It's San Francisco vs. Los Angeles for George Lucas Film Memorabilia Museum and it looks like the Star Wars director has chosen the latter of all locations for his personal extensive art museum. L.A.'s Exposition Park has beaten San Francisco's Treasure Island.
The two Californian cities have sparked a rivalry due to the fact that the $1billion museum will not only mean a boost in tourism, but as well as the generation of employment among the locals. The museum is slated to open in 2020.
LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said, "It feels like this incredible gift has come home. I always thought Los Angeles was the natural place to spread the vision of George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, to make art and creativity accessible and inspirational to the next generation." The mayor also stated that the decision was a banner day for the city.
"It's a natural place to have this museum in the creative capital of the world and in the geographic center of the city," he said. "People will visit from around the world to see the original Darth Vader mask and Norman Rockwell paintings," he added.
In November 2016, artists and cultural leaders have gathered to support Lucas' museum. Among them was DreamWorks Animation Chief Executive Jeffrey Katzenberg who said, "This is a real triumph for the city of L.A., and this will be a transformative opportunity for L.A."
"First and foremost for our residents, who are going to have an outstanding cultural, iconic new force here - the force will be with us - and I think for tourism, and for the continued, extraordinary transformation of downtown Los Angeles, and for Exposition Park and the other museums it will be joining."
Garcetti noted that though LA has tons of attractions like Coliseum, science center and football stadium, the Lucas Film Memorabilia Museum is considered as the "jewel in the crown."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
