Potential Merger: UC Irvine and Orange County Museum of Art Collaborate

IRVINE, California — The University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) and the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) have signed a nonbinding letter of intent signaling a potential merger.

This agreement, pending approval from the University of California Board of Regents in the fall, proposes that OCMA would come under UC Irvine’s umbrella, effectively merging with the university’s Langson Institute and Museum of California Art.

The announcement follows a series of changes at OCMA, including the planned launch of its 2025 California Biennial, titled “Desperate, Scared, But Social,” which is set to open this Saturday.

“This represents a thoughtful next step in OCMA’s evolution,” said OCMA board chair David Emmes. “Partnering with UC Irvine would offer new opportunities to strengthen our mission, expand educational impact, and position the museum as a lasting cultural anchor for the region.”

The $93-million OCMA building, designed by Morphosis, opened in October 2022 and is regarded as a landmark at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Critics have noted architectural flaws but praised its contemporary collection, which is broader than UC Irvine’s existing focus on California art.

If the merger proceeds, UC Irvine would halt plans for its new museum and integrate the effort with OCMA. The university is currently searching for a director for its museum, and the parameters may change if the merger is approved.

The merger would also mean the integration of the Buck Collection, more than 3,200 valuable artworks bequeathed to UC Irvine by real estate developer Gerald Buck. Key pieces from notable artists like Joan Brown and Richard Diebenkorn could enhance OCMA’s collection.

“OCMA has long contributed to the cultural vibrancy of our region, and UC Irvine is honored to explore this promising partnership,” UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman added.

The Board of Regents is expected to vote on the merger later this fall, but in the meantime, both organizations are exploring how the merger would function.