Historic debut of George Lucas at Comic-Con, showcasing the power of the Force
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a brainchild of filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, is set to open its doors in 2026 in Los Angeles' Exposition Park. The museum will showcase Lucas' extensive collection of narrative art, including original sketches, paintings, illustrations, and artifacts linked to his work, such as pieces from Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
The museum will be a five-story, 300,000-square-foot building designed by MAD Architects, featuring galleries, theaters, classrooms, dining, and retail spaces. Its focus is on visual storytelling and how it reflects and shapes culture and society. The exhibits will span a broad historical and cultural range, from ancient cave drawings to contemporary comic books and digital media.
Notable art pieces and exhibits announced include original Star Wars sketches and production art by Doug Chiang, Star Wars illustrator and production designer, artworks by iconic artists such as Norman Rockwell, Frank Frazetta, Jack Kirby, and R. Crumb, the first Flash Gordon character drawing from 1934, original Peanuts sketches from the 1950s and '60s, an original cover drawing of Iron Man No. 1 from 1968, and props, costumes, and storyboards from Lucasfilm archives related to Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
George Lucas personally unveiled many of these details at Comic-Con 2025, marking his first appearance there and previewing the museum’s vision to a large audience. The museum embodies Lucas’s passion for narrative art and hopes to inspire new generations of artists and storytellers.
During the event, Guillermo del Toro, Oscar-winning director, and Doug Chiang, production designer of the "Star Wars" universe, were panel members. Queen Latifah moderated the discussion. Del Toro mentioned that the museum will memorialize a popular, vociferous, expressive, and eloquent moment in visual past. He also stated that many of the museum's pieces will celebrate freedom of speech. Del Toro jokingly added that comic artists were the first to punch a Nazi in their works.
George Lucas, the legendary filmmaker behind the "Indiana Jones" franchise, also spoke at the event. He has been collecting art since he was in college and has amassed tens of thousands of pieces. The museum will also house items from Lucas's films and other exclusive pieces.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art aims to be a tribute to the importance of narrative art. Comic-Con, which draws approximately 130,000 attendees and is a significant platform for movie studios and their stars, provided a perfect platform for the museum's unveiling. Jesse Goldwater, an attendee, expressed his admiration for the panel members, stating they are the embodiment of Comic-Con itself. Without them, Comic-Con would not exist, according to Jesse Goldwater.
The museum's opening in 2026 promises to be a significant event in the world of art and storytelling, showcasing a blend of works, including those by Normal Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, and Winsor McCay, among others. It is poised to become a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and Star Wars fans alike.
- The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, with its blend of works from Star Wars and Indiana Jones, contemporary comic books, and digital media, promises to be a fascinating intersection for science fiction, business, and pop-culture enthusiasts.
- Guillermo del Toro, Doug Chiang, and George Lucas, who are veterans in movies-and-tv, entertainment, and pop-culture respectively, graced the Comic-Con 2025 event, offering insights into how the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will memorialize and celebrate the freedom of speech and expression, as integral components of visual storytelling.
