The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, but the story behind the museum actually began more than three decades ago.

In 1992, Orange County businessman Mark Hilbert and his wife, the late Janet Hilbert, were browsing consignment shops in Palm Springs after purchasing a small desert home. In a vintage shop, they discovered a wall of colorful California Scene watercolors and decided to buy one to brighten their living room.

That simple purchase sparked a lifelong passion for collecting California art. In 2016, the Hilberts opened the Hilbert Museum at Chapman University to share their growing collection with the public. The museum remains the first and only institution dedicated to telling the story of California through the works by fine artists as well as Hollywood studio artists and animators.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the museum is hosting 11 months of exhibitions, lectures, and special events throughout 2026.

Five new exhibitions debuted on Feb. 7, highlighting the breadth of the museum’s collection. They include the first museum exhibition of animation drawings by Disney and Pixar artist Jorgen Klubien, maritime prints by California master Phil Dike, and an exhibit pairing Asian “scholar’s stones” with paintings from the Hilbert Collection.

Additional displays feature illustrations by Western Artist Maynard Dixon and a collection of California rock concert poster curated by Chapman students.

The museum’s anniversary lecture series will continue throughout the year with talks by artists, historians and special guests.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information and to make your reservation, visit HilbertMuseum.org.