Best Museum

Bowers Museum was chosen the best museum in Best of Orange County voting.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

1. Bowers Museum

2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana; 714-567-3600; bowers.org

The oldest and largest museum in Orange County, Bowers Museum opened in 1936 and has several permanent collections housed in various galleries. Bowers offers family programs, workshops, distinguished lecture series, senior art classes and more. There is a restaurant and store on-site too. Kelly Bishop, vice president of external affairs, says the museum’s “deep sense of community” and past connections tend to prompt return visits. “Community building is at the forefront of all we do to create a welcoming and accessible environment.”

Bowers often partners with top institutions around the world for exhibitions and programs, resulting in a quality reputation that “allows us to level-up beyond the typical scope of a midsized nonprofit museum.”

“Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic,” “Dead Sea Scrolls,” “Egyptian Treasures from the British Museum” and “Terra Cotta Warriors” are some of the more than 50 featured exhibitions in the last 15 years.

Later this fall, the museum presents “Guo Pei: The Art of Couture,” with 40 works of couture art personally selected by the world-renowned Chinese fashion designer known for her celebrity dresses (she did Rihanna’s yellow 2015 Met Gala gown) and bridal wear. Bishop says the exhibition is a “creative journey” that references Pei’s “cultural influences from international arts, architecture, and mythology. The interplay of female empowerment, strength and vulnerability are all reflected in exquisitely rendered couture.” — George A. Paul

2. Lyon Air Museum

19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana; 714-210-4585; lyonairmuseum.org

England’s American Air Museum was an inspiration for the Lyon Air Museum. Maj. Gen. William Lyon, a decorated veteran, was involved with the facility abroad, saw the impact it had on local schools and wanted to replicate that locally.

Mark Foster, Lyon president, says the namesake pilot was passionate about aviation, got the hangar built and funded everything.

“He already had some WWIItype airplanes” and acquired more to put on display here upon opening in 2009. “He wanted the stories of the greatest generation to be carried forward.”

Open cockpit events, where visitors can get a closer look at historic airplanes, take place throughout the year. The Lyon also participates in the Pacific Airshow (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) by providing an aircraft flown in the event and serving as a base for civilian performers. Museum visitors on those dates can meet the Pacific pilots and view the planes in an intimate setting.

Through interactive exhibits and activities, young children can experience reading, science, and math basics in a hands-on environment at Pretend City.

“We are different from other kids’ museums because we focus on developing the brains, bodies, and hearts of young children during their most formative years — ages 0-5,” says Executive Director Ellen Pais. “We do it through playful learning, led by children with participation of adults in their lives.”

Learning spaces are regularly adapted with new ideas to reflect the diversity and uniqueness of Orange County. A Mind and Body Studio focuses on wellness using yoga mats and singing bowls. The museum, which opened 13 years ago, has cultural activities, film nights, a monthly Baby Steps program, developmental screenings and can be rented for birthday parties and special events. An expansive new location focusing on the outdoors is being planned for Irvine’s Great Park. As a nonprofit educational organization, Pretend City welcomes donations.

3. Pretend City Children’s Museum

29 Hubble, Irvine; 949-428-3900; pretendcity.org