In a significant community outreach effort, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, scheduled to debut on September 22, is extending complimentary annual passes and an exclusive preview opportunity to its immediate residential community in the 90037 ZIP code of South L.A. This gesture underscores a commitment from founders George Lucas and Mellody Hobson to integrate the new $1 billion, 300,000-square-foot cultural landmark with its surrounding neighborhood, a futuristic structure brought to life through the legacy of the Star Wars franchise. The museum is poised to exhibit a collection exceeding 1,300 artifacts alongside extensive green spaces, establishing itself as a new hub for artistic and cultural engagement.
According to Tracey Bates, the museum's CEO, the decision to offer this renewable pass program, which allows residents to reserve two tickets, stems from a desire to acknowledge the years locals have witnessed the museum's construction. This initiative ensures that those who have observed its development are among the first to experience its offerings. The 90037 ZIP code, spanning three square miles, is home to over 17,000 households, with a significant portion of its predominantly Hispanic and African American population living below the poverty line. Positioned at the northern edge of this community within Exposition Park, the Lucas Museum joins other notable institutions like the California Science Center and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Mia Lehrer, a distinguished landscape architect known for her work on projects like SoFi Stadium, designed the museum's grounds, which she envisions as an extension of the local community's backyard, encouraging frequent visits.
The museum's diverse collection spans a wide range of narrative art, featuring works from celebrated figures such as Norman Rockwell, Jack Kirby, Robert Crumb, Frida Kahlo, and local icon Judith Baca, known for her monumental mural along the Los Angeles River. This rich array is largely sourced from the original Lucasfilm archives, which George Lucas retained after the company's acquisition by Disney in 2012 for $4 billion. The opening of the Lucas Museum follows closely on the heels of the David Geffen Galleries' debut at LACMA in April and coincides with the temporary closure of the city's La Brea Tar Pits and Museum for renovations, marking a dynamic period for Los Angeles's cultural landscape.
The establishment of this institution not only enriches the artistic offerings of Los Angeles but also highlights a commendable commitment to community inclusion and accessibility. By providing free access and fostering a sense of ownership among its neighbors, the Lucas Museum sets a precedent for how major cultural projects can genuinely serve and uplift their local environments, transforming a significant investment into a shared community asset that promotes discovery and inspiration for all.
