Local museums offer new experiences in safe spaces
by Patty Marsters
pattym@lwsb.com
With Orange County now in the orange tier, museums have begun reopening to the public, though at a reduced capacity so as to follow the CDC’s recommended guidelines. All the locations mentioned below are currently open; face masks are required, and social distancing is monitored. Some hours may be limited, so check with each museum before you go.
Muckenthaler Cultural Center: Don’t miss this chance to see “The Persistence of Memory: Salvador Dali and His Influence,” which closes April 8. Reservations to the controversial, mysterious, eccentric surrealist’s works are timed and limited to no more than four people at a time. The sculpture garden is also open. For more information, visit themuck.org.
Bowers Museum: In addition to its regular collections, there are a few higher-profile exhibits available at this celebrated Santa Ana institution. Drawing much attention is “Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic,” which opened just before the shutdown in March 2020. More than 400 objects— including original artwork, costumes and props—tell the story of the Walt Disney Company and the man who opened “The Happiest Place on Earth” on a patch of land in Anaheim. Also of note is “Test of Medal: Charles J. Shaw and the Montford Point Marines,” which focuses on the first Black drill instructor to train an integrated platoon of Marines. Shaw moved to Santa Ana in 1956 and opened the Bar-B-Que Pit. Advance tickets for specific times are required for entry; purchase them at bowers.org. Hand sanitizer stations are available, but drinking fountains are closed, and there are no courtesy wheelchairs available.
Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University: Disney-lovers will find more just down the railroad tracks at this museum across the street from the Metrolink station and a Ruby’s Diner. “‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’: A Groundbreaking Animation Classic” features 30 original cels from the “satirical, eye-popping, heartfelt love letter to the art of animation,” most with photographic backgrounds showing the live actors. Also showing is “Los Angeles Area Scene Paintings,” with works by acclaimed California artists from the early 20th century to today. A video preview is available at hilbertmuseum.org. Admission is free, but visitors are limited to 12 or fewer at any time, with no more than four people in a group or “pod.”
Laguna Art Museum: While you wait for “Matthew Rolston, Art People: The Pageant Portraits” to open in June, check out “Hymns to the Silence,” Jacques Garnier’s high-contrast, black-and-white photos of architectural details found in Southern California.
Also featured is “Wayne Thiebaud: Clowns,” a collection of the 100-year-old artist’s paintings, drawings and etchings of the circus entertainers. Advance tickets for specific times can be purchased at lagunaartmuseum.org.
Long Beach Museum of Art:
In 1955, the Long Beach Museum of Art presented “California Designed,” an exhibition of 325 furnishings and accessories representative of the best typically California solution to problems in design and workmanship. “CA Designed 1955” is a tribute to that show, featuring a selection of those works. “Decade by Decade: Women Artists of California” puts the spotlight on the female artists who make up 20 percent of the museum’s permanent collection, a higher-than-average percentage nationwide. Go to lbma.org to buy advance, timed tickets.
Brea Art Gallery: Opening April 24 is “Made in California,” an annual juried exhibit showcasing artwork in a variety of mediums from throughout the state. Though advance reservations are not required, capacity is limited. Find out more at breaartgallery.com.
Lyon Air Museum: Located on the west side of John Wayne Airport, this aviation museum offers World War II-era memorabilia, vehicles and aircraft, including the Boeing B-17, a.k.a. the “Flying Fortress.” Tickets are available on location or via lyonairmuseum.org.
