George Lucas has chosen Chicago as the home for a museum dedicated to his cinematic footprint. He's the creator of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and that whole galaxy far, far away — not to mention Indiana Jones. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Joey Gannon, Lucasfilm / "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi", Paramount Pictures / "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade")
"That belongs in a museum."
"So do you."
Both the museum's board and the city plan commission are expected to approve Lucas' choice. The fact that this museum is going to Chicago and not San Francisco is a surprise and a big get for the Windy City. (VIA Flickr / Christopher, Sudheendra Vijayakumar)
Lucas has called the Bay Area his home for pretty much his whole career. He opted for shooting films in San Francisco and northern California instead of Hollywood.
In a statement Tuesday, Lucas even said, "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 the Bay Area." (Via Lucasfilm, Flickr / Neon Tommy)
But apparently Chicago put together a really solid offer — coupled with an aggressive lobbying effort from Mayor Rahm Emanuel. (Via Flickr / Bert Kaufmann, Iowa Democrats)
The city is offering up a great spot, between Soldier Field and McCormick Place, which is just south of The Field Museum, Grant Park and Navy Pier. (Via Google)
The $300 million Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is essentially the filmmaker's legacy project. Chicago officials say it will not be supported by taxpayer dollars.
As for what will go in the museum, Lucas will donate his vast collection of film memorabilia, including a scale model of the Millennium Falcon, as well as a number of Norman Rockwell paintings. Sounds like a pretty eclectic mix. (Via Flickr / Red Touch Media, Flickr / Matthias Weinberger, Wikimedia Commons)
Some exhibits that might not make the cut: a Galactic Senate parliamentary primer with JarJar Binks ... (Via Lucasfilm / "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith")
... a behind the scenes look at the making of "Willow" ...
... and simulated vine swinging with Shia LeBeouf. But keep your fingers crossed. (Via Paramount Pictures / "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull")
A vote from the Lucas museum board on finalizing the Chicago deal is expected Wednesday.
