The Hilbert Museum of California Art is Orange County’s oldest art museum. It opened in 1948 and boasts more than 10,000 works of art by modern and contemporary artists. From European masters to local legends, each piece is a testament to the creators’ exceptional creative vision, artistic talent, and dedication to their craft. The museum also hosts regular art auctions and special exhibits throughout the year. Come see why the phrase “you never know what you’ll find at the Hilbert” rings true! You can visit the museum at 167 N Atchison St, Orange, CA 92866.
Where is the Hilbert Museum of California Art?
The museum is free to enter, with free parking on site. The Hilbert Museum is housed in a remodeled warehouse. The museum has two floors and a basement, which features artist studios and galleries. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Hilbert Museum has regular hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. It is closed on Tuesdays.
What to Know Before You Go
– Research the Museum – Like any museum, the Hilbert Museum is full of interesting and worthwhile art. Before you go, do some research on the museum’s exhibits and events. You can read reviews on Yelp, check out the museum’s website, or call the museum for more information. – Visit on an Art Festival Weekend – The Hilbert is known for its art auctions, but these events are also a good way to see the museum from an insider’s point of view. If you can visit during a weekend when the Hilbert is hosting an art festival, you’ll get even more of a feel for how the museum operates. Discover More about Lyon Air Museum here.
Don’t Miss: The Big 3D Sculptures
If you have time for just one exhibit, make it The Big 3D Sculptures. This is the Hilbert’s crown jewel: six large-scale sculptures that let you walk right up to and touch the art. These works include a life-size statue of Albert Einstein, a replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta, and a towering statue of Walt Disney. The Big 3D Sculptures are located in the main gallery at the front of the museum. You can access the gallery through the front door, or you can enter through the museum’s main courtyard. The sculptures are not recommended for visitors with limited mobility or with children younger than age 12.
Don’t Miss: The Outsider Art Collection
If you’re interested in art from outside the mainstream, the Hilbert Museum’s Outsider Art Collection is for you. This section of the museum holds works by artists who are often overlooked and under-appreciated. The Outsider Art Collection features pieces by artists like Alex Garf, Judy Bialosky, and Don Lowe. You can find these pieces in the museum’s Concourse Gallery. The collection is not as well-known as other museum collections, but it’s one of the best places in Southern California to see outsider art. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend that you read up on the Outsider Art Collection ahead of time, so you know what to look for and so you don’t miss anything.
Bottom line
Visiting the Hilbert Museum is like stepping back into the golden age of art. The Hilbert, which opened in 1948, is Orange County’s oldest art museum. It boasts more than 10,000 works of art by modern and contemporary artists. It is free to enter, with free parking on site. Research the museum ahead of time and visit on an art festival weekend to get an insider’s perspective. Additional info.