George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars,” has described his Lucas Museum of Narrative Art as a “temple to the people’s art,” a project that challenged him significantly. After seventeen years since its initial conception, the museum will open to the public in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Located in Exposition Park near Lucas’s alma mater, the University of Southern California, this $1 billion institution represents a collaborative life project for Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson.
The museum showcases galleries filled primarily with their own art collections. Lucas, at 82, is driven by the ambition to achieve what seems impossible. Originally intended for San Francisco and Chicago, the museum reached the design phase in both cities before Lucas decided to relocate it to Los Angeles.
The exhibits combine works by populist painters, commercial illustrators, and comic artists with fine artists typically found in major museums. Here’s a detailed guide to notable exhibits you should see during your visit to the museum.
Life-Sized Star Wars Display
Outside the museum, visitors can explore sculptures and installations related to “Star Wars.” This includes a statue of Princess Leia, portrayed by Carrie Fisher, in her iconic scene from “Return of the Jedi” where she defeats Jabba the Hutt. The sculpture, “The Hutt Slayer,” is one of many tributes to the franchise displayed in the museum.
Inside, the “Star Wars in Motion” exhibit is a highlight, displaying vehicles from the original trilogy and prequels. Visitors can also see beloved characters like Yoda, Grogu, and Padmé Amidala along the garden paths.
Banksy’s Mural Art
Despite being known for showcasing traditional artists like Norman Rockwell, the museum also features contemporary works. On the fifth floor, murals by Banksy, the British street artist, are displayed. His contributions to the museum, created in collaboration with Lucas, include recognizable pieces like the girl with the heart-shaped balloon.
Adjacent to these works are activist murals from Judith Baca and Diego Rivera, adding to the diverse range of art.
Architectural Highlights
The museum’s design by architect Ma Yansong aims to evoke emotional experiences. Its cloud-like structure appears to float above the surroundings. A notable feature is the dome’s central oculus, designed to offer a nearly spiritual experience, providing different atmospheres within the space.
Frida Kahlo’s Portrait
Among the significant works displayed is Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait, “Autorretrato Dedicado al Dr. Eloesser.” Exhibited on the fourth floor, the painting is considered a rare find outside Mexico.
Its acquisition in 2020 makes it a special draw for Kahlo’s fans. The artwork captures Kahlo wearing a thorn necklace, silver earrings gifted by Picasso, and dedicating it to Dr. Leo Eloesser, who assisted her with chronic pain. This piece is highly valued, akin to “The Mona Lisa of Mexico” according to the museum’s former director.
Dogs Playing Poker
Further illustrating the museum’s blend of art styles is Cassius Marcellus Coolidge’s “Poker Game” painting, depicting dogs playing cards. Known for its lowbrow status, it represents one of 18 paintings in the series by Coolidge. At the museum, this artwork is presented in a manner emphasizing the merging of high and low art.