The University of California, Irvine has finalized its acquisition of the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA), merging the two organizations into a single institution now known as the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. This move aims to strengthen public access to art, promote scholarship, and foster cultural engagement in Orange County.
“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 for the unified museum honors OCMA’s history while also reflecting UC Irvine’s academic mission. It also recognizes support from Jack and Shanaz Langson. The merger brings together over 9,000 artworks and creates opportunities for collaboration among faculty, students, artists, and community members.
Following completion of the transaction, UC Irvine now manages OCMA’s 53,000-square-foot facility located at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Opened in 2022, this site has become a national destination for contemporary art exhibitions. The venue will also display works from UC Irvine’s Gerald Buck Collection and Irvine Museum Collection.
The university confirmed that the Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art will continue operating on campus at its Von Karman Avenue location in Irvine. This institute will remain focused on research activities, student training, and integration with academic programs.
Both sites will keep their scheduled programming through 2026 while transitioning to a unified identity. Visitors can access information about exhibitions via a transitional landing page linking both institutions’ websites.
As part of this transition process, OCMA staff have joined UC Irvine as employees. The university is conducting a national search for an executive director who will lead the new museum.
The merged collection is described as one of California’s most comprehensive art collections. It features historic works tracing California’s natural environment and artistic development since the 19th century alongside landmark contemporary pieces by well-known artists such as John Baldessari, Joan Brown, Ruth Asawa, Richard Diebenkorn, Catherine Opie, Charles Ray and Ed Ruscha.
Since 1984, OCMA has hosted the California Biennial exhibition series—an event introducing new voices in contemporary art—and acquisitions from its upcoming edition are expected to further enhance this legacy. Works by artists connected to UC Irvine—including Chris Burden and James Turrell—strengthen ties between campus creativity and museum programming.
Recent acquisitions have expanded representation within the collection with works by Judy Baca, Carlos Almaraz, Sophie Calle among others contributing to greater diversity in perspectives presented at the museum.
UC Irvine officials state that these combined resources position the institution as a major center for preserving California’s art history while connecting it with present-day practice. They expect expanded outreach efforts—including shuttle service between campuses—will improve access for students and community members alike.
Current programming includes student-curated exhibitions; internships; K-12 partnerships reaching thousands of local students (most from Title I schools); as well as robust online engagement through newsletters and social media platforms.
The Costa Mesa site offers exhibitions such as “2025 California Biennial: Desperate, Scared, But Social” (through January 4th 2026) along with other rotating shows featuring international artists. Meanwhile in Irvine current exhibits include “Habitat: Making the California Environment” (through January 10th 2026).
