The stars came out in full force to celebrate the opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Founded by visionary filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, the opening brought out an A-list of Hollywood. Spike Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Oprah, Tyler Perry, Michael B. Jordan, Keke Palmer, and more all showed up to celebrate cinema.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art celebrates the power of visual storytelling. The museum explores how images move us and shape our collective memory. From Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait to Norman Rockwell’s scenes of everyday life to Charles White’s portraits of dignity. Each invites reflection. Each tells a story.
“I love the fact that it is a celebration of narrative storytelling,” actor David Oyelowo said in an interview discussing why he’s excited for the museum. “And the artistry that we are about to see was done by human beings. In a time where that is really challenged, with artificial intelligence and how it is a real threat to people who do this out of passion… It is just going to be wonderful to see a pure curation and celebration of that.”
Before the beginning stages of the Lucas Museum took place. Lucas took out a white piece of paper and wrote down what he wanted the museum to be. Hobson says that both Hollywood power players visited museums around the world for inspiration. No museum was too small for them to visit.
“We didn’t follow any rules,” Hobson said as she walked the red carpet. “Some rules are broken. Some people don’t like it, but we do.”
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
In addition to its art collection, the museum houses extensive film archives, including the complete Lucas Archives (1971–2012)—the original Lucasfilm materials retained by Lucas after the company’s sale, reflecting its dedication to storytelling in every medium.
The Lucas Museum’s film program brings these approaches together, showcasing two distinct cinematic traditions. The Robert Flaherty Theater highlights documentary filmmakers, while the Slavko Vorkapich Theater features experimental, creatively ambitious short films that reveal the expressive power of cinematic motion and editing.
Michael B Jordan attends the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opening Night. pic.twitter.com/q6DQHxzKpk
— 21 (@21metgala) September 20, 2026
“George said he wanted the museum to be like a tasting menu,” Hobson says of their new achievement. “He wanted the museum to be something that could not be typecast… because he believes art is emotional and not intellectual, he said, ‘No one can tell you what will speak to you.'”
Jackson, who starred in Lucas’ Star Wars films, said he has watched Lucas work throughout the years on bringing the museum to life.
Rounding out the celebration was a spiritual occasion for Al Roker, who posted on his social media about the festivities.
“I knew that the opening of the Lucas Museum was going to be a spiritual experience, but thanks to @pharrell
Tickets are currently on sale, and the museum is open to the public on September 22.
Photo Credit: LucasMuseum/Instagram
