A major grant will allow the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to offer free admission to visitors 17 and under, Kerry Brougher, the museum’s director, announced last month.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is still under construction, but as completion nears, some details are starting to be fleshed out. (photo courtesy of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures)

The gift, made in honor of Sid Ganis by the George Lucas Family Foundation, will allow the museum to create an endowment to underwrite free admission to the museum in perpetuity for young visitors. Ganis is the former president and current vice president of the Academy’s board of governors and chair of its museum committee.

Ganis said he “could not be more honored and humbled” by Lucas’ gesture.

“Education has always been a primary goal of George’s storytelling. Now, through his incredible generosity, young people from everywhere can experience and learn about the art and the techniques of filmmaking … We are proud and grateful that the George Lucas Family Foundation is making this tremendous commitment to serving the young people of L.A,” Ganis said.

Brougher also announced the appointment of the museum’s inaugural director of education and public engagement, Amy Homma, who was most recently at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Homma will oversee the museum’s K-12 programming, including the Shirley Temple Education Studio initiatives, as well as public programs ranging from lectures, symposia and panels to in-gallery talks and online programming. She previously served as the acting deputy director of the Arts & Industries Building at the Smithsonian, where she created innovative pan-institutional and multi-disciplinary public programs, including a 12-hour conversation series that brought together noted writers, musicians, scientists, technologists and other experts in numerous areas.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience engaging visitors of all ages,” Brougher said.

Homma said movies provide “limitless opportunities” to educate both children and adults, and the Academy Museum will have something to offer for everyone.

“I am delighted to be joining the team and especially grateful to the George Lucas Family Foundation for ensuring a barrier-free experience for our next generation of movie makers and movie lovers,” she said.

The museum is expected to open later this year, and additional details about museum admission, hours, and ticketing will be announced at a later date.

The Academy Museum is located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit academymuseum.org.