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A life of learning is a life well spent. And one of the most fun and interesting ways to keep learning is by visiting museums. There are invaluable lessons scattered throughout the pages of history, and a quality museum is a great place to start exploring those lessons. Head to one of these Irvine museums for a fun little field trip and a look into the past.
Did you know that Irvine was once entirely covered in lima beans? Or that Irvine was a completely planned community? You can learn all about our city at the Irvine Historical Museum. The building the museum is in is itself a piece of history. It is housed in the oldest standing structure at the old Irvine Ranch, a house that was built in the 1860s. The hours are limited, as the museum is only open Sundays and Tuesdays from 1-4pm, but it is worth a visit!
Most days, we are surrounded by pavement and concrete and steel buildings. The only greenery we see is planned, landscaped gardens or trees. It is sometimes hard to imagine what Orange County looked like in the days before Western civilization entered the area. The Irvine Museum is filled with exquisite paintings of rolling green hills and lush wildlife that is inspired by the glory of nature in California. Much of the artwork comes from the private collection of Joan Irvine Smith, the great granddaughter of James Irvine, founder of the Irvine Co. and our city was named for.
Parents, if you haven’t taken your child to Pretend City yet, you are missing out! This museum is a hands-on learning experience for kids to learn through play. It is designed as a miniature version of a working city, with a store, hospital, restaurant, and more. Pretend city encourages creativity, sharing, and develops skills that will lay the foundation for a healthy life. Plus, it’s a ton of fun!
Spend some time in one of these fantastic Irvine museums and learn a thing or two about a thing or two. Let us know about your experiences on Facebook or Instagram, and keep following our blog here for more Irvine fun.