OCMA Reviews

Be warned it's only 1 floor consisting of about 5 rooms. The $10 price tag is pretty steep for what you're getting. Going at a slow/moderate pace we finished up in about an hour.

The art was lovely but the staff was cold and unhelpful. The museum was rather small for the admission price as well

I've been dying to go to this museum for months. I saw this place opened up in January I believe, but that's when I saw it for the first time through Instagram. I thought to myself, "Aw man I have to go here to experience it at least once." I ended up checking the dates for this and it basically said you could only by tickets until the beginning of March.

Easy place to spot from the street. Free admittance. The art on display is amazing. Definitely going back when they expand

It's great to know that you can find world class exhibitions in Orange County. We have the obligation as a community to support emerging artists and this seems to be the best venue for it. The collections were correctly formatted and spaced too. Really liked it.

This place was not bad but too small. Thought theyll be little bigger than that.

Check this place out before it moves to the new location so you can compare and contrast! The exhibits were thought-provoking and carefully presented. Much to look at and think about.

We last visited several years ago when the museum was in Newport Beach. It looks like the new permanent home will be a stunning architectural building near Segerstrom Performing Arts Center. In the meantime in their temporary location, there are several special exhibitions in an open airy space in South Coast Plaza Village. It was easy to find and there was lots of parking. Admission is free, and they ask for your e-mail. There are two floors and lots of open space. It's all by contemporary artists, well documented, and some of it is interactive--you can sit under a pyramid or on a "bed" that vibrates along with the sound of the accompanying video. You can see everything in about an hour. It's easy to combine a visit with a shopping trip, performance, or dinner nearby. (We went to South Coast Repertory, then to the museum, then to dinner at Maggiano's.)

I love this museum! Both times I have come here I have loved everything they have on display. It's a fun place for a date or just to get out and do something on your own. I like stopping by and heading over to Fashion Island for some lunch/dinner and shopping.

A much-needed dose of culture in Orange County. Some fairly interesting exhibitions with featured local artist. Interesting exhibition on contemporary art around the pacific. Audio tour is definitely worth it to learn more about the museum. Worth a quick stroll for a few hours, and different vantage points here and there provide unique views. Plenty of parking as well.

We went on Friday for the Pop Art show. We didn't realize it was a free day! The show was very good. Fun pieces, great display.

Not a very big art museum at the moment but i heard they will be expanding soon, had some interesting exhibits. Bring your imagination along as you watch some short films to interpret their meaning.

There isn t much to the museum and it is really only two rooms with widely spaced exhibits. If you go on Friday when it is free it is a great value. The large dog that is advertised as being on the outside of the building was a temporary exhibit and has been removed.

This is a temporary space but lots of cool stuff. Check it out, it's free for now.

This is a temporary location until they get the new museum built. So admission is free until they move. Like most museums you will see stuff you like, and other stuff you think how do they call this art.

One of the most amazing places in Orange County, it's super fantastic, unique atmosphere,awesome arts

It was fantastic . No need to buy ticket ( was free).

This Museum was interesting and had some really nice exhibits on display. I can't wait until the new location is built so I can see even more.

You HAVE to go check this place out! I GUARANTEE there things here that you haven't seen anywhere else!

Amazing exhibit. Can't wait until they get into their new building!

Small but very cool little art museum. The whole place was one exhibit for an artist but her art was very cool. Marilyn Minter, her Pretty Dirty collection. It was an interesting somewhat erotic very tantalizing exhibit. Very classy and tastefully put together. It was one of my wife's favorite exhibits.

An art museum that has a good impression of the artist's affordable space and simple and warm consideration of the exhibition hall. The move in 2021 is convinced that it will be even better.

Very impressive collection of multiple pieces of innovative artwork pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and an amazing extension of their existing gallery. Not a huge building but it's packed full of pieces that allow you to easily spend an hour or two carefully enjoying all the pieces as well as the detailed descriptions and even audio tour to help contextualize the artist's vision. As an absolutely free venue with free parking and entrance, this is a hidden gem that allows you to get away form the hustle and bustle while still enjoying this meticulously planned gallery.

