I finally visited the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, and wow… the architecture really is something.
Designed by Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the building feels almost like it landed here from another planet. It’s futuristic, but somehow fits right into Exposition Park.
Ma talked about being inspired by the huge tree canopies in LA and wanting the building to create curiosity, emotion and a sense of discovery. That idea of curiosity is at the heart of narrative art—stories told through images, experiences and emotions.
One of my favorite moments was standing underneath the huge elliptical oculus in the center of the Lucas Plaza and looking straight up at the sky. You can see the sky and imagine the universe beyond it. It’s pretty amazing.
And then you walk into the lobby and there they are—the stunning glass elevators. They really are a focal point. Three tall, tubular glass elevators rise through the open lobby, and watching people move through the space almost feels like part of the architecture.
Inside, everything is so crisp and clean. I loved the long hallways and the way they lead you through the museum. There are also beautiful viewing areas where you can stop and take in Los Angeles from above.
And then there’s the library.
It’s gorgeous—warm wood, high ceilings, curved details, balconies and huge windows looking out onto the gardens. It feels completely different from the futuristic lobby, but somehow it works. The library is free and open to everyone, and you don’t need a museum ticket or reservation to visit it.
The gardens, designed by Mia Lehrer and Studio-MLA, are another big part of the experience. What was once an asphalt parking lot has been transformed into a 13-acre landscape inspired by California’s mountains, valleys, canyons, meadows and foothills.
And throughout the gardens are monumental sculptures, including Padmé Fights Off Nexu, Princess Leia Frees Herself from Jabba the Hutt, and Terracotta Daughters by Prune Nourry.
One thing I especially love is that the gardens are also open to everyone, even if you don’t have a museum ticket. You can come walk the paths, see the sculptures, enjoy the landscape and take in the architecture and views of LA.
The more I walked around, the more I realized this isn’t just a museum. The architecture, gardens, sculptures, library, sky and city views all feel like part of the experience.
Definitely worth seeing. And yes… you will take A LOT of pictures.
Click here to learn more about what to expect once inside Lucas Museum of Narrative Art!
