Lucas Museum Finally Finds a Home—in Los Angeles

This story has had more twists than the end of Empire Strikes Back, but it seems like it finally might end in Los Angeles.

1 minute read

January 11, 2017, 8:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County will have a famous neighbor. | Hayk_Shalunts / Shutterstock

"The suspense has been as epic as 'Star Wars,' but after months of intense speculation, George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art on Tuesday chose Los Angeles as its home over San Francisco," reports Deborah Vankin.

"The filmmaker’s personal collection of fine and popular art, including ephemera related to his 'Star Wars' franchise, will fill a futuristic new museum in L.A.’s Exposition Park, which beat out a competing plan on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay," adds Vankin.

Not mentioned until later in the article, and then only briefly, is the museum's originally proposed location in Chicago, which withered under criticism from Friends of the Park and other organizations. George Lucas selected the Chicago site in June 2014 over a proposal in San Francisco's Presidio.

Vankin also reports on some of the design comparisons between the proposals in San Francisco and Los Angeles, "both featuring designs by Chinese architect Ma Yansong." Back in October 2016, Los Angeles Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne compared the two proposals.

John King also provides news coverage on the decision to locate the museum in Los Angeles.

FULL STORY: Los Angeles will be home to George Lucas' $1-billion museum

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 in Los Angeles Times

Architecture Community / Economic Development Urban Development California Illinois Los Angeles San Francisco Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Museums george lucas Exposition Park Ma Yansong View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.