Lucas Museum Opens Sept 22 with LA Metro Access
Lucas Museum opens Sept 22 with direct Metro E Line access at Expo Park/USC station
Lucas Museum Opens Sept 22 with Metro Access
Art lovers can reach the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art by Metro rail when it opens September 22 in Exposition Park, museum officials said. The $1 billion cultural institution sits adjacent to Metro's Expo Park/USC station on the E Line, providing direct light rail access from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica. Sandra Jackson-Dumont, director and CEO of the Lucas Museum, said the transit-accessible location makes the museum available to visitors across the region.
Transit-Oriented Cultural District
Exposition Park has evolved into one of LA's premier transit-oriented destinations, with the California Science Center, Natural History Museum, and other attractions already drawing more than 5 million annual visitors, according to Exposition Park officials. The Lucas Museum adds to this cultural cluster that's been accessible by Metro rail since the E Line opened to the area in 2012. Juan Matute, deputy director of UCLA's Institute of Transportation Studies, said Exposition Park represents one of LA's best examples of transit-oriented development. The museum's 300,000 square feet will house George Lucas's collection spanning illustration, photography, film, and digital art.
Multiple Transit Routes Serve Museum
The Expo Park/USC station provides direct access to the museum via Metro's E Line, which connects Santa Monica, Culver City, and downtown Los Angeles, according to Metro officials. Multiple bus routes also serve the Exposition Park area, including lines along Vermont Avenue and Figueroa Street. Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, has emphasized the importance of connecting major destinations to the transit network. Officials haven't released specific projections for how many museum visitors will arrive by transit, though similar institutions in other cities see high transit mode shares.
Opening Follows Years of Construction
Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 14, 2018, when George Lucas told attendees the museum is about telling stories through art. The museum announced plans for the Exposition Park location in March 2022 after initially considering sites in San Francisco and Chicago. Museum officials said they'll release additional details about admission pricing and operating hours closer to the September 22 opening date.
Transit Access Benefits Regional Visitors
The museum's location near frequent Metro rail service means visitors from across Los Angeles County can reach the institution without driving, reducing parking demand and vehicle trips. Transit advocates said the Lucas Museum demonstrates how cultural destinations can integrate with sustainable transportation. Museum officials said the transit-accessible location aligns with the institution's goal of serving diverse communities throughout the region. Riders can check real-time E Line schedules and plan trips to the museum using transit apps.
