CHICAGO
Following the recent news of George Lucas selecting Chicago as the site for his newly planned art museum, the city is already buzzing over the new venue, slated to launch in 2018.
To be known as the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (LMNA), the new attraction will be a key addition to the city’s Museum Campus, and show off an eclectic collection of works that includes creations by N.C. Wyeth, Alberto Vargas and Maxfield Parrish.
Leaders from the city's cultural, labor, the arts and government institutions released statements praising the news that Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will call Chicago home.
Jorge Ramirez, President, Chicago Federation of Labor
"This is a major win for Chicago and our workers. Beyond the incredible gift this offers residents and children throughout the city, the Lucas museum will create jobs during construction, permanent jobs at the museum itself, and many more throughout the city."
Gary Johnson, President, Chicago History Museum, and President, Museums in the Park Association
"The leaders of Chicago's museum community are thrilled to welcome the Lucas Museum of Narrative Arts. Chicago today has tremendous cultural and architectural assets, vibrant neighborhoods and parks, and a lakefront setting that is second to none. What Chicago needs are new reasons for the world to come and discover us. Adding more unique worldclass attractions like the Lucas Museum can do just that."
Gillian Darlow and Kurt Summers, Co-chairs, Lucas Site Selection Task Force
"Chicago is a city of storytellers, a city that treasures arts and culture, and a city defined by bold visions. Since the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the city has been home to many of the most important cultural institutions in the country. The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will add a world-class attraction to Chicago's lakefront, elevate Chicago's profile as a global city, and provide new educational opportunities for our youth."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, City of Chicago
"George Lucas has revolutionized the art of storytelling over the last four decades and we are honored to be the recipient of this incredible legacy investment that will allow everyone to learn about and experience narrative arts. Like Marshall Field, John G. Shedd and Max Adler before him, George's philanthropy will inspire and educate for generations. No other museum like this exists in the world, making it a tremendous educational, cultural and job creation asset for all Chicagoans, as well as an unparalleled draw for international tourists.
Lee Bey, Special Projects Manager, University of Chicago
"To me, it's an urban planning hat trick. Chicago gains a major worldclass museum of this size without having to displace people, or demolish buildings or lose open space - in fact, we'll gain open space. This is a win for the city and its citizens."
Don Welsh, CEO, Choose Chicago
"In my 30-plus years working in the visitor industry, nearly four of which have been in Chicago, I can honestly say that a cultural institution of this magnitude is a once in a lifetime investment. I believe the Lucas Museum will be among the most significant gamechangers a city could ever hope for in seeking to create jobs and grow visitation."
