To be honest, it was mildly surprising to learn that Orange County has its own museum of art, if…read moreonly because not many of the counties in the Bay Area do, other than SF. Yet, at the same time, given the size and population of OC, it also makes perfect sense. Either way, I can't say I ever would've guessed it would be this nice, though! Just a shame that their exhibits didn't really blow us away... Located in the burgeoning arts and theater district of Costa Mesa, just down the road from South Coast Plaza, OCMA is such a gorgeous looking building. Sure, it helps that it's only a few years old, but the look of this place is no less impressive. Right out in front, there's a 65-foot art piece in the middle of the plaza that helps connect all of the neighboring buildings. Inside, there's a fairly large gallery space on the ground level with rotating exhibits, an upper level that appears to hold their more permanent collection of pieces, a coffee shop right next to the gift shop, and a rooftop restaurant with a large open area/garden. Sadly, though, as nice as the museum's design and amenities may be, though, much of the artwork was just okay. While the artwork upstairs was fine, the featured exhibits didn't really speak to us. Obviously, art is subjective, but one included pieces that appear to have just been drawn with a spirograph. The other consisted of several photographic series, whose commentary on social media I can appreciate, but felt exceedingly voyeuristic in nature - one following/semi-stalking a fellow after a chance encounter, another of strangers invited to sleep in the artist's bed so they could be photographed/documented, and a third showing the belongings of guests at the hotel she worked at. Artwork aside, the thing that I like most about OCMA is how admission is entirely free. So, in that sense, it's impossible to be too disappointed with the experience and/or what we saw. However, one thing to note is that you do have to pay if you park at any of the nearby garages, which are all unaffiliated with OCMA. For example, at the one on the other side of the Segerstrom Center, it cost us about $10 for two hours or so. Alternatively, South Coast Plaza is just a few blocks over and parking there is free, but I don't know how aggressive they are with towing and it feels like a big gamble just to save a few bucks. All in all, even though none of the exhibits were really our flavor, we still had a good time checking out OCMA. Oddly, there weren't many other visitors here when we arrived, but it did seem to get busier as the day wore on (there was a big group walking in as we were walking out) and we certainly didn't mind not having to deal with a bunch of crowds around. Plus, as nice as the museum looks, it's actually fairly small compared to others I've been to elsewhere. Since the featured exhibits have so much influence on the experience, I absolutely wouldn't mind coming back to see whatever they happen to have featured down the line. The ones they had when we were here may not have interested us, but the next ones might! Plus, it doesn't hurt that admission is free! All in all, THREE AND A HALF STARS rounded down.

When I went, desire then having lots of space very little was out to look at. It was free, so not…read moremuch room to complain. You do get more than you pay for lol. They have an area where you can add your art too which is cute. The immersive experience at the time was cool. It's worth the trip, I'm assuming certain exhibitions are more with your gas + time than others so maybe check before you trek

What a cute little place for gift shopping. This place has a great selection of just odd stuff. it…read moreis cute and clean and the service is very nice. Most of the items are from Japan and they have stuff I had not seen before. They had a little Toto lighter which I loved as I have a Toto at home (it is a toilet, made in Japan and has a washlet.) They also have stickers and tee shirts and hats, they have lots of hats. I bought one for my son in law. The prices are fair for the area. We really did love the service. It is not a place I would go to often, but it is adorable and worth a visit. We had a great time there, just looking at all the stuff. It was not at all busy when we were there and check out was super easy. So, if you are nearby stop there. It is not a must see, but it is cute.

