SAN FRANCISCO—SF Mayor Edwin M. Lee released the following statement on June 24 in response to news that art from George Lucas would not be coming to the city of San Francisco.
“I have long been an enthusiastic supporter, along with so many Bay Area arts, education and community leaders, for building the Lucas Cultural Arts Museum in San Francisco.
Earlier this year, the Presidio Trust unwisely rejected Mr. Lucas’ proposal for a site near Crissy Field, which we understand forced Mr. Lucas to look to cities like Chicago, and put San Francisco’s chance at landing the museum in jeopardy. Despite the odds against us by that time, we rallied business leaders, educators, parents, elected officials and neighbors to unite around a spectacular alternate waterfront location for the museum.
These opportunities to attract hundreds of millions of dollars in private and philanthropic investment to create new public amenities for arts and education, as Mr. Lucas had proposed, come along rarely. I am disappointed that San Francisco will not benefit from this renowned art collection and significant private investment by Mr. Lucas that would have been enjoyed by our families and children for generations to come.
I look forward to continuing to work with Mr. Lucas and his foundation in other endeavors that will help educate the young people of the Bay Area, his home.”
The museum has chosen the city of Chicago as its home.
By Staff
