Oceanside Museum
of Art is a cultural jewel located in downtown Oceanside
with a view of the Pacific Ocean and the historic Oceanside Pier.
The museum presents provocative, contemporary exhibitions from the
region and around the world. OMA offers art instruction at the OMA
School of Art, concerts, films, lectures, docent tours, and the
OMA Museum Store. Oceanside Museum of Art is a gathering place where
friends meet to share and enjoy the rich cultural experiences available
in the region.
In addition to a progressive exhibition schedule, Oceanside Museum
of Art is housed in side-by-side buildings designed by two of southern
California’s most renowned Modernist architects. The classic
Irving Gill designed building is nestled against the contemporary
Frederick Fisher designed Central Pavilion creating the perfect
union of past and present architecture.
Exhibitions showcase the finest art of the southern California region
from landscape paintings to studio furniture, neon sculpture, art
quilts, and architectural glass. OMA’s galleries feature on
enlightening survey of contemporary art enriched by the cultures
of the community. The museum’s galleries are redesigned for
each exhibition, surprising visitors with a fresh, exciting visual
transformation for every new exhibit.
OMA School
of Art offers expert instruction by professional art
instructors and master artists in a variety of media. All levels
are welcome in our small classes that allow for plenty of personal
attention. OMA School of Art instructors foster innovative techniques
and experimentation in a relaxed environment. Try your hand at watercolor,
acrylic painting, book arts, ceramics, textile and fiber art, or
our popular drumming class.
Concerts presented
in the museum blend premier acoustics and eye-catching art. Join
us for a pre-concert wine and hors d’oeuvre reception and
view the exhibition. These events bring the best of the region’s
jazz, blues, and contemporary music to you in an intimate setting.
Culinary Films have
inspired a dinner and film festival at OMA with movies that include
cuisine as an integral theme in the story. The sell-out Garlic Festival
and Chocolate Affair sparked a succession of similar combinations
with the cuisine served following the film.
Lectures and Demonstrations by invited scholars
and master artists enhance exhibitions when these experts share
their knowledge. Whether they present a slide lecture or conduct
an informal walk through the galleries, their zest for that which
inspires them becomes a springboard for discussion often providing
insight about the influences that stimulate the creative mind.
Special Events means,
“Let’s Party!” Plan for plenty of revelry and
socializing at cocktail receptions, elegant dinners, the annual
Mardi Gras Brunch, and The Museum Ball held al fresco every July.
It all benefits the museum’s vibrant programming.
Bus Trips to cultural
art venues throughout southern California provide carefree daytime
excursions to see fascinating exhibits at other museums. Ride in
the comfort of a deluxe coach and leave the traffic and parking
to us.
OMA Outreach is an after school program in area
elementary and middle schools taught by professional instructors
from OMA’s School of Art. Projects are designed to tap into
a student’s creative process while developing critical thinking
skills and problem solving with an appreciation for aesthetic values.
Docent Tours conducted
by OMA’s trained docents can spark a curiosity in young people
leading to a life-long love of art. Visitors of all ages learn about
the artists and their influences while developing a visual literacy
essential for the appreciation of art. Tours are free for classes
K-12. Adult and college level tours are also available. Please call
the museum for reservations.
OMA Museum Store is
where you’ll find one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted accessories
to accentuate your fashion wardrobe or home décor. Discover
an inviting array of elegant and funky jewelry, individually designed
note-cards, ceramics, glassware, and books on art and artists.
