Los Angeles’s recently opened Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has fenced off its expansive public plaza, a move that starkly contrasts with the museum’s stated commitment to accessibility.

The fences, lined with plastic greenery, blocked access to the plaza from both sides during the museum’s first days open to the public, with permanent stainless steel fences set to replace them. Museum spokesperson Seth Fowler attributed the change to the need to protect the plaza from car traffic and control visitor flow, allowing un-ticketed visitors to access the plaza, café and gift shop.

While museum leadership has long championed accessibility, the decision to fence off the plaza raises questions about the museum's true commitment to inclusivity. As the museum leases its site from the state for just £24 a year, it appears that the ethos of celebrating ‘people’s art’ has been overshadowed by practical concerns.

Architect Ma Yansong, principal Dixon Junliang Lu, confirmed that the fence design had evolved as the project developed. However, the change has left some questioning what a ‘people-first’ organisation truly means. The museum had already reduced its educational offerings and eschewed didactic texts, prioritising 'looking' over 'learning' in its galleries.