Lucas Museum Opens in LA: From Floral Red Carpet to Rooftop Wagyu

Key points

• The museum opened to the public on September 22, 2026, after a grand opening gala on September 21.
• The 11-acre campus in Exposition Park includes a 300,000-square-foot building designed by Ma Yansong, housing 40,000 works of narrative art.
• Skywalker Grill, a rooftop restaurant, opened with a New American menu featuring ingredients from Skywalker Ranch, including wagyu beef and wine from Skywalker Vineyards.
• Emma Watson attended the opening gala wearing a black velvet dress adorned with live flowers, a collaboration with stylist Jared Ellner and florist Anthony Maslo.
• The museum's collection includes works by Frida Kahlo, Banksy, and Darren Cullen, alongside Star Wars artifacts like an X-wing starfighter.

Background

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has been in development for nearly 17 years and construction for eight. Previous coverage noted the museum's broad mission to celebrate storytelling across various media, rather than focusing solely on Star Wars. The opening night gala on September 21 featured a high-profile guest list, including Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, and Justin Trudeau, with a drone show narrated by Oprah and Samuel L. Jackson.

How outlets are covering it

Vogue focused on the celebrity fashion aspect, highlighting Emma Watson's floral dress as a statement on sustainability and storytelling. Eater Los Angeles emphasized the culinary side, detailing the menu and reservation challenges at Skywalker Grill. The Washington Post took a critical stance, questioning whether the museum's eclectic mix of art and its massive scale represent a shift away from traditional art museum standards. While Vogue and Eater celebrated the glamour and accessibility of the new venue, The Washington Post raised concerns about the museum's curation and cost.

Why it matters

The opening of the Lucas Museum marks a significant cultural milestone in Los Angeles, introducing a new institution dedicated to narrative art. The event's high-profile attendance and the launch of Skywalker Grill indicate a major investment in the city's cultural and culinary landscape. The museum's unique approach to art, blending traditional and modern forms, may influence future museum curation and public engagement.

What to watch

Skywalker Grill plans to add more reservations in the coming weeks and will introduce a brunch menu. The museum will continue to host events and exhibitions, with the public now able to access the 300,000-square-foot space and its 40,000-piece collection.