I have spent a number of years working as an artist in Chicago. Although the art scene in the city has come and gone, I have kept my mouth shut on controversy in the art world-until today. Through the miracle of internet, it is time to sound off.
Mr. Lucas- your art collection does not deserve lakefront property. If you want to build your museum here in Chicago, that is fine, but find another neighborhood to set up shop.
I speak of this more toward the business side. Great museums are able to keep their doors open for a hundred years through private donations and corporate sponsorships. They are able to attract the best and brightest to sit on their board for no money because they enjoy the opportunity to promote the arts to the community.
Your fan base, Mr. Lucas, are not art patrons and will only visit your museum to view the Star Wars memorabilia you have on display. When this interest wanes, and tickets sales fall flat, what does your business plan have as a back up? You can’t really promote the latest Star Wars movie because you no longer own the rights. The architectural style of your building, thought to be cutting edge today, will become outdated and irrelevant very quickly.
You will find very little support with donations because the museum is (let’s face it) about you.
So in twenty years or so when you are forced to pack up and move away, Chicago is stuck with a building that no one wants to call home. An eye sore to the lakefront, much like McCormick Place is today.