Jack & Shanaz Langson Institute & Museum of California Art (Langson IMCA)

I’ve been twice now and it’s so cute inside! I really like the current exhibition bc it’s all California costal paintings and they’re gorgeous. I appreciate how they have title cards with some explanations or background for the pieces. The front has a room to do different rotational crafts. The staff is really friendly and eager to answer any questions. There’s free postcards of some of the painting there to take + they validate parking! You could spend anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on how long you want to take. It’s not super big, but helps to not be super overwhelming either.

A little jewel of a gallery dedicated to California artists. Stopped in to see the Charlotte Skinner exibit of her painings and drawings of the Eastern Sierra and Owens Valley that encompassed over 30 years of her career, along with selected works from other artists in her circle of friends, including Maynard Dixon. Friendly staff, no fee for admission or charge for parking. Looking forward to future exhibits!

This small museum consistently presents interesting examples of California art. The current exhibit features more intimate works including portraits and scenes of family life in the last party of the 19th Century and the early to mid 20 th Century. Please note: admission and parking are always free.

Very cool collection of California specific art. The Irvine family collection is very unique because it showcases just California art. It's pretty cool because most of the places are places many people here have visited. It's a different feeling vs what you feel when you see European art of places most people haven't been to. The parking is free with validatikn and the museum is free. It's small, so it doesn't take much time to finish it.

This delightful unpretensious gem pays homage to California artists with an emphasis on landscapes. Free admission & parking, friendly UCI students for docents as well as an open courtyard to enjoy a cup of coffee make for a memorable visit.

went there saturday afternoon. staffs are welcoming! nice free museum! their permanant collections are on display on rotation. so each time you see a small portion of the collection. the quality is nice

Quaint gallery with nice California art.

Validated parking and free admission. It's about a 30 minute tour of the museum but packed with the history of the OC and paintings of nature in southern CA. There was definitely something to take away from this experience and I'd gladly go back.

This is a small yet charming art gallery situated on the first floor of a tall business building. Parking is at an adjacent structure and is validated. The museum itself is free! The art on display changes every 4 months or so, coinciding with the change in quarters at UC Irvine. This museum is associated with the University and is awaiting a future home on campus. We visited while a display of art themed to homelife in California prior to 1940 was exhibited. We got through our viewing within 30 minutes. One small room with 4 paintings had a warning that the art on display were of nudes which I found to be tasteful and not really in need of the caution. My sole complaint, which another reviewer voiced, was the small font of the placards posted next to the paintings, which made for strained reading even for folks not needing glasses. In addition to the main gallery there is a reading room and also an education room which features craft-making for adults and kids related to whatever exhibit is currently on display. The small staff on duty were helpful and enthusiastically answered the handful of questions I had. As mentioned, it's tiny and you won't spend a ton of time here but it's cool. And you can always visit the coffee cafe located just outside after your visit.

Parking: 10/10. Parking structure with 2 hours validated parking. Clean and accessible. Museum: 10/10. Despite the small museum space, the curated themes are intentional and cohesive throughout the exhibit. I was informed that the kid's arts and crafts room also compliments the theme of this current exhibit, which is Common Ground. Furthermore, they offer recommended readings for children and adults based on their art, ideas, and themes. In this exhibit, it featured a variety of Californian artists. Ambiance: 100/10. Today was the first day of their new exhibition and the entire staff so supportive, welcoming, and informative. They were so happy when I shared my excitement and appreciation for the existence of this museum. I asked if I could take a handful of complimentary postcards for my friends and they encouraged me to take as many as I want without judgment. Outside the museum, there is an outdoor play area for children ranging from mini golf, corn hole, and open space for children to frolic around. Plus, a coffee shop nearby? Say less. Overall, I believe families with younger children would benefit from this museum the most. I think people take for granted about the amount of details and planning it takes to curate these exhibits while offering them for free. This hidden gem is truly community oriented.

Never knew Uci had a museum. It's not on campus, but it's pretty and clean and new. And free to enter. They give you free postcards and stickers inside. There's also a craft table. There are lots of works of art in here. It's worth checking out! Parking is in a structure next to it.

This was so fun! Very cute little museum with a great gallery featuring the sierra nevadas when I was there. The staff was super friendly and very nice to my kids. They have very cute little kids room that has a free craft daily for them to do! The room also has a lot of books about colors so we did our stained glass window craft then sat and read a few books and just really enjoyed ourselves. I had no clue there was an art museum so close to us and I'm so glad I found it and that it's so kid friendly as a bonus! Thank you for a wonderful time!

