbolic imagery. Expect to see an Egyptian relief, a medieval tapestry, and a modern comic page side by side.
• Sequential Art: A deep dive into the mechanics of comics and graphic novels. Original pages by masters like Jack Kirby, Will Eisner, and Art Spiegelman show how artists use panel layout, gutters, and pacing to control time and emotion.
• Character & Costume: This gallery focuses on how artists create believable characters through pose, facial expression, and clothing. Concept art from films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones—both created under Lucas’s direction—show early sketches and final designs for iconic figures.
• Worldbuilding: Here, the museum displays background paintings, matte paintings, and architectural concept art that establish fictional environments. Visitors see how a single image can suggest a whole world, from a fantasy cityscape to a futuristic spaceship interior.
• Children’s Illustration: A rotating gallery featuring original drawings from beloved picture books, including works by Maurice Sendak, Chris Van Allsburg, and contemporary illustrators. These are shown to highlight how illustrations carry narrative for young readers.

These galleries are not static; the museum plans to rotate works regularly, so the specific pieces on view will change, but the thematic structure remains.

How the Galleries Work: Labels and Interactive Features

The museum uses a mix of traditional wall labels and digital interactives. Each artwork has a label that explains the story it depicts, the artist’s technique, and the cultural context. In addition, several galleries include touch-screen stations where visitors can zoom into high-resolution scans of comic pages or flip through digital versions of sketchbooks.

A particularly innovative feature is the “Compare and Contrast” wall, where two seemingly different works—say, a 19th-century Japanese woodblock print and a 1990s American comic panel—are placed side by side, with a shared label highlighting their similar use of motion lines or dramatic cropping. This encourages visitors to see narrative art as a global language.

How to Choose What to See First

With so much to take in, first-time visitors might feel overwhelmed. Here are a few strategies:

• If you love comics: Start with the Sequential Art gallery. It’s the most focused and will give you a deep appreciation for the craft before you see broader examples elsewhere.
• If you’re a film fan: Head to Character & Costume and Worldbuilding. These galleries contain the most recognizable concept art from popular movies.
• If you have kids: Begin with Children’s Illustration. It’s engaging for young visitors and often has hands-on drawing stations nearby.
• If you want an overview: Take the museum’s free guided tour, which covers all the core galleries in about an hour.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the Lucas Museum is only about Star Wars. While the collection includes a substantial amount of Lucas’s own film art, the museum’s mission is much broader. The opening galleries intentionally include works from ancient cultures, European painting, and Asian scrolls to demonstrate that narrative art is not a modern or Western invention.

Another question is whether the museum is suitable for children. Yes—the galleries are designed to be accessible, with many works at eye level for younger viewers, and the Children’s Illustration gallery is explicitly family-friendly. However, some comic art contains mature themes, so parents should be aware that not every piece is aimed at young kids.

Costs and Practical Information

Ticket prices have not been finalized, but the museum has announced that admission will be free for all visitors, thanks to a substantial endowment. This is a deliberate choice to make narrative art accessible to the widest possible audience. Reservations will be required to manage crowd flow, and timed-entry slots will be available online. The museum is also planning free community days and school group programs.

The museum is located at 3500 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, near the Expo Park/USC Metro station. Parking is available on-site, and the area is served by multiple bus lines.

Safety and Accessibility

The building is fully ADA-compliant, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. Wheelchairs are available at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis. For visitors with sensory sensitivities, the museum offers quiet hours on Sunday mornings, when lighting is dimmed and sound levels are reduced. All galleries have seating, and photography (without flash) is allowed in most areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Lucas Museum open?

The museum was originally scheduled to open in 2025, but construction delays have pushed the date. As of now, the official opening is expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Check the museum’s website for the most current information.

Is the museum really free?

Yes, the founders have committed to free admission for all visitors. This is funded by an endowment, so it’s not a temporary promotion. You will still need to reserve a timed entry ticket online.

Can I see the original Star Wars concept art?

Yes, the Character & Costume and Worldbuilding galleries include original concept paintings and sketches from the Star Wars films, including work by Ralph McQuarrie. However, these are part of a rotating display, so not every piece is always on view.

Are there interactive activities for kids?

Yes, the Children’s Illustration gallery has a drawing station where kids can create their own narrative art. The museum also offers family guides and occasional weekend workshops.

Can I take photos inside the galleries?

Photography without flash is allowed in most permanent galleries for personal use. Some special exhibitions may prohibit photography, so check signs at the entrance.

How long does it take to see the opening galleries?

Most visitors spend about two to three hours to see all the opening galleries at a comfortable pace. If you want to use every interactive and read every label, budget at least three hours.

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