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Lucas Museum’s Chief Curator Exits as George Lucas Retains Control of Content

The departure extends a senior-staff exodus before the museum’s scheduled 2026 debut.

Overview

  • Interim CEO Jim Gianopulos told staff there are no immediate plans to replace Pilar Tompkins Rivas’s role.
  • George Lucas will continue to oversee curatorial content and direction, according to the internal communication reported by the Los Angeles Times.
  • The museum remains on track to open on September 22, 2026, following the formal date announcement last month.
  • The exit follows earlier upheaval this year, including the February departure of director and CEO Sandra Jackson-Dumont and layoffs that cut 14% of full-time staff.
  • Of six women appointed to leadership in 2020, only two remain, as departures have also included Amanda Hunt and Dan Nadel.