The Hilbert Museum at Chapman University in Orange, California, is a little-known gem housing over 5,000 works of California art, including oils, watercolors, illustrations, and movie production art. Opened in 2016 and expanded to 22,000 square feet in 2024, the museum features rotating collections from the Hilbert collection, with current exhibitions spotlighting Disney-Pixar animator Jørgen Klubien, alongside works by Norman Rockwell, Millard Sheets, Mary Blair, and others. Admission is free.
This article matters because it highlights an accessible, free alternative for art lovers eager for the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, set to open in 2026. The Hilbert Museum offers a deep dive into California’s visual and cinematic history, showcasing one of the largest private collections of Disney art and bridging fine art with animation, making it a significant cultural resource in Southern California.