The much-honored Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University – named the Best Art Museum in Orange County by OC Weekly in 2018 – keeps getting better.

The Hilbert’s newly acquired Norman Rockwell drawing, “Crestwood Commuter Station,” created in 1946 as a study for one of his iconic Saturday Evening Post covers, is on display at the museum through Oct. 19 as part of the exhibit “Sincerely, Norman Rockwell: Celebrating a New Acquisition.”

Tucked away near the Orange Metrolink Station and Ruby’s Diner and Streamliner Lounge in the historic depot, the Hilbert is an easy stroll from the Orange Plaza and surrounding Old Towne neighborhood.

Last fall brought a harvest of awards for the museum, which opened in 2016. In November, the Orange City Council honored founders Mark and Janet Hilbert along with the museum and University with a proclamation recognizing the positive effects of the museum on the city.

The Hilberts also recently received the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award in Arts Philanthropy from Arts Orange County. In addition, the couple represented the museum at the council meeting by accepting a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Mimi Walters, then the outgoing representative for California’s 45th District.

Also on display at the Hilbert through Oct. 19 are 20 brilliantly colored paintings by Disney artist Mary Blair, featuring Dumbo, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan as well as her ingenious concepts for “It’s a Small World,” one of Disney’s most beloved rides.

On view through April 27 are more than 60 paintings of Bay Area scenes in the California Scene style capturing the beauty of the Golden State that is central to the $7 million art collection gifted by the Hilberts to found the museum.

The Hilbert Museum, located adjacent to Chapman’s Partridge Dance Center at 167 N. Atchison St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free. Free parking in front of museum is available with a permit obtained inside.

For more information, call (714) 516-5880 or visit www.hilbertmuseum.org.