Newport Beach Comes Alive with Arts and Cultural Events
Although Newport Beach receives national acclaim for its scenic beaches, warm weather and Southern California glamour, many visitors are discovering that the coastal community offers an impressive arts and culture scene as well.
"Along with its many other qualities, Newport Beach offers a unique blend of culture and history," said Gail Ossipoff, Communications Manager of the Newport Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau. "Although we may be considered a small beach town, the local galleries, museums, theaters and culinary establishments offer world-class exhibits, performances and classes throughout the year."
Orange County Museum of Art
Orange County's premiere showcase for the visual arts offering a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, works on paper and installations focusing on California art dating back to World War II. OCMA offers visitors a wide range of the finest visual experiences. The museum brings the entire world of art to your doorstep through an exciting and ever-changing schedule of exhibitions and educational programs. Presented throughout the year, exhibitions highlight everything from California's rich artistic history to provocative contemporary art, from idyllic Impressionist paintings to the most challenging installations. OCMA's collection documents and preserves California's heritage.
850 San Clemente Dr., Newport Beach - (949) 759-1122 or visit www.ocma.com.
Bowers Museum of Cultural Art
One of Southern California's finest museums- and Orange County's largest- the Bowers Museum is one of the only facilities in the United States devoted to promoting human understanding through art. The museum's state-of-the-art special exhibition and collection storage facilities enable the Bowers to present world-class exhibitions and preserve collections of cultural art for future generations. The collections are particularly strong in the areas of African, Oceanic, Native American, pre-Columbian, and California Plein Air paintings. Bowers is the idea destination for visitors to Southern California.
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA- (714) 567-3600 www.bowers.org
Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
Located in the "Pride of Newport," the Harbor Nautical Museum is a 190-foot paddle wheeler docked in Newport Harbor. The museum features three thematic galleries, which hold nearly a century of Newport Beach history including photographs, artifacts and memorabilia reflecting the area's recreational and industrial lore. In addition, an on-board cafe and gift store are available for visitors to enjoy. Exhibits are free to the public and donations are welcome.
151 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Newport Beach- (949) 675-8915 www.newportnautical.org
Orange County Performing Arts Center
Located in nearby Costa Mesa, the Orange County Performing Arts Center is dedicated to presenting the finest in symphony, ballet, musical theater and opera. The PAC is a magnificent entertainment complex known for its striking architecture, flawless acoustics, and attention to patron's comforts and needs. The Center has two performance venues; 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and more intimate 250-seat Founders Hall. Center programs include an internationally acclaimed classical ballet series; Broadway shows; concerts featuring the world's finest chamber ensembles, soloists and singers, jazz and cabaret artists, and special events. The Center is the home of Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Society of Orange County, Opera Pacific, and Pacific Chorale.
600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa- (714) 556-2787 or (714) 556-ARTS www.ocpac.org
Orange County's nationally acclaimed and award winning theater company is another local venue. The current season offers more world premiers and classics, dramas and comedies. The theatre offers a ten-month season - September through June - featuring 13 plays on two stages as well as a variety of outreach and educational programs. Both stages present premiers of plays by America's finest playwrights, as well as plays drawn from classic and modern theatre repertoires.
655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa- (714) 708-5800 www.scr.org
Pacific Symphony Orchestra
Under the artistic supervision of Music Director Carl St. Clair, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra reaches more than 250,000 Orange County residents each year with a wide array of musical programs and outreach activities. Now the third largest orchestra in California, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra (which records on the Sony Classic label) performs classic, pops and family concerts at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and summer outdoor concerts at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.
(714) 708-5555 www.scr.org
Newport Theatre Arts Center
Referred to as the "Theatre on the Cliff" by locals, features classic plays and Community Theater at its very finest, showcasing the exceptional talents of both novice and seasoned actors.
2501 Cliff Dr., Newport Beach-(949) 631-0288
Sherman Library and Gardens
Winter, spring, summer or fall are all perfect times to visit
this horticultural display garden and historical research library in Corona del Mar. The Library provides one of Orange County's most impressive cultural and educational research centers devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest. The Gardens feature an early California architectural theme accented by water fountains, a koi pond, sculptures and more than 2,000 plant species ranging from rare desert cacti to exotic tropical plants. There is a special emphasis on annual and perennial flowering plants. The Discovery Garden, designed for those with impaired vision, appeals to the sense of touch and is wheelchair accessible.
2647 East Pacific Coast Highway, Corona del Mar- (949) 673-2261
Simon Fine Art Gallery & Studio
Houses the collection of Steve Simon's colorful oil paintings of the California landscape and lifestyle at the artist's Balboa Island Studio. To serve both the seasoned art collector and the souvenir shopper, both original oils and a variety of reproductions are available. The gallery is also available for special events.
216 Marine Ave., Balboa Island- (949) 723-1100 www.stevesimon.com.
Newport Sports Collection Foundation
A nonprofit 501c (3) sports memorabilia and educational center, which owns and operates a 6,000-square-foot sports museum in the heart of Newport Center. The 15-room facility houses more than 10,000 jerseys, helmets, balls, bats, cleats and stadium seats-all of them game-used or game-worn by some of the most famous and talented athletes of the last two centuries. The Foundation also offers several educational programs for young people, in which famous athletes help motivate young people to stay in school and participate in athletics.
100 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach- (949) 721-9333 www.newportsportsmuseum.org
Located in scenic Laguna Beach, the Sawdust Festival comprises three events during the year. In April, Art Walk studio tours provide glimpses in to the working lives of some of the most respected artists in Laguna Beach.
In July and August, Sawdust Summer Festival showcases the work of 190 artists and craft persons and presents art demonstrations and workshops for all ages, continuous entertainment, and food. And in November and December, Winter Fantasy, a unique holiday arts and crafts festival, features a real snowfield and Santa Claus.
935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach-(949) 494-3030 www.sawdustartfestival.com
Marconi Automotive Museum
This 18,000-square-foot facility houses an impressive array of exotic and classic automobiles and racecars. Owned and operated by the Marconi Foundation for Kids, and housing over 70 vehicles, the Museum offers an eclectic selection that will thrill any automobile aficionado.
1302 Industrial Dr., Tustin- (714) 258-3001 www.marconimuseum.org
