October 24, 2025

UCI Merges with Orange County Museum of Art

News Summary

The University of California, Irvine has merged with the Orange County Museum of Art, creating the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. This merger will enhance community access to the arts and integrate around 9,000 artworks from both institutions. UCI commits to free admission for the next decade while seeking new leadership for the museum. This strategic move aims to enrich art and education in the region amid recent leadership challenges faced by OCMA.

Orange County, California

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) has officially acquired the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) in a merger that will integrate both institutions into a single entity known as the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. This significant development allows UCI to oversee the museum’s 53,000-square-foot facility, which was built at a cost of $98 million and opened its doors in 2022.

The merger combines approximately 9,000 works of art, featuring around 4,500 pieces from each institution. Following the merger, OCMA’s board of directors has been dissolved, and all staff members of the museum are now employees of UCI. This move comes amid OCMA’s recent leadership changes and financial difficulties, pointing to a critical shift in management and direction for the museum.

As part of the integration agreement, UCI has committed to maintaining free admission to the museum for the next ten years, a step that aims to enhance accessibility to the arts for the community. Both institutions’ programming will remain active through 2026, ensuring continuity in the cultural offerings available to the public.

In light of the merger, UCI is conducting a national search for a new executive director who will lead the newly formed museum. Richard Aste, the interim director of the Langson Institute and Museum of California Art, has been appointed to oversee operations temporarily as the search for permanent leadership progresses.

History and Background of OCMA

The OCMA has deep roots in the region, originally established in 1962 by a group of 13 women in Newport Beach. It began as the Balboa Pavilion Gallery and was later renamed the Newport Harbor Art Museum before adopting its current name in 1996. The museum has played a vital role in the cultural landscape of Orange County, showcasing significant works and exhibitions over the decades.

Prior to the merger, OCMA was facing ongoing challenges, including leadership changes that led to the resignation of its previous CEO, Heidi Zuckerman, effective at the end of the year. These issues may have prompted the decision to merge with UCI’s Langson IMCA, which was founded in 2017 and had been operating at a temporary site while planning a new building.

The Goals of the Merger

The primary objective of the merger is to enhance the accessibility of art to the community while supporting academic integration and research consistent with UCI’s mission. Chancellor Howard Gillman highlighted the university’s commitment to strengthening the cultural fabric of Orange County through this new merged institution, which will serve as a vital resource for both art enthusiasts and scholars alike.

With its new identity as the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art, the combined institution is poised to not only preserve the rich history of both museums but also expand its reach through innovative programming and community engagement initiatives. This transformation represents a new chapter for both UCI and the Orange County Museum of Art, aiming to foster an environment where art and education flourish side by side.

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Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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