George Lucas has spent much of his career accomplishing seemingly impossible things. One of his most ambitious projects, however, nearly got the better of him.
The “Star Wars” creator made an unexpected appearance alongside his wife, Mellody Hobson, at a media preview for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles this Wednesday. The museum is finally preparing to open its doors after a journey that began 17 years ago.
Lucas reflected on the difficult road to completing the massive project. He admitted that even he struggled to see it through at times.
George Lucas Says His Museum ‘Almost Broke’ Him
GettyLucas, 82, spoke openly about the long journey during Wednesday’s media preview. According to the Associated Press, the filmmaker said the idea for the museum was first conceived 17 years ago.
Getting from that first idea to the finished product, however, was far from easy. Previous attempts to establish the museum in San Francisco and Chicago failed. Eventually, Lucas and his wife settled on Los Angeles’ Exposition Park.
“Part of the problem is that I’m contrarian,” Lucas said. “I’m used to doing the impossible. This one almost broke me.” The filmmaker described the process as a “long haul.” After 17 years spent navigating various challenges, construction itself took approximately eight years.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will officially open to the public on September 22. Per the museum, the futuristic building covers an approximate 300,000 square feet, with 100,000 square feet of gallery space. All this is spread across more than 30 galleries.
Lucas described the importance the project held for him. He wanted to celebrate illustrators and other artists whose work tells stories. The institution does not just function as a museum dedicated primarily to his career in filmmaking. Rather, it explores visual storytelling across centuries and different art forms.
‘Star Wars’ Takes up Surprisingly Little of George Lucas’ Museum
GettyLucas created one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history. It is therefore not unreasonable to expect “Star Wars” to dominate his museum. Interestingly, this isn’t the case.
Museum CEO Tracey Bates told the outlet that “Star Wars” actually occupies only about 7% of the museum. Regardless, there will still be plenty for fans of the galaxy far, far away to see and enjoy.
A bright yellow Naboo N-1 Starfighter from 1999’s “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” hangs near the museum’s research library. The opening “Star Wars in Motion” exhibition also includes Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder from “A New Hope.” Speeder bikes from “Return Of The Jedi” also feature.
Still, the larger institution extends well beyond Lucas’ movies. Its collection includes work connected to artists such as Norman Rockwell, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Jack Kirby, and Banksy. Lucas and Hobson have spent years assembling pieces that demonstrate different forms of visual storytelling.
Lucas’ interest in collecting art also predates his Hollywood fortune. He reportedly began collecting original newspaper comic-strip artwork while attending college. Pieces could still be purchased relatively cheaply then.
The museum’s research library similarly demonstrates how broad Lucas’ interests are. Its collection includes more than 30,000 comic books, thousands of art books donated by Steve Martin and his wife, Ann Martin. It also contains more than 2,900 volumes that once belonged to mythologist Joseph Campbell.
Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg Will Help Lucas Celebrate the Opening
GettySome of Hollywood’s biggest names are expected to help mark the completion of this 17-year project before the museum opens. The Lucas Museum announced that its Opening Night celebration will take place on September 19. This is three days before the public opening.
The celebration will be co-chaired by Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Greta Gerwig, Guillermo del Toro and Pharrell Williams. Artist Julie Bell, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and artist JR will also co-chair.
Before the star-studded opening night, the museum will hold several smaller preview events. Members will receive early access from September 5 through September 11. This will be followed by a Neighborhood Preview Day on September 13 for members of the surrounding community.
