MAD Architects' George Lucas Museum Officially Brings "The Force" to LA

Located in Los Angeles, California, the new George Lucas Museum is making its appearance. Based in the Chinese city of Beijing, MAD Architects architectural firm has released newly developed renderings of the George Lucas Museum also known as Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Expecting to open its doors in 2021, the building’s construction has already begun in Los Angeles.

This museum is definitely going to be a wonderland for Star Wars fans as it is dedicated to the famous filmmaker and creator George Lucas.

Courtesy of MAD Architects

Other than designing the building as a museum only, MAD Architects have also included retail zones and learning spaces inside the museum.
George Lucas has stated, “Yes, this is an art museum, but I’m also trying to position it as an anthropological museum. It is my feeling that popular art is an insight into a society and what they aspire to; what they really want, what they really are — it is about telling the narrative of their story, their history, and their belief system.

Courtesy of MAD Architects

“I believe all kinds of art have a right to exist. I think it’s important to have a museum, which I used to jokingly say, supports all the orphan arts that nobody wants to see, but everybody loves. So that’s my dream for this,” added the filmmaker.

The George Lucas Museum features a smooth, curvaceous form with windows and rooftop areas that overlook the views over LA’s Exposition Park. The project’s scope also includes an outdoor landscaped park hugging the structure and emphasizing its curved forms.

Courtesy of MAD Architects

Although Lucas’ initial plan was to construct this museum in Chicago back in 2014, it has been challenged with legal issues because of the site’s lakefront location. Interestingly, legendary architect Frank Gehry has shown support to the George Lucas Museum project and MAD architects revealed a less bulky version of the museum which caused a debate.

For the opening event of the George Lucas Museum, the founder George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson attended along with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and MAD partners Ma Yansong, Dang Qun, Yosuke Hayano, director and newest board member Steven Spielberg.