Learn about Life on the Base Through Photos and Music at the Great Park Gallery

An opening reception for the historical photography art exhibition will be held February 19, accompanied by a live music series.

The City of Irvine is pleased to present Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro, a historical photography exhibition at the Great Park Gallery. An opening reception will be held Sunday, February 19, 1–3 p.m. The exhibition runs through Saturday, May 7.

Marine Corps Air Station El Toro opened in 1943 giving opportunities to young men and women who would come to call the base and surrounding area home. While their days included the expected activities of life on a military base, their free time and recreational activities were fun and diverse.

Through a curated selection of photographs and in collaboration with OC Archives in Action, Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro will provide a glimpse into the recreational lives led by the men and women who served at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro throughout the '40s,'50s, and '60s.

In support of Life on the Base: MCAS El Toro, the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex presents a three-part live swing and jazz music series, Swingin’ in the Palm Court.

Inspired by the swing and jazz music that filled the banquet halls of early MCAS El Toro, this event echoes the recreational activities service men and women partook in while stationed here.

Swingin’ in the Palm Court will take place on the following dates and times:

Sunday, February 19, 1–3 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, 1–3 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 1–3 p.m.
Bring folding chairs and blankets for seating around the Gallery and Palm Court; no advance registration is needed for these free events.

Learn more at yourgreatpark.org/arts.

Park Spotlight: Ghost Building 243

A permanent outdoor exhibition marking the space and rooms of MCAS El Toro building 243.
The park's original planners first memorialized Marine Corps Air Station El Toro with the design of Ghost Building 243, located in the center of the Great Park Palm Court Arts Complex. In the park's first site-specific art installation, strips of aquamarine glass embedded in the pavement mark the exact location of exterior and interior walls of an original MCAS El Toro building that was removed to make way for the one-acre Palm Court Plaza and outdoor performance space. Visitors can walk the space, with each Ghost Building room labeled by plaques in the ground.

Ghost Building 243 is located in the Palm Courts Arts Complex, and open during regular park hours. Learn more at yourgreatpark.org/palmcourt.

Community Events

Great Park is the site of many events hosted by various community groups and sports organizations. For a list of upcoming activities and more information on the hosting organization, please visit our Community Events page.

Great Park Project Development Update

Project development updates are shared during Great Park Board meetings. To view past or upcoming meetings, please click here. Find the most up-to-date development information at our Planning & Future Development webpage here. Stay tuned for exciting new updates about the next chapter in the story of Great Park including a new website that will showcase the many great amenities to come.

In 2022, the City of Irvine approved the Great Park Framework Plan to guide the next phase of development. The next phase draws on extensive community input to deliver an expanding array of new opportunities to secure the park’s place among the world’s greatest metropolitan parks.