On Valentine’s Day, my partner and I decided to keep things simple and went to our favorite sushi restaurant for dinner. After satisfying our cravings, we went to a grand opening exhibit that had just opened up nearby. At first, I didn’t think it would be too crowded, but as we approached the museum, I could see the long line wrapping around the building.
Determined to see this exhibit, my partner and I joined the long line outside the museum. After shivering in the cold for what felt like an eternity, we finally made it inside, only to discover more lines to get to the actual artwork. Was this exhibit secretly the only thing to do in the entire county tonight? It seemed like every man, woman, and their cat had shown up!
As we waited in line, my partner and I people-watched, amused by the VIP members cutting in front of the lines and others leaving. But as we got closer to the paintings and sculptures, I could feel the excitement in the air. I started to understand why this exhibit was such a big deal, and I found myself getting swept up in the enthusiasm.
To add to the absurdity of it all, when we finally reached the front of the line, we were shocked to find that the security guard didn’t even bother to check whether we had RSVP’d or not, even though we had! I mean, at least we can say we waited in line for the experience, right? And, hey, we got to see some pretty cool artwork too.
Located in the same campus as the Segerstrom Center near South Coast Plaza, this museum was a real showstopper. We learned that it used to be called the Newport Harbor Art Museum, located in Newport Beach. But, get this – it was sold and reopened in October 8, 2022, with a brand new name and location! Now known as the Orange County Art Museum, it boasts a whopping 52,000 square feet of space, making room for special exhibitions, a gift shop, cafe, and administrative offices.
The exhibit featuring the works of Daniel Arsham. It was a contemporary art lover’s dream, with sculptures, paintings, and fashion that showcased Arsham’s unique style and talent. But what really caught my eye were the three sculptures with cracks that made them look like they were made of crystal. I couldn’t help but admire the intricate details and wonder how they were made. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the exhibit. It was exciting to see such unique and thought-provoking works of art, and I found myself getting lost in the pieces, trying to decipher their meanings and messages.
The exhibit was a diverse melting pot of art lovers – from couples and singles to families with children. It was amazing to see so many different people come together to appreciate Arsham’s work. It just goes to show that art truly is for everyone.
After we finished exploring the exhibit, we made our way out of the museum – and were met with a shock! The line of people waiting to get in was still just as long as when we arrived! It was crazy to see so many people eager to experience Arsham’s work for themselves. If you missed out on the opening night of the exhibit and want to see it for yourself without the long lines, now is the perfect time to go! With the exhibit running from February 14th to June 4th, you have plenty of opportunities to catch it at your leisure.
A Stint Abroad 
One response to “Art for Everyone: Valentine’s Day Night at the Museum”
Such a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Our tradition precovid was to visit The Met and grab dinner somewhere.
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