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Hilbert Museum of California Art: A Golden State Visual Journey

Experience California's artistic heritage at the Hilbert Museum, home to a unique collection of California Scene paintings and more. Free admission!

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The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange celebrates the state's unique artistic and cultural development through California Scene paintings from the 1920s-1970s and beyond. The museum's collection showcases everyday life in California through oils, watercolors, sketches, and more.

A brief summary to Hilbert Museum of California Art

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Admission is free, but making an online reservation is recommended to manage visitor flow.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available in the Old Towne West parking structure, a block east of the museum.
  • Visit on a Thursday at 11 AM for a free guided tour led by Mark Hilbert (when available).
  • Combine your museum visit with a stroll through Old Towne Orange, known for its antique shops and restaurants.
  • Check out the museum's café for a light snack and enjoy the fresh air courtyard.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Orange Metrolink Station, the Hilbert Museum is directly across Atchison Street. Simply exit the station and cross the street to the museum entrance. This is a short, convenient walk.

  • Public Transport

    The Orange Metrolink station is served by both the Orange County Line and the Inland Empire-Orange County Line. From the OCTA and Chapman University bus stop in the roundabout near Streamliner Diner (formerly Ruby's Diner), the museum is half a block away. All sidewalks from the bus stop to the Museum are flat. A single fare on the OC Bus is typically around $2.

  • Driving

    From I-5, exit onto CA-22 East and then exit onto Glassell Street North. Turn right on Walnut Ave for campus parking in the Anderson Underground Parking Structure. Alternatively, from I-55, exit onto Chapman Avenue West. The museum is located at 167 N Atchison Street, Orange, CA 92866. Free parking is available in the Old Towne West parking structure at 130 N. Lemon Street, one block east of the museum. Free 2-hour street parking is often available on N. Cypress Street behind the museum. The Hilbert Museum also has a small onsite parking lot. Pick up a University parking pass inside the Museum and place it on your dashboard. Parking registration is not required.

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Discover more about Hilbert Museum of California Art

The Hilbert Museum of California Art, nestled in the heart of Orange, California, is a vibrant ode to the Golden State's artistic heritage. Established through the generosity of Mark and Janet Hilbert, this museum at Chapman University is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the California Scene Painting movement, primarily from the 1920s through the 1970s. The museum's collection features over 5,000 works, including oils, watercolors, sketches, and lithographs, capturing the essence of California life. Visitors can immerse themselves in scenes of rural and urban landscapes, coastal views, farms, ranches, and the everyday lives of Californians. The California Scene movement distinguishes itself by depicting people and the works of humans, showcasing the state's transformation through towns, cities, harbors, and more. The Hilbert Museum not only displays permanent collections, including Disney Classics, California Orange Box Labels, and Novelty Radios, but also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions. The museum has expanded to 22,000 square feet and includes 26 galleries, a café, a research library, and a community room. Admission is free, making it accessible to all. Visitors can also experience the restored 1950s mosaic by Millard Sheets, “The Pleasures Along the Beach”. The Hilbert Museum is more than just an art gallery; it's a visual journey through California's history and culture.

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