News Summary
The University of California, Irvine has acquired the Orange County Museum of Art, renaming it the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. This acquisition aims to enhance public access to art and foster cultural engagement in the region. The museum has over 9,000 works of art and is located in a prime property valued at $98 million. Leadership changes are underway, and the museum plans to continue offering free admission for the next decade, despite recent challenges. The merger is expected to stabilize the museum’s future and elevate its reputation.
Orange County, California – The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) has officially acquired the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), now renamed the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. The acquisition, finalized on September 29, 2023, signifies a transformative phase for both the university and the art institution.
UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman emphasized the university’s commitment to establishing a premier art museum that will enrich the cultural atmosphere of Orange County. This merger is expected to enhance public access to art and foster increased scholarship and cultural engagement in the region.
Plans for the merger began in June 2023 with a nonbinding letter of intent. The final agreement was approved by the University of California Board of Regents in the fall, paving the way for this new direction in cooperation between the university and the museum.
Details of the Acquisition
The OCMA houses a collection of more than 9,000 works of art, featuring notable pieces from artists associated with UC Irvine, including Chris Burden and John Baldessari. The university also takes over the OCMA’s facility, a 53,000-square-foot property located at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, valued at $98 million.
Since its opening in 2022, the museum has attracted attention as a national destination for contemporary art. The acquisition aims to diversify the museum’s collections and exhibitions, incorporating works from a variety of modern and contemporary artists, such as Judy Baca and Carlos Almaraz.
Impact on Leadership and Operations
With the merger, major leadership changes are taking place at the OCMA. The museum’s staff will now be employed by UC Irvine, and the previous board of directors has been dissolved. The former CEO, Heidi Zuckerman, has stepped down ahead of her intended resignation date, and a search is underway for a new director for the merged institution. A decision is anticipated by early next year.
Commitment to Accessibility
Despite recent challenges, including leadership turnover and a financial scandal involving a significant donor, the OCMA will continue its commitment to provide free admission for the next ten years. This promise was initially made possible through a donation from Mordechai “Moti” Ferder, despite the donor facing legal issues.
Future Developments and Timeline
While the programming for the merged institution will remain separate until 2026, exhibitions will extend through 2027. Following the expiration of its current lease, the Langson IMCA is expected to relocate to OCMA’s facility in Costa Mesa in the future, further establishing a strengthened art presence in the area.
Background Context
The acquisition emerges against a backdrop of difficulties faced by the OCMA, which has experienced leadership instability, financial concerns, and recent board turnover. These issues contributed to what has been described as an “atmosphere of unrest.” The merger with UC Irvine is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the institution’s future and enhance its role within the local community. This new era aims to revitalize the museum’s reputation and deliver a world-class art experience to visitors.
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Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF 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.