We have lived in Orange County for a long time and until I read a review of the American Modern Art on display I had no clue this gem existed. It is near the fashion island shopping mall across from the Island Hotel. Parking free and the tickets for seniors was $7.50. The current exhibit of American art has something for any taste. The descriptions of the pieces and the artists are outstanding even for someone like me who has little knowledge of the various art themes. We really enjoyed our visit but be warned it is cold inside.

Despite being free on Fridays, I don't feel that this Art Museum measures up in quality, variety & excitement that other facilities have to offer . But it is still worth a visit to enjoy interesting ART.

I have to say the building that is used temporary for the OCMA is awesome. And the curator did a good job to accommodate all the exhibitions in such a interesting building. The exhibitions are not large, but the qualities are high. It focuses on the culture along the pacific coast.

Cool modern museum, but very little. It is free admission.

Simple and easy to navigate. Wonderfully curated exhibits and nice tours. Lots of parking. Free until the Fall of 2021.

It was nice, but I didn't identify much with the art myself.

One of the most amazing places in Orange County, it's super fantastic, unique atmosphere, awesome arts museum

Great exhibitions and art hiding in the shadow of the fashion island monstrosity.

Interesting museum with some great galleries but it is a little small and everything can be seen in a few hours

The Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is a very contemporary/modern art museum (sometimes gratingly contemporary) with a strong emphasis on California artists. The museum exhibits a broad mix of work from famous names, up and coming artists, and questionable talent. In addition, although there tends to be a California emphasis, artists displayed come from across the nation and around the globe.

OCMA often showcases video art along with wall hangings and sculptures and most seasons have a playful aspect.

OCMA tends to cycle through three to four groups of exhibits per year with each showing lasting about three months.

The museum is rarely crowded, has ample parking, and occasionally hosts free evenings or days. OCMA also has a cinema series that plays in an adjacent theatre.

If you like the different with class, you have to go.

1 floor with about 2 exhibits and 3 galleries. I came during a free day on Jan 29, so it was more than worth it. Great exhibits. The pop art collection is very interesting. Very clean and spacious.

To be fair...it wasn't set up for a public affair. If you are in the 'know' then you'll know. As a visitor....disappointed.

This museum is not that kind of museum can make me feel "Wow". It is kind of small but it does have enough art works there to view. I do like the building and the fact that Orange County does have a Art museum now. The parking is free and easy access for everyone. Give this museum sometime to grow and shine.

Said to be one of the top attractions in nearby Santa Ana, the Orange County Museum of Art attracts visitors from all walks of life.

You don t need to be an art lover or connoisseur to appreciate the beautiful works of art on display. Among the approximately 3,000 items are paintings, photos, and sculptures showcasing local art from the early 1900s to today.

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

The visual exhibits are worth seeing! Entrance a little steep at $10/person

Staff is very nice, a little small but nice exhibits

Small museum that will be expanding by 2021. Worth stopping by and seeing the few excibits on display. It's two stories but not that much to see but the art is still amazing. Price as of this writing is free to enter. Good place to spend a little time if you are in the area.

This house is filled with items from the 1800's. The things were not original, but were interesting none-the-less. There were rooms downstairs and upstairs. There was no rail to hold on to so I did not go upstairs. I was able to walk around and take closer looks at the rooms and historic items, The 2nd guide answered many of my questions and explained additional things. They were very helpful when my sister did not feel well. Most local people do not know about this treasure and should. The grounds are lovely, too.

It's not a very big museum, but really nice. You can finish easily in 2 hours. Definitely worth checking out!

Bad Dog was gone & there were only 2 main rooms...if you have a specific artist your wanting I understand but I just wasn't impressed. 2 stars for great customer service, employees, and location/premises.

