Orange County history is exhibited year-round at the Bowers Museum. They have an incredible permanent collection that showcases the First Californians, missions and ranchos period, and California Bounty fine art exhibit which includes the en plein air movement. Visit the museum at 2002 North Main Street Santa Ana, California 92706 and call them directly at 714.567.3600 for more information. Events include festivals, lectures, and docent-led tours.
Mexican Leather Saddle, 1872Don’t miss Arthur Beaumont: Art of the Sea. This exhibit runs until February 2nd, 2020. It features a “stunning array of watercolors by artist Arthur Beaumont, capturing the grandeur of the sea and vessels that sail on it.” The show presents his work thematically and chronologically as a war correspondent during WWII.
Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt
While you’re visiting, you will want to admire the ornate, gemstone work. This exhibition is ongoing since April 22, 2017.
Purchase General Admission Tickets
For over 35 years Harold Van Pelt has quietly been perfecting the art of carving quartz, rock crystal and agate gemstones. Gemstone Carvings: Masterworks by Harold Van Pelt is a display of his mastery.
“Each work in the exhibition is a reflection of hundreds of hours of craftsmanship. Van Pelt’s working of the stone down to paper-thin walls brings out the gorgeous natural quality and colors of agate and gives quartz the transparency of glass. Transformed by one man’s vision and skill from a solid stone to an incredibly delicate work of art, the gemstone carvings of Harold Van Pelt have to be seen to be believed. The Bowers Museum is proud to welcome this collection back to Santa Ana, where it was first exhibited in 2010.”
In anticipation to upcoming exhibitions, we recommend that you become a member to receive priority to openings.
“Coming to the Bowers March 7, 2020, the exhibition Inside the Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic celebrates the magic of The Walt Disney Company on the 50th anniversary of its archives, with behind-the-scenes access never before granted to the public.”