Very cool collection of California specific art. The Irvine family collection is very unique because it showcases just California art. Its pretty cool because most of the places are places many people here have visited. Its a different feeling vs what you feel when you see European art of places most people havent been to. The parking is free with validatikn and the museum is free. Its small, so it doesnt take much time to finish it.

We went at night for our first time. There was not one picture without someone being in the background. Its definitely a sight to see if you are visiting UCI Institute and Museum of California Art (IMCA).

There are between 25-30 framed painting here. There is one poor man who paces this small room called a museum. Its free because if they charged then people would ask for a refund. Its the smallest thing Ive ever seen. Even their gift shop is just five different books in one bookcase near the door. I guess UCI is not the school for art and I dont know why they cannot expand the museum and make it more interesting. Today when I went the theme is old California places and missions from the 1800s. This place should be called A small room with a couple paintings.

Validated parking!! small gallery but definitely worth the visit

Great small museum close to the airport and UCI. Relaxed atmosphere for art of California. Nice selection of books with prints, too. Museum is a little difficult to find (in the Airport Tower), but is worth the look.

We really enjoyed seeing this free small museum. Loved the California Impressionist paintings.

Very small Museum but well worth a quick visit if you are in the area. Free parking in adjacent garage with validation.

Well i never got a chance to see much or any of the art work which is a shame if it. Wasnt got the rude young men at the door. I was simply lookinh at a painting and he told me to please not touch the painting well im over 30 years old im very much aware you are not soppose to dp that i told him nicely oh im sorry i wasnt touching it just looking at it his responce was well okey then can you just step back and mind your own. Honestly he needs to be train more on how to talk to people the right was and i get it the museum is free but that foesnt give him a right to treat people like that. But im sure it was because of my race because another person was way closer to another painting n he said nothing yo her. So all on all im sure the museum would have been great if it wasnt for the untrained young men at the entry

I spent a few days in Newport Beach just hanging out I was looking for some interesting things to do and came across the Irvine Museum Im not an art person but for some reason I really enjoyed this place. The employees are very friendly and answered the questions I had regarding the paintings they also have a small gift shop that has some really nice books.

Outstanding museum collection dedicated to California artists, mainly impressionists. Congratulations to the Smith-Irvine family for their commitment to California art and its history and the time, efforts and generous funding if this unique collection that will not exist without them. Renovating the paintings exposed every four months is a specially attracting feature and a refreshing touch that make me return again and again. If you add free entrance, free parking, elegant settings and a pleasant staff, it is hard to find a place like this anywhere.

My 9 year old daughter and I went here recently to see their California Impressionist exhibit. It was a great little museum in which to take younger children or husbands with short attention spans. You can see it all in half an hour! The staff was very friendly without being weird...which I am a little afraid of when I go to a museum. For you homeschoolering families like ours, do a little unit study beforehand on whatever their current exhibit is on, take your kids to the museum, walk across the street to Bistango and order their chocolate souffle and then go home and have your kids recreate with chalk or paint their favorite painting from the day. I always like to get a postcard from the gift store, if they have one, so my daughter can see the painting incase we cant remember all of the details. Oh, and if you let them know you homeschool, you get in free, parents too!

A cozy (very small) museum, can be visited within 30 minutes, good California paintings a gift from the owners of original Irvine Ranch, it feels extremely low key and provincial. The collection is rotated throughout the year. Apparently, there are plans to relocate to the UCI campus. I hope the local ruling class provides the funding to show off these awesome collection. Located at a commercial building free parking and admission.

We had a great tour docent Dena was very informative

Wonderful small museum with world class shows. This is a donation only entrance, and if you get your parking receipt validated, its free!

I spent an enjoyable hour here, the 30-40 paintings being exhibited covered the coastline of California. The exhibition changes at the end of March 2019.

We had larger expectations for this Orange County museum. When we attended in September, the show was mildly interesting but the thing that surprised us was how small this museum is. We visited on a free day and we recommend that, as the small size does not justify paying admission in our opinion.

Perfect place for a cheap date. Free admission. Free parking. Great place to see local art. ( they will get mad if you take pictures, believe me I know)

California impressionist style collection is impressive

Nice small museum. Great gift shop. The art work is terrific!

Small but very nice art museum

Nice quiet museum. It is small but that adds to the charm. The museum is free but you can donate money when you enter. They also validate parking.

Beautiful space. Paintings very nicely displayed. Comfortable viewing experience. Free validated parking.

Neat little escape.

Great collection. A must to see museum.

A little known gem

Good place to see a rollercoaster in 1930s santa Monica.

There is almost nothing here. I dont know why they couldnt at least add more information about the artists who did the painting... He place feels so sterile and small.

One of the finest California Impressionist collections.

They have amazing things here! Perfect for an outing.

A fantastic museum. Worth a visit!

Small but wonderful collection

Quiet, small, they change what they show every 4 months. Lovely little spot!

Great art work in Irvine California. Hidden gem

The staff were really warm, and paintings were beautiful. Cant expect more from a free museum visit :)

Amazing place, focuses on California impressionist artists. Small, but well worth it.

Great exhibit of works largely representing the pre-development Irvine in a quiet and reflective space

Always my favorite Museum up here in Irvine. The most gorgeous early 19th and 20th century local paintings youll ever see. Also see the Plein Aire society annual event.

Do you like impressionist art? Do you like looking at art that features the beach or other outdoor scenes set in SoCal? Yeah, this museum is for you.First, getting there:1. This museum is free. Parking is not. However, we were asked if we needed our parking pass validated, so its possible this place validates parking for the lot right next door.2. There isnt a lot of signage for this museum. Just find the little cafe with outdoor seating and then look out the door closest to the register - thats the building where the museum is located.What to expect:1. If Renoir had spent a summer in Laguna Beach, his artwork would be in this museum. There are a lot of plein air scenes of the beach, mostly in the Impressionist style, in here. There are also some other surprising pieces that are absolutely lovely.2. This museum rotates which of its pieces are on display about three times a year, with exhibits rotating every four months.3. Its a relatively small museum, but what did you expect? Its free. If you dont like it, keep your mouth shut and just enjoy the air conditioning. ;)

Beautiful oasis of historical California art. A treasure.

Nice little musem, Its a great wat to spend a relaxing afternoon

Very good gem

Great Collection

Quiet and delightful small museum.

Enjoyed the collection

Never been there

Good place for art

Nice collection.

Support local school athletes

Very interesting collection

Great place and free!!!

A slice of Orange County Art & history a short walk from John Wayne Airport

It’s free, but it’s tiny

Really small museum and only asks for donations. Its mainly a collection of paintings so it may not be for everyone.