George Lucas Unveils Landmark Lucas Museum of Narrative Art at Comic-Con

SAN DIEGO—In a landmark event at San Diego Comic-Con on July 27, 2025, filmmaker George Lucas made his inaugural appearance to unveil the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open in 2026 in Los Angeles' Exposition Park. The panel, held in the convention's Hall H, featured Lucas alongside Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro and Lucasfilm's Senior Vice President Doug Chiang, with actress and producer Queen Latifah serving as moderator.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art aims to celebrate storytelling across various mediums, including paintings, comics, and digital media. Lucas described the institution as "a temple to the people's art," emphasizing its dedication to storytelling in popular culture. The museum's collection will showcase works by artists such as Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, and Jack Kirby, as well as artifacts from Lucas's own films.

The 300,000-square-foot building, designed by architect Ma Yansong, will include galleries, theaters, and community spaces. Located on an 11-acre campus in Exposition Park, the museum is situated near the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the University of Southern California, Lucas's alma mater.

During the panel, Lucas shared his passion for collecting narrative art over five decades, stating, "Society cannot exist without a common belief system. And that’s where illustration is vital to show you what that means in everyday life." Del Toro, a member of the museum's board, highlighted the importance of preserving diverse forms of storytelling, saying, "Imagine if we only had classical music, and rock-n-roll was never created? This is rock-n-roll and rock-n-roll needs to be enshrined."

Chiang reflected on the significance of comic art in his own artistic journey, noting, "Comic art and magazine illustration were kind of looked down upon...but it was a way for me to enjoy art, and it invited me to learn more about art." Queen Latifah emphasized the emotional connection that art evokes, stating, "The connection that I hear in our various conversations is emotion—an emotional connection that the art evokes from you."

The Lucas Museum's focus on narrative art elevates forms traditionally considered "low art," such as comics and illustrations, to the status of fine art. This challenges conventional art hierarchies and acknowledges the cultural significance of popular media. By including diverse artists and mediums, the museum promotes inclusivity and reflects a broad spectrum of storytelling traditions.

The museum's journey to its current location has been marked by several relocations. Initially announced in 2016 with plans for Chicago, the project faced legal challenges and eventually moved to Los Angeles, breaking ground in 2018.

As the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art prepares to open its doors in 2026, it stands poised to offer visitors an immersive experience into the world of storytelling through visual art, honoring the narratives that shape our culture and history.