This concrete block museum contains of wealth of colorful "pop" art currently (Jan 7 - Apr. 2, 2017). My jaw kept dropping as I saw another Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenberg, or Ray & Charles Eames piece in Pop Art Design as well as other objects, such as Verner Panton's Heart-Shaped Cone Chair or the red lip shaped sofa. Also over the same time period the show, "Forms of Identity: Women Artists in the 90s" has some intriguing pieces. Teh space really workjs for large pieces and the parking is free. So for an exploration of pop and gender art, do go to the Orange County Museum of Art before April 2.

Great small museum in Orange County. They do a ton of super fun events and often have free museum days. I highly recommend enjoying their galleries and returning often.

The current pacific rim show at the museum is excellent! A museum focused on contemporary art is refreshing to see as orange county. This last show being an excellent example, there was video screens on the walls, light boxes, a feature length projected video, and VR as part of just one of the shows that are up! The quality of their curated shows and the presentation is super ambitious and has been well executed. If contemporary art or new ways of presenting artwork and meaning interests you this museum is completely worth going to. I am looking forward to the new building to house the museum!

I would like to see more work at the Museum from this local Orange County artist

A place to see. Locate next to the South Coast Plazza.

Somewhat empty, but it's good to have an art museum in Orange county

Been here for a few different contemporary art exhibits. Great space, very well curated, with politically astute, relevant, and innovative works. OC is lucky to have this place of culture in the otherwise culturally barren landscape of Irvine-Newport Beach.

Not only they had extended hours today (each Friday, till 8 pm), but the admissions were free. It was totally worth it to drive here to se a few great pieces. I took pictures from a few more, including not my favorite.

A very intimate setting with AMAZING pieces to study.

Medium sized gallery. Good for a visit. Friendly staff. If you live nearby sign up for the newsletter and you can see when they switch exhibits up! It's free on Fridays too. Free parking lot available.

Just killing some time checking out some art. It's free too.

Really cool museum to come to if you guys visiting SoCal. Definitely worth it! Favorite part is the light art, there were two piece by the same artist and both were beautiful! Many different options and plenty of time to walk around to see everything. For the room of lights there is usually a wait time so you have to sign up early.

Best museum I've been to by far! The art is amazing and it has interesting sculptures that will keep your brain working for the entire visit! Great place for kids because it's not just a museum, sometimes it's like a fun house with bright colors and funny sculptures!

This is a temporary facility but beautifully appointed. They provide excellent curators who are well acquainted with their exhibits. Good parking is a available and some seating for refreshments are available

Went today. They will be moving to a bigger space i heard.

Not a ton of stuff in there, but what i saw was really cool. Some knitting art was really nice as was the movie fall into oblivion. Wish they could sell the knitting stuff and the movie in the gift shop but i understand why they don't.

Really awesome place

The ocma museum offers one tour per day and its not a highly crowded museum as others.
Staff is friendly and place ia clean.

Nice interim location for the museum. Great shows, active schedule on weekends. Enjoyed our visit.

This is a great small museum. You can spend a few hours here and then go over to Fashion Island Mall for food because there's no food court at the museum.
Exhibits change regularly and they have a free Sunday. Call the verify when is the free museum day. Parking is free.

Very enjoyable. Orange County is lucky to have this place.

This is one of a kind museum. I really enjoy and learn a lot about the permanent exhibition and the temporary exhibitions as well. It is free ticketing for now, the staff are very friendly. Most main labels are both languages English and Spanish, next to the tag label there's a phone number that you can call, so the artist of every exhibition on display gives a description of the artworks. There is plenty of free parking spaces. It was hard to pick just three objects to do my review exhibition museum assignment.

This museum is charming, interesting and quick to visit.

If your into art. You will love this museum. If your into modern and contemporary art you will overjoyed. I awaya had a moving experience coming here. Art is so giving with emotions. Love it

Obviously been a year or two but I cant live a new normal without museums and art in my life

The new (temporary) space is wonderful. The staff exuded positive energy. Exhibits were well curated.

It's a very nice museum, but a lot smaller than I expected.