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Best Museums For Dates In OC

laguna art museum header
(credit: Laguna Art Museum)

If you are planning a date in Orange County centered around art and culture, look no further. These museums celebrate art in every sense of the word.

lagunaart.jpg
(credit: Laguna Art Museum)

Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8971
www.lagunaartmuseum.org

The Laguna Art Museum celebrates an array of art work by California artists. In addition to displaying over 3,500 pieces of art, the museum also showcases traveling exhibits. Currently, the work of 93-year-old acclaimed painter Wayne Thiebaud is being presented in an installation called "American Memories" in which Thiebaud shows some of the art he created during his lifetime. The autobiographical series takes an introspective look into the California native's professional and personal life. Additionally, the current installation "Frank Cuprien: Pacific Views 1914-1938" features Cuprien's stunning paintings created at his home overlooking Laguna Beach. For a full list of exhibits, go to the website.

HeritageMuseumOfOC
(credit: Heritage Museum Of Orange County)

Heritage Museum of Orange County
3101 W. Harvard St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 540-0404
www.heritagemuseumoc.org

Composed of historical architecture, a picturesque garden, OC artifact exhibits and blacksmithing, the Heritage Museum of Orange County has a little something for everyone. You can soak up the sun perusing the manicured landscapes and tour the Victorian-style Kellogg House modeled by Hiram Clay Kellogg and the colonial-style Maag House that was home to the successful farmer, John Anton Maag. There's also an opportunity to watch blacksmiths in action and learn the importance of this skilled trade.

Muckenthaler Cultural Center
Muckenthaler Cultural Center (credit: City of Fullerton)

Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W. Malvern Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92833
(714) 738-6595
www.themuck.org

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center pays tribute to diverse performance and fine art. If you and your date want to enjoy an outing consisting of poetry, jazz, ballet, motor cars or even historical postcards, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center should be on your social calendar. The center also offers art classes for children, adults and seniors. Take a look at the full class schedule on the website. Whether on a first date or with your partner from a long-lasting relationship, you are sure to find an activity of interest.

Related: Best Date Ideas For Art Lovers In OC

Bowers Museum
(credit: bowers.org)

Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 567-3600
www.bowers.org

For those more interested in exploring international art, Bowers Museum is where it is at. Not only does the esteemed museum have current exhibits from China, Egypt, the Pacific Islands and California, but the center for art also hosts lectures, film screenings and workshops. You and your date may want to partake in one of the various cultural, artistic and educational activities before or after admiring the remarkable works of art. For a full list of events, check out the Bowers museum calendar. The Bowers Museum suggests that you seek volunteer opportunities with any one of its associate organizations listed on the website.

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art
(credit: occca.org)

Orange County Center for Contemporary Art
117 N. Sycamore St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 667-1517
www.occca.org

Located in the Santa Ana Artists Village, the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art is nestled in an area inspired by creativity and culture. The current installation is titled "Body Language" and illustrates the human body transformed into unusual figures and in juxtaposition with the environment. The upcoming exhibit "Happy Medium" will be showcased June 7-28 and explores the human condition in modern times. The questions, "Can a 'happy medium' be attained in life?" and "Will the endless pursuit of 'more' remain the status quo?" will be highlighted. If the date is going well, you can continue on with the evening at the entertainment, food and drink attractions in the area. Check out some of the nearby places here.

Related: Best Free Art Activities In Orange County

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Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, dancer, marketer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, volunteering, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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