I visited here with my mother and wife today to see The Bruton Sisters: Modernism in the Making. What a stunning exhibition. I never knew about these terrific artists before this exhibition. And to see their art in such a beautiful space is an added plus. This is the first time I've visited this small, beautifully curated museum on the UCI campus. It was such a nice experience that I'll make it a regular habit. Apparently, they change exhibitions every 3 months or so. Parking is very easy and next door to the museum. There's a wonderful cafe just steps away from the museum. it's a great place to spend a couple of hours.

The museum space has undergone a face lift and is now part of the UCI IMCA, Institute and Museum of California Art. The opening of the Camino Del Oro exhibit and the newly remodeled space were amazing. They had appetizers and wine on the patio outside. It was lovely and the wait staff was so fun! I have no idea who catered the event but they were top notch! Fun and interactive staff is essential. I brought my non-art family with me and they all had a fabulous time. The California Impressionists are my absolute favorite genre and group of artists. We are so blessed to have the Irvine family support the arts and keep this art here in California and accessible to everyone. Now with UCI supporting California art as well, I feel like we have open road ahead. I'm so excited to see what happens next. Please support the arts and please go see the exhibits here. The space has come a long way. The artwork speaks for itself. So beautiful and awe-inspiring.

This was amazing! I feel like I really found the diamond in the rough with this place. It is very family friendly and an fun experience for all ages. There are many fun paintings pointing out Californian history. What a fabulous way for both kids and grownups (especially immigrants) to learn about where they live! My daughter has really enjoyed looking at all the breathtaking paintings. After you check out all the works of art, you get the option to do an activity, that changes every couple months, in a separate room. Plus, it's all free! Totally recommend checking out.

Cool little art museum, nothing much to it. They do have a huge book full of more artwork which was cool to look at and get a little more info on pieces they had in the museum :)

A nice gallery to occupy at least 20 minutes of your time. My main complaint is about the curation of the collection and the unwise decision to make the didactic labels so small and difficult to read. There is an abundance of wall space in between the works and it would not harm nor hinder the aesthetic to increase the font size. I've been to countless museums and galleries but never have I encountered such ridiculously small labels.

Nicely curated small museum. There is a nice cafe outside with bocceball and mini golf. Museum validates the parking. Had a lovely afternoon here with my daughter.

The art here really shines. We try to make a point of visiting this museum when we are in town and have seen three exhibits over the years. The current show focusing on the ocean offers a diverse selection of California artists from different eras. I liked the past California scene painting exhibit so much I purchased the accompanying book. There is a very nice selection of art books available in the store. The museum is small so you can make your visit brief or take your time and soak it in. Parking in the garage is validated by museum staff and museum entry is free. Helpful staff.

Came here on a Saturday and it was very quiet and not too busy. They had beautiful paintings and a friendly staff. Lots of California coastline. Smaller than I thought it would be. Parking is validated and you park in the large parking structure. They rotate their display every 4 months.

this is a relatively small museum and does not have the biggest names in art - you won't find Van Goghs, Picassos, or Pollocks. They specialize in California impressionist style paintings- easy on the eyes, relaxing, pretty, uncontroversial, unintellectual, stuff. Admission is free. I wouldn't drive across cities to see this kind of work, but if you're in town, why not? They don't allow pictures, so make sure you are discreet with your camera. And yes, I know i'm breaking the rules by posting all these. I"m such an art rebel! The Irvine Museum: When You Don't Have a Lot to Do Anyway

Museum is really nice but extremely small (only one room) so you can see all the pieces in under a half hour easily. Exhibits change every few months. They do validate parking!

Very impressive and enjoyable. I've visited 3 times in last 1 year to admire the rotating works. I'm a big fan of western landscapes, Spanish missions and scenes of early life in California. Disappointed that the gift shop was removed.

