Studio Gang And MAD Architects To Design George Lucas’ Museum Of Narrative Art

By Ioana Neamt, Associate Editor

Chicago—George Lucas, acclaimed film director and creator of the Star Wars franchise, is bringing a taste of Hollywood to the Midwest.

The design team for the highly-anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has been revealed. Following a lengthy selection process, museum officials announced they have chosen MAD Architects and Chicago-based Studio Gang to handle the project. Beijing-based MAD Architects, led by Ma Yonsong, holds an impressive portfolio which includes the Absolute Towers in Ontario, Canada; the global architecture firm will be the principal designer for the site.

Jeanne Gang, best-known for designing the innovative Aqua Tower in Chicago will handle the landscape design. Additionally, Studio Gang Architects also plans to build a pedestrian bridge to connect the LMNA to Northerly Island.

“We are bringing together some of the top architects in the world to ensure that our museum experience begins long before a visitor ever enters the building,” says Lucas.

The acclaimed film director further stated that he is extremely pleased with the team’s vision and looks forward to presenting it to the city of Chicago.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is expected to be “a gathering place to experience narrative art and the evolution of moving images – from illustration to cinema to the digital mediums of the future,” according to the LMNA official website.

The museum will also display George Lucas’ extensive collection of art and film memorabilia.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Lucas’ original plan was to build the museum in his home town of San Francisco. Following the rejection of his proposal by city officials, Lucas shifted his focus towards Chicago.

“We are honored to be partnering with the city of Chicago and the many cultural, educational and community groups that have come forward with ideas about how the LMNA will add to their work,” Lucas told the press back in June.

The LMNA is a welcome addition to Chicago’s extensive Museum Campus, a 57-acre site which houses some of the city’s most notable natural sciences museums. According to Chicago Curbed, the Star Wars creator intends to finance the entire development project out of pocket, with a total cost of close to $1 billion.

Image courtesy of MAD Architects