In Los Angeles, George Lucas unveils $1 billion spaceship museum

George Lucas' artistic interests are on full display at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a billion-dollar project that took 17 years and three cities to complete. Located in South Los Angeles, the museum is a striking, Star Destroyer-like structure that spans five floors and 300,000 square feet. Its exterior features gridded panels reminiscent of Death Star plans and a curved design that evokes both neo-futurism and Norman Rockwell nostalgia.

Inside, the museum's exhibits explore visual storytelling and narrative art, which the museum defines as pieces that elicit feelings. The museum's courtyard, accessible for free, is a stunning space adorned with a statue garden and a light beaming down from a glass oculus at the center. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a massive Diego Rivera mural, "Man, Controller Of The Universe," and a wall of Banksy's work.

The museum's permanent exhibits, such as "History Of Narrative Art," offer an immersive journey through the evolution of visual storytelling, from cave paintings to modern comic strips. The main gallery features a collection of Lucas' most influential works, including Star Wars artifacts like Anakin's podracer, R2-D2, and a Scout Trooper with a speeder bike.

The museum's theme-based rooms seamlessly blend various art forms, allowing visitors to explore themes such as romance, fantasy, sci-fi, and comics freely. By showcasing the influences and connections between different artists and genres, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art aims to demonstrate that art is a continuous, evolving process.