The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles has laid off 15 full-time employees (14% of its full-time staff) and seven part-time workers, primarily affecting its Learning & Engagement and Museum Services teams. The cuts also include Regan Pro, deputy director of public programs and social impact, and Bernardo Rondeau, curator of film programs. The museum, founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, has faced multiple delays due to supply-chain issues, pushing its opening from 2023 to 2026, and recently underwent a leadership transition with director Sandra Jackson-Dumont stepping down.
These layoffs signal significant operational challenges for a high-profile, $1 billion museum still under construction, particularly as they target education and public engagement—core pillars of the institution's mission. The restructuring, which includes splitting the director role and hiring an interim CEO, raises questions about the museum's readiness and strategic direction ahead of its 2026 opening, and reflects broader pressures on large-scale cultural projects in Los Angeles.