‘Star Wars’ fans and art lovers line up for new Lucas museum

Star Wars enthusiasts and art aficionados flocked to the grand opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 82-year-old creator of the Star Wars franchise, George Lucas, opened the museum along with his wife and business partner, Mellody Hobson. The museum's architects designed the 9,300 square meter structure to resemble a spaceship, with its biomorphic design echoing the vessels from the beloved saga.

The museum's founders aimed to create a "people's temple of art," a space where visitors could appreciate art pieces that tell different narratives. Visitors donned Star Wars-inspired costumes, such as a dentist and realtor who arrived in a Star Wars X-wing pilot costume, and became a museum member. Eric Cheung, who dressed as Luke Skywalker, expressed his enthusiasm for the museum, noting that each piece of art tells a story and allows for diverse interpretations.

The museum's location in a former parking lot adjacent to the University of Southern California holds special significance for residents, including Brenda Chambliss, who sees the museum as a positive addition to the neighborhood. The area, often associated with crime and poverty, will benefit from the museum's presence, providing a more positive and engaging attraction.

Visitors are greeted by the iconic Naboo N-1 starfighter from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, but the museum's offerings span far beyond the Star Wars franchise. The extensive collection features works from renowned artists such as Banksy, Frida Kahlo, Jacob Lawrence, and Norman Rockwell, among others. Local artists and those in the film industry were particularly excited by Lucas's initiative to support both emerging and established artists.