"Dream-like" Lucas Museum of Narrative Art by MAD nearing completion in LA
Photography has revealed the near-complete exterior cladding on the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, designed by Chinese studio MAD, ahead of its opening in September 2026.
The museum, dedicated to illustrated storytelling, is taking shape in Los Angeles' Exposition Park. Ma Yansong of MAD has led the design of the building, with Stantec as executive architect and MLA-Studio designing the park that spreads out on the 10-acre site.
In a statement, the museum announced that it will open next fall along with revealing new photography of the 300,000-square-foot (27,871-square-metre) structure.
The rounded structure has been clad with fibreglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels, giving the building a slick, almost spaceship-like appearance, which the museum has described as both an "organic sculptural form" and "dream-like".
"The Lucas Museum's state of the art building will add to the rich legacy of architectural innovation in Los Angeles," said museum representatives.
"Ma Yansong's architectural vision creates a building which is an organic sculptural form in a park that pushes the boundaries of architecture and creates a sense of wonder," they continued.
"The museum's biomorphic, dream-like form features fluid and soft shapes creating a distinctive and recognizable landmark and offering an immersive experience that explores the relationship between nature, society, and the urban environment."
As the museum curves, it cantilevers over the concrete podium that elevates the gardens from the street.
In its centre is a massive arch that bridges a semi-enclosed plaza is crowned by an oculus.
This oculus can be seen on the rooftop of the building, and is wrapped by elevated portions that hold green roofing on one side and photovoltaic panels on the other.
The five-storey building will contain two theatres, classrooms, galleries, shops and cafes.
Hundreds of trees are being planted on the grounds, which expands the green space of Exposition Park.
The 1,500 FRP panels cladding the facade were made with the help of robots and the museum highlighted the immense amount of concrete already used for the structure – 118,000 cubic yards (90,217 cubic metres).
The museum was originally planned to be built in Chicago, but push-back from Chicagoans and lack of space led museum founder, the film director George Lucas, to choose the California location.
MAD's plans for Los Angeles were approved in 2017, with construction beginning in 2018.
Photography by Pedro Ramirez unless otherwise stated.
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