1 / 2UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art | Costa Mesa
📍 South Coast Metro, CA
Contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions, family programs for different age groups, and award-winning architecture. Free admission makes it accessible for families exploring modern art.
The Orange County Museum of Art is extraordinary, starting with its building itself, which was designed by an architect who won the Pritzker Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. Right next to it is the famous Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Parking is available at the Tower Plaza parking garage right next to the museum, but it‘s paid parking. If you prefer free parking, I recommend parking at South Coast Plaza, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. Admission is free, but backpacks are not allowed inside the museum. Photography is permitted inside the museum, but flash photography is prohibited. There is a cafe in the museum lobby selling simple snacks, and a bar and restaurant on the upper floor. As you explore the museum, you’ll feel that the building itself is a work of art. The way the interior and exterior of the museum seamlessly connect gives the impression that the building was designed freely without being confined to a rigid structure. Although the museum is not large, it‘s a great place to escape from everyday life and experience works of art.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best suited for families with older children who can appreciate contemporary art and architectural beauty. The interactive elements like magnetic poetry and record listening stations help engage younger visitors, though some kids may find the modern art challenging to connect with.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →899 Google reviews
Christian Cho
5 months ago
“The Orange County Museum of Art is extraordinary, starting with its building itself, which was designed by an architect who won the Pritzker Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. Right next to it is the famous Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Parking is available at the Tower Plaza parking garage right next to the museum, but it‘s paid parking. If you prefer free parking, I recommend parking at South Coast Plaza, which is less than a 10-minute walk away. Admission is free, but backpacks are not allowed inside the museum. Photography is permitted inside the museum, but flash photography is prohibited. There is a cafe in the museum lobby selling simple snacks, and a bar and restaurant on the upper floor. As you explore the museum, you’ll feel that the building itself is a work of art. The way the interior and exterior of the museum seamlessly connect gives the impression that the building was designed freely without being confined to a rigid structure. Although the museum is not large, it‘s a great place to escape from everyday life and experience works of art.”
J Ramses Arias
6 months ago
“My main reason there was to check out Deanna Templeton’s (Being a huge fan of both Mrs & Mr Templeton’s.) and the Riot grrrl collection from the Emily’s sassy lime exhibition. So glad to see and read and learn about the other artists I was not aware of. Loved everything. Specially the turn table listening samples located throughout the gallery. Super cool and very memorable, hopefully my two daughters cherish and remember the afternoon we had that day. I know I will. Pro tip given by my sister. Park your car at the South Coast plaza mall and walk over. Unless you want to pay $15 for the parking garage and walk the same amount of distance.”
Kris S
a month ago
“We went as a family, parked at South Coast plaza. We enjoyed the museum- kids thought the art was weird- they enjoyed the engagement hall with the magnetic poetry and listening to records. Cute little gift shop too!”
Randi L Rubin
4 weeks ago
“Came for the Sophie Calle exhibit - my fav photographer. The space is gorgeous and architecture great. I wis h the gift shop had more postcards!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art showcases contemporary exhibitions including works by Steve Roden, Sophie Calle, and Jon Serl. The museum offers Age-specific family programs including Art & Play sessions for ages 0-2 and 3-5, public tours, and interactive elements like magnetic poetry stations. Located on the Segerstrom Center campus with free admission and an on-site cafe.
