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The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, whose history has been full of twists and turns, showcases the eclectic collections of the creator of Star Wars. Housed in a spectacular building, it will open to the public on September 22.
George Lucas walked onto the auditorium stage in sneakers, baggy pants and a black T-shirt, in sharp contrast to his wife, Mellody Hobson, who stood by his side impeccably dressed in a striking white suit. One couple, two styles, two messages. It was another way of telling a story and of illustrating the balancing act their new museum in Los Angeles aspires to: being both popular – even populist – and artistically ambitious.
“This has been a long haul,” recounted the 82-year-old creator of the Star Wars franchise before an audience of 300 journalists on Wednesday, September 2. “Seventeen years between getting kicked out of cities and trying to get this built, which is in itself eight years.”
Here it is at last: their $1 billion baby, a spaceship designed by Chinese architect Ma Yansong. Monumental, daring, cinematic and covered with greenery, the UFO-like structure spans 28,000 square meters and houses the couple’s expansive personal collection, as well as works on loan from other institutions. Hobson, 57, the former chair of Starbucks and current head of an investment fund, said the museum would appeal to people of all ages. It is set to open to the public on September 22.
The catalog includes illustrations by Norman Rockwell, Jessie Willcox Smith, and N.C. Wyet; works by Frida Kahlo, Jacob Lawrence, Charles White, and Robert H. Colescott; as well as pieces by artists such as Winsor McCay, Jack Kirby, and Frank Frazetta, a favorite of Ryan Linkof. “We have some truly exceptional works by him, a collection you won’t see anywhere else,” the exhibition curator told AFP in an interview at San Diego Comic-Con.
Last year, George Lucas attended this major pop culture event for the first time to promote his museum. For many fans, the main attraction will remain the Lucasfilm production materials.