A Work of Art | The New Home for the Orange County Museum of Art

Since 1962, the Orange County Museum of Art, along with its predecessor institution—the Newport Harbor Art Museum—has enriched Southern California with traveling exhibitions of 20th and 21st Century art, and a breathtaking collection of more than 4,500 works, focusing on artists from California. Now, three years after breaking ground on the it’s new permanent location, the Orange County Museum of Art is ready to engage the public through educational art experiences.

The museum exterior is wrapped with a distinctive façade of wave-like terracotta panels that extend inside, beckoning lovers of fine art to enter. Double the size of the museum’s former home in Newport Beach, the newly designed 53,000 square foot building provides an immersive artistic experience like no other, thanks to its central location, expanded gallery space and inviting public areas.

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Charlie Flynn

The OCMA will have 25,000 square feet dedicated to galleries, where noteworthy collections and traveling art exhibitions will be featured. A sculptural wing hovering over the lobby atrium will be home to a 10,000 square foot education center, which can be configured as a black-box theater or a light-filled studio. Large public stairs and a spacious roof terrace will connect Orange County Museum of Art to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.

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A week prior to the official grand opening, on October 1st, a sold-out black tie gala will celebrate the new museum. The OCMA will have a members-only preview week from October 4-7, and on the grand opening day on October 8, the museum will offer 24-hour free admission, so that visitors can experience the inaugural contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, performances, workshops and more.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR STAY IN COSTA MESA

While you plan your visit to the new Orange County Museum of Art, here’s the best places to stay, shop, eat and play in Costa Mesa, California.

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Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa

Stay in the heart of Orange County at this luxe boutique hotel, Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa. The music-inspired hotel is a short walk from the new Orange County Museum of Art and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and just a six minute drive from John Wayne Airport. The eclectic hotel offers modern lakeside rooms with private terraces and luxury suites that are the pinnacle of design and glamour.

The Westin South Coast Plaza

The Westin South Coast Plaza

If you love to shop until you drop, stay at The Westin South Coast Plaza to experience all that the largest shopping center on the west coast has to offer. A short 5-minute drive from John Wayne Airport, this pet-friendly hotel has a heated outdoor pool, and a cascading waterfall on the welcoming terrace to help you soak in the California sun. 

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Hana re Sushi

One of three Michelin Star restaurants in Orange County, Hana re offers a omakase dining experience complete with fresh sashimi and nigiri. The small sushi restaurant has only two tables and 10 seats at the “Chef’s Table,” where you can watch Executive Chef Atsushi Yokoyama’s careful composition of mouth-watering sushi.

Knife Pleat

The latest restaurant in Orange County to receive a Michelin Star in 2021, Knife Pleat has made a name for itself as a can’t-miss dining experience. Helmed by Michelin-starred French chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi, the restaurant features modern interpretations of French classics that are sure to please.

Taco Maria

Taco Maria is another Michelin Star restaurant you need to try while you’re in Orange County, especially if you are a big fan of tacos. The contemporary Mexican restaurant offers a la carte taco menus, four-course dinners and a delicious brunch. Helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef, Carlos Salgado, here you will find thoughtfully prepared dishes that are a tasty blend of American and Mexican cultures.

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South Coast Plaza

South Coast Plaza is more than just your typical shopping center—with over 250 boutiques featuring world-renowned designer brands, it’s the largest shopping center on the west coast. After Fashion Week, this is the first place to head to if you want to see your favorite runway pieces in person. Not only a mecca for fashion lovers, South Coast Plaza has plenty of options for foodies, too, with over 30 dining options.

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Mesa Lounge

Unwind at Mesa Lounge, a chic nightlife venue with creative cocktails, bottle service and an excellent American dinner menu with small dishes. 

TIME Nightclub

Ready to dance the night away? TIME Nightclub is an up-beat and upscale venue with live entertainment, two full-service bars and an Instagram-worthy immersive lighting system.

STRUT

STRUT Bar & Club is the premier gay bar in Orange County, designed with two distinct spaces, the bar and the club, to embrace the nightlife with weekly live entertainment.