Beijing, Chicago Architects to Design Lucas Museum

Architects from Beijing and Chicago will design George Lucas' new museum to be built along Chicago's lakefront.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art announced Monday that Beijing-based MAD Architects would be the principal designer for the site, while Chicago's Studio Gang would design the landscape and a bridge to the city's Northerly Island nature area.

Jeanne Gang is known for designing the Aqua Tower on Columbus Drive and was also instrumental in the redesigning of Northerly Island.

The "Star Wars" creator last month picked Chicago to host his museum of art and movie memorabilia. Chicago offered a site along Lake Michigan near other attractions such as the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum.

Lucas said the architects were chosen after a world-wide search. Chicago-based VOA Associates will be executive architects and lead implementation of MAD's design.

Museum officials said the facility will be dedicated to narrative art -- the telling of stories visually, and that the key objective will be to inspire and educate future generations.

Chicago received the nod "because of the quality of the site proposed by the city's task force," and the "unparalleled visitor access" on the 17-acre site.

"Choosing Chicago is the right decision for the museum, but a difficult decision for me personally because of my strong personal and professional roots in San Francisco," said Lucas, a native of Modesto, Ca.

The museum's design is to be introduced in late 2014.