Beijing architecture firm MAD has unveiled the first design renderings of George Lucas' Museum of Narrative Art, and it looks like something out of a Star Wars movie.

The released images depict a conical, white stone building that emerges like a volcano out of the landscaped gardens that surround it.

Topping the building is a “floating disc”, which forms a sheltered observation desk offering 360º views of Chicago and the adjacent Lake Michigan.

Inside, three levels of exhibition space have been organised in continual loops, with a large, open lobby area inside the entrance lit by central skylights.

MAD has been working with Chicago-based Studio Gang Architects and VOA Associates to develop the Narrative Art Museum, which, when complete, will exhibit a history of the moving image using Lucas' existing collection and new additions.

In a statement published in July when the architects for the project were announced, George Lucas said, “We are bringing together some of the top architects in the world to ensure that our museum experience begins long before a visitor ever enters the building."

Video: MAD via Vimeo

Courtesy Architizer and Dezeen