If you were to pass by the The Irvine Museum and never give it a thought, no one would blame you. It's located in what appears to be a completely anonymous office building just off of the freeway. However, if you did pass by and didn't get the chance to take a look, you'd be missing SO much! The Irvine Museum contains an amazing collection of California Impressionist art and, if anything, the incredibly plain surroundings (your standard office suite devoid of dreaded cubicles) only serve to allow the art itself to take center stage. My first exposure to the museum came though the serendipitous discovery of an exhibition catalog at a thrift store. The images were transcendent! From that moment on, I knew that I HAD to visit and, two years ago this week, I did! It as a gray Saturday morning and finding space in the virtually empty parking structure was easy. In fact, I had the faint and dreadful feeling of going in to the office on a weekend! The office park looked much like any other, and the entrance to the building housing the museum brought to mind an insurance company, not fine art. The museum itself, on the first floor, was open and welcoming. There were few partitions and it had a casual and easy air. There was no admission, no formalities, one just walked in and started browsing. If you love California's landscape, light and color, there will be no more satisfying experience than to study these paintings. Some are very, very large, while others are quite diminutive. Each is carefully hung to make sure that you can fully appreciate it without distractions. The Irvine Museum also has a large number of really beautifully published books for sale. Some are related to exhibitions while others deal with specific artists. They are housed in a conference room on one side of the office and, again, give one the very definite feeling of being in a standard corporate environment. Perhaps an upside of this particular setting is that it's one that most people are familiar with and feel at least somewhat comfortable in. Rather than stating loudly that one is IN A MUSEUM, it brings really wonderful art into a pretty mundane and unprepossessing environment. I can't recommend The Irvine Museum enough. It was one of the best museum experiences I've had and I can't wait to return again and again!

With a focus on California art, the exhibit we saw was naturally about the California coast and the oil paintings were from some of the best local Impressionist artists. Small with about 50 works in one gallery, the visit took 15 minutes. Located in the Airport Tower lobby, the museum validates parking in the adjacent parking structure.

My partner and I went today and thought this was a great small museum. Its very refreshing to see a museum dedicated to regional art since some of the artists are just as good (or sometimes better) than the bigger names that are usually overexposed. Admission and parking are free, the show on California watercolors was excellent. The staff was very warm, friendly and welcoming. I wish we had a museum like this in Seattle. Incidentally, i dont like the comments by the other yelpers mentioning that senior citizens like this museum. What does a person's age have to do with anything? Maybe those of you who make comments like that should go up and talk to some of the seniors, perhaps you can learn something from them.

Irvine is a small town in many ways. It is not like Paris which has the world's best museum. John Paul Getty would not have created his mueum here. I commend Joan Irvine for funding this wonderful museum along with the many good things she has done for our community. If you are interested in impressionist painting or in the history of California art this is a really interesting place to be. If you are interested in neither, then you should perhaps go elsewhere. The artists that painted the works here helped contribute the Orange County we live in and I think they are well worth of consideration. They also have a great bookstore and the staff is kind and friendly. Staffing is in a local parking complex, you can get your parking validated as part of the price of admission. Contrary to some reviewers, the cost is $5 with free entry for seniors, students, and children and for all on the second Wednesday of each month. This is a great place to take a girlfriend or boyfriend for a casual date followed with some interesting conversation.

Full of beautiful Plein aire pieces from 1912 on - some of Californias great impressionists ! I was impressed

Sometimes I like to admire the beauty of art (whenever I'm not admiring beautiful women lol). I really enjoy the Irvine Museum. Its so close to my work, I can go for lunch and enjoy my hour. Students, senior citizens and kids are free I'm told, but that didn't concern me since I wasn't any of them :( You really shouldn't expect Van Gough type stuff but some of the pieces were really pleasurable on the eyes. I didn't know they validated parking though, but it didn't matter since I walked here (yeah I need lots and lots of exercise).

Hmm, this is a hard one for me to review because I: 1) respect that this museum has the best collection of California Impressionism art from the late 19th-early 20th century. 2) care little for this genre of art. That said, it's a small museum on the first floor of a tall office building. Park in the garage and bring your ticket in so it can be validated. Museum admission is free, too. I've been here three times and each time 95% of the other visitors were senior citizens.

Free! small but free some days plus they validate

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 it's possible this place validates parking for the lot right next door. 2. There isn't 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 - that's 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. It's a relatively small museum, but what did you expect? It's free. If you don't like it, keep your mouth shut and just enjoy the air conditioning. ;)

Small and charming. This has been a gem of art for a long time. Many fine paintings, and for kids of a certain age- very functional because you can 'learn' about a artistic style(genre) in about a one room space. Think they are moving tho' so go now!

Love this petite museum! Perfect for kids of young age. It took us about 20 minutes to look through all the arts displayed there. It's free to go in but they would appreciate if you donate some money. Make sure to bring your parking ticket for the museum to validate. There's a small bookstore in the museum seeking books and some small stationery.

