Hilbert Museum of California Art
Hilbert Museum of California Art
Hilbert Museum of California Art
5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, which opened in 2016, was established thanks to the generosity of Mark and Janet Hilbert, whose superlative collection focuses on the “California Scene” painting movement of roughly the 1920s through the 1970s and beyond. The Hilbert Collection – which includes oils, watercolors, sketches and lithographs of rural and urban scenes, coastal views, farms, ranches, freeways and landscapes of everyday life in the Golden State – is a significant repository of 20th-century representational art by California artists. The Collection also includes animation and movie art (many California fine artists were drawn to the state by work in the movie industry, including as animators, background painters, set and backdrop designers and poster artists) and works by noted American illustrators.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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- Orange Station • 7 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
46 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
10
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
02corvette
Marietta, GA1,232 contributions
Nov 2019
My dtr and I went 'museuming' while our husbands went elsewhere for the day. This was our first stop as she wanted so much to see the Mary Blair exhibit. Additionally there was an exhibit of " A fine Romance" love scenes for classic movies as well as one about Los Angeles area scene paintings. What a treat!!! And free!!. Parking is right out front. The docents were so kind and explained a number of things about the exhibits as well as the museum itselt which is on the campus of Chapman University. We got there early in the day on a Saturday just after T-giving and by the time we left, there were a goodly number of people there. Most wanted to see the extended exhibit of Mary Blair who did a lot of Disney things.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James Weaver
Irvine, CA2,171 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was a part of the collection, California Scene Paintings. Oils and watercolors of various places and scenes of California, lots of Los Angeles and Orange Country. I remember some of the places from my youth, having been born in Orange County in 1950 and lived here since. I do remember a trip up Angels Flight the family took just prior to it being closed in the 1960’s. Inclined railways continue to exist, but they are few and far between. The 5 freeway being built through Anaheim, the last remaining winery buildings towards Ball Road being removed. Yes, Anaheim had winery’s at one time, before the Orange Groves, yes Anaheim had Orange Groves at one time before all the housing. It was a very different experience in the 1950’s. This exhibit will show you some of it. One memorable piece shows Chavez Ravine, the area where Dodger Stadium now exists. It was a very controversial issue to displace all of the Mexican population at the time.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
scott r
Silver Spring, MD619 contributions
Jan 2020
I'm not a local, so I'd call this 'good' (3.5) stars rather than very good, but you have to give credit for trying - and the fact that this is free. There's a lot of art & photography documenting the impact of LA development, especially the freeway system. The rotating collection is better than the permanent, and the romance stuff - well, just not my thing. But you can spend an hour or so contemplating the rest.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
galapagoer
California36 contributions
Jan 2020
This intimate museum has an impressive permanent collection of art relating to California. Located near the charming town of Orange, it is affiliated with Chapman University and is free to the public. I have seen a number of the exhibits there and have always been pleased with the quality of the art displayed and its cultural and historical significance relating to California. The museum has plans to expand in the future. It is a gem.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KAL45
Laguna Niguel, CA30 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
My first visit to this museum was an unexpected pleasure. I had expected a small, but interesting collection. No, this is an extensive, well-curated, well-explained collection of 20th century California representational artists. Many of the paintings depicted scenes of times and places no longer with us, giving us a greater knowledge of what was and what has changed. Different styles and techniques are delineated, too, so if you read the placards, you will learn a lot. Thirty minutes to an hour should be satisfactory for a visit, and there are many good restaurants nearby. Oh, and admission is free and there is parking available.
Written June 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathi D
San Diego, CA2 contributions
May 2016
Open on the Chapman University campus in Orange, this small museum is a gem. Focusing on California artists, this jewel of a museum offers a glimpse of a long-gone California in vibrant colors and haunting scenes. The only thing missing was benches, to sit and gaze in wonder.
Written July 25, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Benches have been added -- lots of places to sit now!
Written December 4, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K E
122 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
The Hilbert Museum, opened in February 2016 on the campus of Chapman University, features a wonderful collection of paintings by California artists from the 1920's to the 1970's. The collection includes a variety of media -- watercolors, oils, etc., -- and depicts scenes from all aspects of California life and history. I understand the collection will change over time, so we plan to return periodically. The Hilberts have given Chapman University and the local community a great asset in the Hilbert Museum. The museum is free and it takes about an hour to appreciate the entire collection. The museum is across the street from the historic Santa Fe train station (still operating) which features a themed Ruby's Streamliner Cafe restaurant, for a before or after-Museum refresher.
Written May 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bill G
Santa Ana, CA266 contributions
Sep 2019
We were at the museum for a talk given by a friend and were impressed by the collection and the quality of art. We didn't have time to browse and properly appreciate all that is there, but plan to return and do it the justice it deserves. A nice bonus is free admission...!!
On either end of your visit, you can also get food and refreshments across the street at the old Santa Fe Depot.
On either end of your visit, you can also get food and refreshments across the street at the old Santa Fe Depot.
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen K
Los Angeles, CA52 contributions
Jul 2019
I saw that this musuem was going to have an exhibition on Mary Blair in the Westway magazine which peaked my interest. Since it's summer, I like to try to have an art day with my kids and thought they would enjoy this musuem. My husband is also an artist and always liked Mary Blair's work at Disneyland. We enjoyed the small size musuem which was located in Orange. Also, free of charge, you can make a donation. Parking is in front of the musuem; just ask for a parking slip at the front desk (also free). At this time, the musuem was showing the Gardena High School - California paintings. I was unaware of this exhibit, but that was great since i had attended GHS as well. There was also a small showing of Norman Rockwell covers and an original pencil sketch. One of my husband's favorite artist, so we all enjoyed the variety this little musuem offered.
Written August 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rico M
Irvine, CA80 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
This museum is probably unknown to most - but it should not remain so as it has excellent collection of Californian art and is moreover free, there is not even a charge for parking, I was particularly impressed by the paintings of the eastern sierras and will definitely go again when they change their exhibits which I believe takes place a few times each year. Kudos to the Hilbert's for enabling this treasure.
Written January 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Hilbert Museum of California Art (Orange) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hilbert Museum of California Art
- Hilbert Museum of California Art is open:
- Tue - Sat 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Hilbert Museum of California Art:
- (0.25 mi) Ruta's Old Town Inn
- (0.36 mi) Perfect Cottage For A Disneyland, Newport Beach, Or Chapman University Escape
- (2.28 mi) Ayres Hotel Orange
- (1.96 mi) Ayres Hotel Anaheim
- (0.85 mi) Best Western Orange Plaza
- Restaurants near Hilbert Museum of California Art:
- (0.03 mi) Renatas Caffe Italiano
- (0.10 mi) Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen
- (0.12 mi) Citrus City Grille
- (0.10 mi) Francoli Gourmet
- (0.11 mi) Felix Continental Cafe