Art Museums in Garden Grove
You don’t need to travel to L.A. to appreciate stunning artwork and historical exhibitions. Garden Grove is home to several top-notch museums that will dazzle art enthusiasts of all ages. Start planning your group’s cultural excursion at one of these must-visit Garden Grove gems: Spend a day surrounded by creative masterpieces at the Ben Maltz Gallery. Located on the campus of CSUF Hilton Hotel, this free art exhibition space spotlights contemporary works from students as well as nationally-recognized artists. Be sure to check their calendar for artist receptions, lectures, and special events centered around their rotating installations. For a walk through history and a look at the region’s agricultural roots, head to the Heritage Museum of Orange County. Permanent exhibits like the Historic Courtroom and Pioneer Dwelling give insight into 19th-century Orange County life, while special exhibits showcase local art, artifacts, and photography from the area’s past. Of course, no visit to Garden Grove is complete without a stop at the iconic Crystal Cathedral. This architectural marvel features iconic A-frame glass ceilings, white exteriors, and the Hazel Wright Organ, one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. Join a guided tour or catch a performance to truly experience this world-famous cultural landmark.
Ben Maltz Gallery
The Ben Maltz Gallery is located within the Hilton Hotel on the campus of Cal State Fullerton in Garden Grove. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM to 4 PM. Admission is free to the public. Along with rotating art exhibits and special installations, the gallery hosts several public programs, artist talks, and opening receptions throughout the year. Be sure to check their website or call ahead for upcoming event details and plan your group’s visit accordingly.
Address: CSUF Hilton Hotel, 225 Folino Dr, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (657) 278-7750
Heritage Museum of Orange County
Step back in time at the Heritage Museum of Orange County. This exceptional museum located in nearby Santa Ana celebrates the people, places, and traditions that shaped modern Orange County’s cultural identity. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to gain a unique glimpse into 19th century Southern California living. Be transported to the area’s pioneer days through historic buildings and recreated spaces like an old west town, ranch home, and working blacksmith shop. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Plan your visit accordingly!
Address: 3101 W Harvard St, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (714) 540-0404
Crystal Cathedral
No cultural tour of Garden Grove would be complete without a visit to the iconic Crystal Cathedral. This world-famous glass church is renowned for its stunning modern architecture and 16,000+ pane glass framed ceilings. Take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral’s history, see the birth of a miracle mirrored cross in the main sanctuary, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the space’s design. The Crystal Cathedral also hosts a variety of concerts, theatrical performances, and worship services open to the public throughout the year.
Address: 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (714) 971-4000
Performing Arts in Garden Grove
Along with top-notch art museums, Garden Grove has a lively performing arts scene that attracts talented musicians, dancers, actors and other creatives from across Southern California. Here are some of the city’s premier venues for catching an amazing live show: The historical Gem Theatre has been a centerpiece of Garden Grove’s Main Street since opening as a vaudeville house in 1923. Today, the Gem’s stage hosts plays, musicals, comedy acts, dance performances and concerts spanning all genres year-round. Be sure to catch a lineup of classic films projected with the theatre’s restored 1930s equipment as well. For an extraordinary concert experience, don’t miss a performance at the Village Green Amphitheater. This unique outdoor venue surrounded by lush landscaping and rolling greens regularly hosts festivals, symphony showcases, tribute bands and more under the warm California sun. Grab a snack from the on-site concessions and settle in for an evening of open-air entertainment. Garden Grove’s very own Shakespearean theater troupe, Shakespeare Orange County, brings The Bard’s iconic works to life at their stunning outdoor amphitheater space, Festival Amphitheatre. Surrounded by streams and fountains, audience members are transported to Shakespeare’s England for whimsical performances of all his famous plays under the stars.
Gem Theatre
Opened in 1923, the Gem Theatre is a historic Garden Grove landmark and premier entertainment destination. The theatre’s Main Stage hosts a diverse array of live shows including plays, musicals, comedy acts, concerts and dance performances. For movie buffs, the Gem also screens classic films using their restored 1930s projection equipment for an unmatched vintage cinema experience. The art deco auditorium provides an intimate setting for any show. Check the Gem’s website for the current calendar of events and showtimes.
Address: 12852 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (714) 741-9550
Village Green Amphitheater
The Village Green Amphitheater provides a gorgeous outdoor setting for live entertainment under the California sun. Located next to the Village Green Mini Park, this open-air venue hosts concerts, festivals, and special events all year round. The Village Green is a popular summertime destination for catching symphonies, classic rock tributes, and cultural performances on its lush green lawn space. Grab a snack or drink from the on-site concessions and spend a night enjoying live music and entertainment with friends and family.
Address: 12061 Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (714) 741-5459
Festival Amphitheater
For an extraordinary theatrical experience, look no further than the Festival Amphitheater, home of the acclaimed Shakespeare Orange County troupe. This beautiful outdoor amphitheater surrounded by gorgeous landscaping provides the perfect backdrop for Shakespeare’s iconic works performed underneath the evening sky. The state-of-the-art venue also hosts other plays, musicals, and special events throughout the year. Grab a glass of wine and settle into your seat as you’re transported to The Bard’s England for an unforgettable performance. Check their website for the current season’s lineup.
Address: 12762 Main St, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (714) 590-1575
Enjoy Your Time in Garden Grove with Party Bus Garden Grove
No matter what brings your group to Garden Grove’s rich arts and culture scene, Party Bus Garden Grove is here to ensure your transportation is as seamless as the experiences. We’ll work with your itinerary to build a personalized bus rental package that covers every detail, from shuttling everyone from hotels to coordinating pickup and dropoff at each museum, venue, or event space. Call 323-380-3987 today and let our team of reservation specialists make your group’s Garden Grove adventure stress-free and unforgettable!