Hilbert Museum of California Art image

Hilbert Museum of California Art

Tourist attraction Museum

Watercolor & oil paintings by 1900s artists, depicting diverse Californian landscapes & city scenes. People often mention museum, California, free, small, friendly, collection,


Address

167 N Atchison St, Orange, CA 92866

Website

www.hilbertmuseum.org

Contact

(714) 516-5880

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (272 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (16) California (12) free (8) small (7) friendly (7) collection (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Karen Joy R. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a fantastic small art museum -- I've been 4-5 times in the last year. It is free to visit, but you need to register online first. They usually have 4+ exhibits at a time, all by California artists, from fun exhibits from movies and cartoons to historical works to current works by living artists. The docents are excellent, as well. The Hilbert will soon be undergoing a massive expansion. While I'm looking forward to that, go see it NOW, while it's still small.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda C. 2 years ago on Google • 61 reviews
    I didn't have a consciousness of the Hilbert Museum but saw a small article about it in Westways so decided to go. Parking in Old Town Orange isn't the easiest but I was able to find a spot within walking distance. I went on a Thursday morning when they provide a guided tour, part of which was conducted by the curator, Mr. Hilbert. The tour was well attended the day I was there (Veteran's Day). The collection showcases California artists from different eras, using various mediums. They have rotating exhibits in addition to a permanent collection. The museum will be undergoing expansion starting in May 2022. From renderings, the museum will not only be bigger, but also better with a courtyard area and gift shop.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave 3 years ago on Google • 105 reviews
    What I love most about this (free!) place is their collection of paintings of Southern California...it is fascinating to see the past here, visit the present-day places, and reflect. Jill and Marsha were friendly and helpful... don't hesitate...go!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ari S. 2 years ago on Google • 31 reviews
    Absolute gem of a museum! Free easy parking, free admission, and very friendly staff. It took me about an hour and a half to explore and admire all the amazing artwork on display. I will definitely be coming back here often and recommending it to everyone!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin H. 5 months ago on Google • 221 reviews
    Good museum, expanded space opens in February.

  • 5/5 Nick Wong (. 9 months ago on Google • 210 reviews
    Interesting California Act Museum from 1920s to 1960s. Also, Disney Printing (1920s to 1960s) was shown here for celebrating 100 years anniversary. One of favorite printing here was with school bus and mailbox that related to my life. I would probably come back to original site for more California Act when it finish the explanation next year.

  • 2/5 Lisa C. 7 months ago on Google • 155 reviews
    Volunteers were very nice. Came here for the Disney 100 exhibit. There was like 7 pictures. I assumed this place was large but oh so tiny. Wasn't worth our time driving there.

  • 5/5 Stacy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely museum illustrating California Art, and friendly staff gave me the tip that founder usually guides tour personally on Thursdays at 11am, best to reserve a free ticket at TICKETS.CHAPMAN.EDU, good for all day. Afterwards go across street to Ruby’s Diner (aka Streamliner Lounge) for some drinks and food to rest your feet.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert B. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a delight to visit. A great collection of California art (oil and watercolor) and rotating exhibits. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Current show is California Water Color Show 1921 - 1970
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CF P. 2 years ago on Google
    The kindest, the sweetest people literally work here. They are so invested in their visitors, you literally feel royal. I am so blessed and pleased with the information and the other suggestions from this location I've gotten. I've been to other museums out of reference and always mention the wonderful Hilbert Museum and it's amazing to see how these other folks light up when I bring up this place. Absolutely stunning and I have plans to come back again this week!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aldo A. 2 years ago on Google • 18 reviews
    Beautiful small art gallery full of local amazing painters that show us California and Los Angeles through history. Mr Hilbert approached and shared some thoughts about a Broadway Blvd painting and a trip to Mexico to see Diego Rivera work, he’s a very kind person and loves to talk about paint. The admission is free, they have some permanent collections and in that time a Roger Rabbit exhibition.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alice F. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum! Free parking close by, and free entry! Wonderful local artist on display
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jess R. 5 months ago on Google
    Loved their showcase of pieces. The docents were so knowledgeable and friendly!

  • 5/5 Stacey H. 9 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    I think when we visited the main museum was under construction/renovation. I loved the art we got to see in this building, though. Cheeky, retro, nostalgic art. I look forward to returning!

  • 1/5 Unknown U. 11 months ago on Google
    Temporary location during construction is a very small space, about 25 works on display, currently on the theme of trains. Good to visit if you're visiting downtown Orange and walking by, but don't make a special trip until the real museum reopens.

  • 5/5 Indira J. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great collections of art. The temporarily museum is worthy! They offer is fun indoor scavenger hunt. The staff was very friendly and well informed. As an educator and mother I highly recommend this small gem. Not to mention that it is free!

  • 5/5 Victoria P. 1 year ago on Google
    My favorite Orange County museum. Possibly my favorite Southern California museum. Their current space is fairly small but they are soon expanding. They have a wonderful collection of California art. We go there every few months to see the new exhibits and visit our old favorites. This is a great place to expose the uninitiated to art. It is not overwhelming and it's always interesting. I leave inspired every time.

  • 5/5 Jeffrey W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great museum in downtown Orange. My wife and I visited on a Sunday. North many people, but reservations are recommended. The museum has a great collection of paintings and the volunteer staff are very informative and friendly. My wife and I will definitely go back again.

  • 5/5 Robby B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great musuem filled with plenty of local artists dating back to 1914 to the present. The staff was wonderful and engaging throughout our time. The traveling collections are impressive. Best of all it's free. Be sure to make a reservation!

  • 5/5 JOEY L. 1 year ago on Google
    What a total treat & surprise. Some many California paintings... Quite nice & they plan to grow larger, more space in the future. We spent over 90 minutes enjoying the art work & write ups about each picture. .... a hidden gem of a local museum! Please Go see this place! 👍🌞🌿🌻😎😘

  • 5/5 diane p. 1 year ago on Google
    Great art museum really in sync with my taste I understand they have plans to triple their size in the near future on the campus of Chapman college


Call (714) 516-5880 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Eisenhower Park image
1
Eisenhower Park
Park
Large park featuring a pond filled with fish & ducks, plus walking paths, playgrounds & BBQ grills.
4.60 (2.1K reviews)
Hart Park image
2
Hart Park
Park
Dog-friendly green space housing ball fields, a seasonal community swimming pool & summer concerts.
4.40 (2.1K reviews)
Peters Canyon North Trailhead image
3
Peters Canyon North Trailhead
Park
Popular jogging & hiking park features coastal sage scrub & grassland habitats, plus a reservoir.
4.70 (2K reviews)
PEZ Visitor Center image
4
PEZ Visitor Center
Visitor center
Pez museum featuring history, trivia & memorabilia related to the classic candy & dispensers.
4.70 (2K reviews)
Monte Irvin Orange Park image
5
Monte Irvin Orange Park
Park
Dating from 1900, this park offers hills, lawns & a fishing pond plus sport fields & playground.
4.40 (1.7K reviews)
Last updated:
()