The $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson in Exposition Park, opens to the public on September 22, 2026. Spanning a 13-acre campus with 30 galleries, the spaceship-like five-story building dedicates seven percent of its space to “Star Wars” artifacts alongside extensive visual storytelling collections.
- The Launch Date: The $1 billion Exposition Park campus officially opens its doors to the general public on September 22, 2026.
- The Exhibits: Spanning 30 galleries, the museum features “Star Wars” pieces alongside works by Norman Rockwell, Jessie Willcox Smith, and Thomas Hart Benton.
- Community Access: Local residents in the 90037 ZIP code can register for a free LM37 pass to visit with a guest year-round, while campus parks, gardens, and the research library are free to all visitors without a museum ticket.
Inside the 13-Acre Exposition Park Campus
When the media stepped inside the five-story structure on Wednesday, they encountered a sprawling architectural marvel that looks remarkably like a landed spacecraft parked directly next to the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. According to Tracey Bates, CEO of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the institution aims to elicit deep emotional responses from visitors. “We really want people to come here and feel emotional here… it’s an incredibly engaging space,” Bates noted.
Here is the kicker: while the monumental building houses roughly 30 distinct galleries, the vast campus offers substantial public-facing amenities that require no admission fee. Seth Fowler, senior director of communications for the museum, detailed the curatorial scope to reporters. “We have over 30 galleries organized by theme, artist, genre, Norman Rockwell, Jessie Willcox Smith, Thomas Hart Benton, themes about love, childhood, sports, play –– genres like fantasy, adventure, comics, all exploring the universal art of storytelling,” Fowler stated.
Curating the Universal Tradition of Visual Storytelling
The core vision behind the museum bridges high art and popular culture. While pop-culture enthusiasts will undoubtedly flock to see the iconic Hutt Slayer statue featuring Leia Organa atop Jabba the Hutt, franchise memorabilia shares real estate with classic illustration, painting, and sculpture. In total, “Star Wars” artifacts occupy approximately seven percent of the gallery footprint.
Beyond the galleries, the 300,000-square-foot campus integrates two distinct cinematic theaters, a fully functional library and research center, dining options, retail spaces, and expansive public gardens. The inclusion of free community spaces shifts the standard institutional model. As Bates emphasized, visitors do not need a ticket to enjoy the surrounding parks, gardens, research library, or on-site restaurants.
Ticketing Strategy and Neighborhood Access
As opening day approaches on September 22, 2026, accessibility remains a core priority for the institution’s leadership. Standard adult admission is set at $25. Meanwhile, children aged 12 and under, alongside students with valid identification, can enter the galleries completely free of charge.
To foster a strong connection with its immediate neighbors, the museum introduced the LM37 pass. This localized initiative grants residents living within the 90037 ZIP code complimentary year-round entry when accompanied by a guest, following a simple registration process.
| Facility Feature | Detail / Specification |
|---|---|
| Estimated Campus Cost | $1 Billion |
| Campus Size | 13 Acres (300,000 square feet) |
| Official Public Opening | September 22, 2026 |
| Gallery Count | 30 Galleries |
| “Star Wars” Allocation | 7% of total gallery space |
| General Admission | $25 (Adults); Free for students and children 12 and under |
Will the blend of blockbuster cinematic heritage and traditional illustration redefine how major metropolitan museums engage modern audiences? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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