Los Angeles is adding to its world-class collection of museums with the announcement that the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has selected Exposition Park in Downtown L.A. as its future home.
When it opens in 2020, the $1-billion museum is expected to be “one of the most imaginative and inclusive art museums in the world—a global destination that all Angelenos and Californians will be proud to call their own.”
Read on for seven things you didn’t know about the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.
1. IT’S MUCH MORE THAN “STAR WARS”
Of course, there will be a treasure trove of Star Wars memorabilia at the museum. But there’s much more to the Lucas Museum than just one blockbuster film franchise. George Lucas’ passion for collecting narrative art – art that tells a story through imagery – is the foundation for a collection that will grow for decades to come. Categorized by The History of Narrative Art, The Art of Cinema and Digital Art, the works on display will range from paintings by Degas, Renoir and Norman Rockwell to digital fine art, comic art and movie props like the iconic Millennium Falcon from Episode IV: A New Hope.
2. YOU CAN WATCH A MOVIE EVERY DAY
Boasting state-of-the-art cinematic theaters, the Lucas Museum will host daily screenings, both individual movies and as part of film series. Student films will also be shown. To enhance the experience, the museum will host pre-screening speaker talks, film study workshops, and related lectures and panels.
Other museum amenities include a fine dining restaurant, a 4,200 square-foot drop-in library, event spaces, and several acres of added green space.
3. IT’S A GIANT CLASSROOM
Surrounded by more than 100 elementary and high schools, and located near Lucas’ alma mater, USC, the Lucas Museum will make education a high priority. From museum visitors to students, teachers and aspiring artists, everyone is invited to learn how great stories are created and why they matter. The museum will feature public lectures and classes for all ages, hands-on workshops, after-school programs and camps, and a wide variety of additional educational opportunities.
4. YOU CAN GO METRO TO THE MUSEUM
The Lucas Museum will be built on the site of what is currently Lots 2 and 3 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The museum’s location off Vermont Avenue, just south of Exposition Boulevard, is a short walk from the Expo/Vermont Station of the Metro Expo Line.
5. IT’S LOCATED IN THE SOUTH L.A. PROMISE ZONE
In June 2016, South Los Angeles was awarded Promise Zone designation, bringing greater access to federal grants and other resources. The South Los Angeles Promise Zone is home to nearly 200,000 people and includes the neighborhoods of Vernon-Central, South Park, Florence, Exposition Park, Vermont Square, Leimert Park, and Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw. L.A. is the only city in the country with two Promise Zone designations within its boundaries.
6. THE MUSEUM IS A GIFT TO L.A.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a gift to the City of Los Angeles from the Lucas family. The museum’s construction, collection and endowment will be fully funded by George Lucas and his family.
7. IT WILL HAVE AN ECONOMIC IMPACT
The museum is estimated to generate more than 1,500 construction jobs and will create over 350 permanent jobs when it opens in 2020.
For more info, visit the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art website.
Story By – http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/blog/seven-things-you-didnt-know-about-lucas-museum-narrative-art
