Anaheim & OC for the Art Aficionado: Upscale Art Galleries and Cultural Experiences
Souvenirs come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, all you need is a refrigerator magnet, a sticker, or maybe a pair of sunglasses to bring back fond memories of a good vacation. Other visitors to the area, especially luxury travelers, might want something a bit more substantial.
A new piece of art is a great way to memorialize a visit. A sculpture or a framed piece of art from a gallery might fit the bill, or you might want to remember a trip to one of our art museums with a high-quality print or reproduction. These might not be branded with Anaheim/Orange County information on it, but every time you look at it, you’ll think of where you got it - and that’s just as good as any souvenir.
But where are some good places to check out if this is the kind of memory you want to make - and then take home - after a visit? Here’s a few places we’d recommend stopping by with a discerning ear or eye:
The Disney Gallery & Disneyana
It wouldn’t be a trip to Anaheim without something Disney-related, right? Located at Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A., the Disney Gallery features art from contemporary artists alongside rarely-seen Disney documents like concept renderings, production models and other memorabilia throughout the decades. After seeing what’s on display, guests can visit Disneyana, where you can pick up original, limited-edition artwork, have a hand-cut silhouette made of you and your family, or even meet an actual Imagineer and get a signed piece of their work.
Bowers Museum
Boasting over 100,000 pieces in its permanent collection, the Bowers Museum is one of the premier destinations for art lovers in the area. Those interested in Native American and pre-Columnbian art will find plenty to enjoy, and the museum offers collections of art from far-flung places like the islands of the Pacific and artisans closer to home from the California missions. The Bowers Gallery Store lets you bring home small remembrances of your visit in the form of books, jewelry, unique glass-sculpted ornaments and homeware.
S. Preston Art + Designs
Even the athletics aficionado in your life can take home an artistic expression from an Anaheim journey. Sports lover and artist S. Preston combined his two loves into his series of works: Minimalist art-deco inspired version of MLB stadiums (officially licensed by the MLB) as well as similar takes on mascots, sports trophies and more. His gallery, located at the Anaheim GardenWalk, features original works and prints perfect for upgrading your media center or man cave.
MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center
Built around Anaheim’s original Carnegie Library, the 25,000-foot MUZEO Museum and Cultural Center hosts art exhibitions and juried competitions, art classes, poetry readings and family and children’s events. It’s also home to the Anaheim Historical Society if you want to take home some local knowledge from decades back, as well as a collection of model trains that kids and adults will love. The ever-rotating exhibitions makes this an artistic destination you can visit again and again, while the location along the Center Street Promenade makes it a great stop for a quick dose of culture during a shopping stroll.
Art Walks Around the OC
For a more interactive art experience, different areas often host regular Art Walks - evenings where galleries throw open their doors, host artist receptions, offer live music and even live performances and demonstrations. Art lovers can start in Laguna Beach, which hosts an Art Walk on the first Thursday of every month, with free trolley service between the dozens of participating galleries.
From there, you can head to Fullerton for their First Friday art celebration, with a rotating array of galleries and museums (some with free admission) and vendors offering up handmade jewelry, prints, gifts, art prints and even henna treatments. Santa Ana’s ArtWalk takes place on the first Saturday of the month and is led by the Frida Cinema. Throughout downtown, over twenty art studios and galleries combine to host live music, outdoor vendors, dancing and more. (You can even take home a very permanent artistic souvenir: a tattoo.)
Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art
For something a little bit more modern, the LGoCA hosts works from over a dozen area and international artists working in everything from painting to sculpture to glass and metalwork. Whether you’re stopping by to simply enjoy a look around or if you’ve got an eye to take something home with you, you’ll find plenty of works on display. Occasional artists workshops are also offered if you want to learn to craft your own avant-garde expressions.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Sign up and discover the best in luxury experiences and top things to do when in Anaheim and OC!
As to the properties of ©Disney
Essential Eats Near the Anaheim Convention Center
It’s hard to get much done if you’re hungry, so grabbing a snack or a meal near the Anaheim Convention Center is key. Here are our top dining picks for refueling throughout the day,...