At San Diego Comic-Con, George Lucas announced thrilling details about his forthcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, set to open in Los Angeles in 2026. Joined on stage by acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro, artist Doug Chiang, and entertainer Queen Latifah, Lucas emphasized the museum’s mission to serve as a “temple to people’s art.”
Attendees were treated to a video preview highlighting some standout pieces that will grace the museum. Among the iconic items expected are Luke’s X-34 Landspeeder from A New Hope, General Grievous’ TSMEU-6 Wheel Bike, Anakin’s N-1 Starfighter from The Phantom Menace, and the Speeder Bikes from Return of the Jedi. Fans can also look forward to a collection of concept art and various memorabilia from the Star Wars universe.
On the Marvel side, the museum will feature notable artworks such as the original 1968 drawing of Iron Man’s cover and the initial designs of Black Panther. Additionally, on display will be the first character drawing of Flash Gordon from 1934, alongside original sketches from Peanuts comics from the ’50s and ’60s, and works from prominent artists including Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo.
Lucas shared his personal journey with art, revealing that during his college years, financial constraints led him to buy comic art, leading to a collection exceeding 40,000 pieces that he remains unwilling to part with. He stated, “If you have an emotional connection, that’s art,” underscoring that personal feelings are more valuable than public opinions when it comes to defining art.
The museum will highlight the importance of storytelling in building community, promoting the idea that narratives can inspire collective action. Lucas asserted the potential of science fiction to stimulate imagination, claiming that “when the idea is implanted, then we think we can do it.”
Del Toro also weighed in on the significance of comics and their historical role in social commentary, stating, “Comics were the first ones to punch Nazis.” He critiqued the reliance on AI to create art, emphasizing that true artistic expression relies on personality and emotion, which technology falls short of replicating.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will feature a vast 300,000-square-foot space, including expansive galleries, two advanced theaters, and over 150,000 artifacts, promising an extraordinary experience for visitors when it opens in 2026.
This exciting development not only highlights the rich history of art and storytelling but also aspires to inspire future generations. With George Lucas at the helm, the museum is poised to become a groundbreaking cultural landmark that celebrates creativity in all its forms.