Love the store but service 0/5…read more My friend and I had stopped by this shop after taking pictures at Booth by Bryant to take a look around. This shop is very nicely organized and aesthetic, however, the lady at the cash register who might be the owner did not greet us or anything, and seemed very bothered by us just walking in. There are some colorful crates in the back part of the store that my friend wanted to take pictures with, so I asked the cashier first if it would be okay to do so, since I had noticed that she already looked upset, and she said "yes and thank you for asking first since some people don't even ask" and I had also purchased a $40 hat prior to asking. I take a few pictures of my friend and as we're looking at them some customers walk in and are taking a look around and we scooted to the corner so they can shop. As soon as they left the cashier comes up to us with so much attitude saying "you guys need to get out when customers come in, if you guys are doing this they can't shop." when we literally were no where in the way of the customers. The last thing my friend and I wanted was to make her upset, which is why we asked permission first and purchased an item so we could stay longer in the store. But, the lack of customer service and passive aggressive tone was what makes us not want to shop here anymore. A simple "if customers come in I would appreciate if you guys step aside for them to shop" (which we did either way) in the beginning when I first asked for permission would've been nice instead of telling us to "get out" after I had already purchased something.

Attended the reception for ArtStart which features affordable art perfect for holiday gifting…read more They also feature a silent auction with professional framed photography starting at $100.

Great art center with interesting and unique exhibits. They take great pride in all their events…read more Opening nights are fun since they fall on Art Nights in the village. Hours should be more accommodating through the week.

Lovely museum! Had to come for a school assignment but it's worth coming back to see new…read moreexhibitions (they are moving locations though). I loved the art they had displayed around this time. Everything was kept well and clean and the gallery staff was super helpful and sweet. And the cherry on top was free admission and free parking (make sure you get your pass validating by a member).

Visited the UC Irvine Langson OCMA at the Segerstrom Center campus today. Honestly, the current…read moreexhibits themselves didn't really impress me, but the facility itself is immaculate and very well-maintained. The front desk staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful, which made for a great welcome. They have useful amenities like lockers available on-site, and there's a huge outdoor patio and bar on the first floor that's perfect for hanging out.parking structure validates 2 hr parking i guess. Verify it though. Pro Tip: Don't bother with the local paid structures. Just park near South Coast Plaza for free and take the short walk over.

Terrific museum. There are two small buildings, one that offers rotating exhibits and the other, a…read morepermanent collection. I liked how the art was hung, as it was eye level and good lighting. The volunteer staff were very friendly and helpful! One suggestion for the room with the rocks, please have placards made that inform us what the rock is, and where it was found. Looking forward to returning and see more art.

Spent a couple hours at the Hilbert and thought it was a lovely experience. The staff are so warm…read moreand welcoming, and very knowledgeable about the artists and the collection. Tip: for kids (or anyone) ask for the scavenger hunt and get a little prize so fun!

The best store I've ever experienced--yes, experienced. I feel blessed that the rebel in me said…read moreenter even when the sign clearly read "Please, Do Not Enter." What waited on the other side was a cascade of surprise, curiosity, and constant discovery. Every curated piece felt like an invitation to look closer, to see differently. It was clear I had stepped into the world of two brilliant minds, generously offering us a small glimpse of how they see. And I was all in. I left spinning, elevated, creatively full--astonished that a place like this even exists.

I got the cutest purse form here . It was a good day where none of the south coast plaza rent a…read morecops bothered me and left me in peace to actually get inside my bag and make myself happy . It's a beautiful pattern silk blue and green with shiny silky threads

Great place for En Plein Air frames. Quick, easy, and great prices! The owner is always helpful and…read morenever pushy- I enjoy shopping here.

Fine Art is amazing for your wall art needs. The selection of canvas art is overwhelming. And I…read moremean that in a good way. I found the perfect artwork at a reasonable price. Andy was very helpful and knowledgeable. I'm very pleased with my purchase. I intend to return for more artwork.

Amazing gallery with a variety of art with different styles & price points. The owner is an artist…read moreherself. She's very friendly & knowledgeable about the work in the space. She's very involved in the community. We purchased a small painting. I'm excited to follow on Instagram to see what artists she will have in the gallery.

Very exciting contemporary gallery with amazing staff…read more The works by Dick Marconi are very moving and inspiring! Georgeana creates really cool modern abstract work and an amazing business entrepreneur! They are in a great location and there is parking behind the gallery! The sculptures are also amazing by Michael Shewmaker and Andrew Baird! Love the glass sculptures by Randi Solin which is being shown in the window! They represent both local and International artists and specialize in under recognized living masters! I highly recommend this gallery!