The University of California, Irvine has finalized its acquisition of the Orange County Museum of Art, merging the two organizations to form the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. This move brings together their resources and collections with a focus on public access, academic research, and cultural engagement.
“UC Irvine is committed to ensuring that the region benefits from a world-class art museum that enriches the cultural fabric of Orange County, advances groundbreaking scholarship, nurtures the next generation of creators and thinkers, and inspires curiosity and connection across diverse audiences,” said Chancellor Howard Gillman.
The new name acknowledges OCMA’s history while also recognizing UC Irvine’s mission and the contributions from Jack and Shanaz Langson. The combined collection now holds more than 9,000 works spanning California’s artistic development from the 19th century to today. The merger connects faculty, students, artists, and community members in collaborative efforts.
With this acquisition complete, UC Irvine now manages OCMA’s 53,000-square-foot facility at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Since its opening in 2022, this location has become known nationally among contemporary art audiences. The museum will also display pieces from UC Irvine’s Gerald Buck Collection and Irvine Museum Collection.
UC Irvine’s Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art will continue to operate at its Von Karman Avenue site in Irvine. It remains central to university research and student training initiatives.
Both museum sites will maintain their planned programming through 2026 as they transition toward a unified identity. A transitional landing page will help direct visitors to both museums’ websites for ongoing exhibition information.
As part of this process, OCMA staff have joined UC Irvine as employees. The university is conducting a national search for an executive director to lead the newly merged institution into its next phase.
The merged collection includes notable works by artists such as John Baldessari, Joan Brown, Ruth Asawa, Richard Diebenkorn, Catherine Opie, Charles Ray, Ed Ruscha, Chris Burden, Vija Celmins, Robert Irwin, Alexis Smith, James Turrell, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Amanda Ross-Ho and Bruce Yonemoto. Recent acquisitions have added works by Judy Baca, Carlos Almaraz and others who bring diverse perspectives into California art history.
The California Biennial exhibition continues under this new structure; it has been a regular showcase for emerging voices since 1984. Acquisitions from recent biennials further expand the museum’s holdings.
Efforts are underway to broaden access across Orange County with shuttle services planned between campus locations for students and staff. Educational outreach includes student-curated exhibitions and K-12 programs reaching nearly 5,000 students annually—most from Title I schools—and internships designed for hands-on experience in arts administration.
The Costa Mesa site features exhibitions such as “2025 California Biennial: Desperate, Scared But Social” (through January 4th 2026), “Yoshitomo Nara: I Don’t Want to Grow Up” (through December 28th 2025), “Cynthia Daignault: Light Atlas” (through February 8th 2026), and “13 Women: Variation VI” (through October 19th 2025). The facility was designed by Morphosis Architects and includes public programs alongside amenities like a retail store and café. Its address is 3333 Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa; it operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Von Karman Avenue location near campus offers exhibitions including “Habitat: Making the California Environment” (through January 10th 2026) and “Meditative Mind: Reflections in Stillness” (also through January 10th). This site is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays and Mondays.
