Overview

Along with its predecessor institution, the Newport Harbor Art Museum, OCMA has an established reputation as an innovative art museum with a history of actively discovering and engaging with living artists at pivotal points in their careers. Since its inception, OCMA’s commitment to artists and audiences has been at the core of its activities, presenting the voices and work of influential artists and creative thinkers through innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions and programs.

In our new permanent home located on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus—designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis Studio—OCMA will continue to champion the transformative possibilities of art.

History

Since its founding, OCMA has been a leader in presenting and preserving the art of our time.  When thirteen visionary women came together in 1962 to open the museum—then called the Fine Arts Patrons Pavilion Gallery—they shared a powerful conviction that Orange County needed a venue where important art could be enjoyed. From the seed of this idea, a small art gallery became the Newport Harbor Art Museum in 1968 and the Orange County Museum of Art in 1997. As OCMA’s collections, exhibitions, and programs have grown, so has its reputation of investing in promising artists and helping shape art history.

Building

Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne is the founder of the influential studio Morphosis and co-founder of the prestigious Southern California Institute of Architecture. For more than 40 years, Morphosis has practiced at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and design. With a team of more than 60 in Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai and Seoul, Morphosis focuses on rigorous research and innovation, prioritizing performance-driven design that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

More Information

OCMA Exhibitions & Programs

Since its inception, OCMA’s commitment to artists and audiences has been at the core of its activities, presenting the voices and work of influential artists and creative thinkers through innovative and ground-breaking exhibitions and programs. In our new permanent home on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus, OCMA will continue to champion the transformative possibilities of art. From new commissions, performances, immersive activities, workshops, film series, and exciting community happenings, OCMA’s program engages and sparks meaningful encounters with art and ideas.

OCMA’s dynamic visual arts program features major thematic exhibitions, surveys of leading contemporary artists, new commissions, and first-ever solo museum shows.

OCMA Collection

The museum’s collection comprises more than 4,600 objects, with a concentration on art produced during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Although not on permanent display, works from the collection appear regularly in our rotating exhibition program. Explore highlights of the collection, with images and descriptions

Explore the Collection

Rentals

OCMA is the perfect venue to host your wedding, corporate retreat, meeting, and/or film production. Our rooftop terrace with spectacular views is an oasis and the perfect backdrop for the most intimate or lavish events that guests will never forget. The museum offers dramatic architecture, a peaceful ambiance, and a variety of beautiful spaces for small to large-scale events. Whether you are looking to host an intimate gathering or a lavish affair, our team is here to make sure that your day is truly memorable. We have several event spaces, from our board room, Education Pavilion, Upper Plaza and garden terrace, that can accommodate groups of 10–400 people. Not only do you get access to a stunning event venue, but you also have the chance to collaborate with an acclaimed catering team brimming with creativity.

Rentals are a benefit of membership and revenue from private rentals helps sustain OCMA programming and exhibitions. Thank you for your support! For more information, please call 714-780-2109 or email events@ocma.art.

More Information
Rental Inquiry Form