Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas’ plans to construct a $400m (GBP262m) museum along the coasts of Chicago’s Lake Michigan have now been approved.
Advertisement
The filmmaker, who has been spotted at art fairs in the past, recently acquired five works by Chicago Pop artist Hebru Brantley, and his proposed museum will house his collection of movie memorabilia and art.
“The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be an incredible addition to Chicago’s Museum Campus”, the city’s mayor, Rahm Emanuel, said in a statement.
But not everybody favors handing over city parkland for Lucas to build his museum.
Even then, the institution was far from a done deal.
The vote on its approval took place after the Chicago Bears and the museum organization finalized long-term negotiations on parking spaces, Bears fan tailgating, and advertising rules surrounding Soldier Field and the museum.
The city council voted overwhelming in favour of the 300,000 sq ft Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Both sides are due back in court on 10 November.
Construction could begin next spring, with the museum operating by 2019.
The nonprofit group Friends of the Parks sued the city park district over the plan.
“We have a museum and all the cultural and economic enrichment that comes with it”, Emanuel said after the meeting.
While Lucas – who is known for being the creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises – may not hail from Chicago, his wife, Mellody Hobson – president of Ariel Investments – is a Chicago native. The undulating structure will have an observation deck that resembles a floating disc. But the revised drawings also reflect the battle with those opposed to building a private museum on the city’s cherished lakefront.
What is going to be in the museum?
It will also include three auditoriums where visitors can watch films and attend lectures and workshops. Additionally, it will feature artwork Lucas has been collecting since college, including illustrations by Norman Rockwell and NC Wyeth.
Advertisement
When do Han Solo and Darth Vader move in?
