Awhile ago my friend Melissa of Amuseboosh introduced me to the Hilbert Museum, a stunning art museum right under my nose in nearby Orange, just blocks away from some of my favorite antique malls! Recently Patrick and I went, as they had several exhibits that were really interesting, including Disney art from the 1950s and 60s, and original art from midcentury Christmas cards! There was also a wonderful exhibit dedicated to California orange crate labels, however photography was not allowed in that area.

The Hilbert Museum focuses on California art, with over 5,000 items in their collection. The dedication to California art looms high, literally, when you arrive, as they have one of the iconic bank murals above their entry. “Pleasure Along the Beach” by Millard Sheets was originally installed at the Home Savings and Loan in Santa Monica, but when demolished, it found a new home here. These massive mosaic murals are so iconic, there as been an entire book written about them, Banking on Beauty, which I own, but have yet to read!

The above watercolor really caught my eye because of its meta qualities, but I loved it even more when I read that is was by Retta Scott, painted in 1935. She was the first female animator at Disney, beginning with Bambi.

The Disney Classics from the 1950s and 60s area was quite a treat, filled with concept art, including multiple pieces by Mary Blair, production drawings, and multiple animation cels! It didn’t focus just on films either, with several pieces relating to Disneyland attractions, including Sleeping Beauty Castle Walk-Thru, and “it’s a small world.”

Another area featured some art from The Nightmare before Christmas, including storyboard art by Jorgen Klubien.

But by far my favorite exhibit was the one featuring original Christmas card art from Ralph Hulett. If you’ve been here for awhile, then you know I love vintage Christmas cards. Hulett designed many delightful Christmas cards, in addition to working at the Disney Studio for 37 years as a background artist. Hulett was especially fond of Siamese cats, of which he had several, and often integrated them into his Christmas cards.

While the museum has many items on display permanently, several of the exhibits are temporary. The Nightmare Before Christmas exhibit ends January 2, 2025. The delightful Ralph Hulett exhibit ends January 11. 21st Century Realism by California Artists (which includes the Canter’s, “The End,” and motorcycle paintings), California orange crate labels, Disney Classics of the 1950s and ’60s, and Art of the Airwaves: Novelty Radios all end on April 19.

The Hilbert Museum is located in old town Orange at 167 N. Atchison Street. While free to visit, it is recommended you make a reservation on-line, as they do limit the number of visitors.

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