this is mom's favorite museum. my parents came to visit just to come to the current franz. a. bischoff exhibit!! she always wants to come here since there are many california impressionist exhibits. although the museum is small...only one floor, they have quality exhibits. the whole floor was franz a. bischoff!! mom was amazed looking at each painting over and over. sometimes when you view the same painting, you might not have noticed a couple things so you have to look at it again. franz a. bischoff is definitely her painting idol. he's an austria painter who also painted on porcelain since he was 12 yrs old. for part of his later life, he lived in south pasadena. almost moved to norcal but then a huge earthquake hit so that's what kept him living in socal although he has many paintings of monterey...point lobos, etc. the bookstore has all her faves too. guy rose, edgar payne, etc.. course, she has most of the books. there was a new franz a. bischoff book this time that of course we bought. the ladies who work there are quite pleasant and knowledgeable about the art. children, students, and seniors (60+) are free. otherwise admission is $5. don't forget to have your parking validated (good all day). the bischoff exhibit is a compilation of private owner's paintings and other stores (some in laguna beach) holdings. it's there for another 1.5 weeks. it's about a mile from john wayne airport. ENJOY!!! =D

After seeing reviews at three stars for the Irvine Museum, I thought I should give it my 4 stars. Cannot give 5 because it's a very small museum and mono-thematic. But do not underestimate it based on size, you'll not be disappointed, this is a true little gem. When I discovered it, admission was still free and now at $5.00. The place is in no special location, among business buildings. As you enter notice how you go from "busy business, do everything fast, go go" to sudden slow down. You're invited to a peaceful place of the mind traveling among colorful images of breathtaking land of California and lovely representations of small scenes of everyday life in CA all with historical insight. The paintings are always exceptionally well selected, thoughtfully presented and well displayed. The staff is friendly and parking is free (ask to validate your ticket as you step in).

A recent visit to the Getty center reignited my interest for impressionist art. The museum is very small but that's it be expected. The staff was really friendly plus they validate! I thought it was well worth the $5 for some quick art fix without having to drive too far. The museum is located on the ground floor of an office tower without any big signs outside.

My wife and I went on a free Wednesday. It was a great way to spend one's lunch hour. Very relaxing. Cappucino Coffee and Tea place in the court serves sandwiches. Overall it was a fun time. Please understand our last residence was down the street from the Chicago Art Institute (2nd largest Art gallery in the world). I think the effort this family is making provide a peaceful place for people to go to enjoy each other and some nice pieces of art. My recommendation is to go on a free Wednesday (2nd Wednesday of the month).

High points: Admission free, quiet, respectable local exhibit, rotates 3 times annually, free parking (with validation), near food and cafe, polite. Low points: small, takes about 20minutes if you spend any time on one painting, only rotates out 3 times a year.

Love this little hidden gem. Right now, they have a great exhibition of women painters called "Inner Visions." It's a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

This museum is wonderful. The ladies working at the front are so nice. They helped me out right away with everything I needed as a student for my art class. The paintings are beautiful too. I'm a sucker for landscape scenery. Highly recommended.

Absolutely spectacular! This is a little gem in Irvine. Experienced the California exhibition and was floored with the collection. A must see!

Very nice staff and an exclent collection. I came here to do a report on a work of art and I had a hard time picking because there were so many that had my attention

Haven't been to the Irvine Museum in over 15 years....let me say this is the style of art & painting that most of us truly enjoy viewing. When I attended the museum at that time they had "Early Plein Aire California Impressionists" on exhibit..absolutely incredible paintings that you wish you could hang in your home! These are the paintings and other works of art of artists that painted on site in the open air...circa late 19th to early 20th century...Not art that needs interpretation and a psychologist to help you understand and recover from! I am excited to have another visit scheduled and understand they now have some contemporary impressionists on exhibit as well...should make for a very interesting day! Go visit this wonderful intimate museum...you'll be glad you did! I can't wait to return to this incredible art collection of the Irvine family.

Nice little museum. I like to go here on my lunch hour a few times a year. The collection takes about 20 minutes to go through and they rotate it every 3 to 4 months.

Located in a nondescript business district, I never would have known there was a museum (which is more like a gallery if anything) here had I not looked it up online. It's free to visit and park which is really nice, just ask the person at the front desk to validate your ticket and you're good to go. They have a nice collection of Impressionist paintings showing off California landscapes so you're able to see the individual brushstrokes that add to the bigger picture, similar to artists like Monet. Unfortunately you can't take photos in here, not sure why, copyright perhaps. Don't expect to see something like the Getty or the Louvre, it's pretty bare-bones compared to those places and has just a handful of paintings, about 25 or so tops. I think I spent about 20 minutes or so here, which is about right. If you're in the area, it's not a bad place to drop by and spend a little of your time.

Art rotates every 4 months. Very small, roughly 25 paintings in total. Free admission and free parking (with verification of attendance).

I visit here quite often actually. A great place to open your mind.

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 can't remember all of the details. Oh, and if you let them know you homeschool, you get in free, parents too!