The City of Irvine is pleased to present a new Art at City Hall exhibition, Interiors of MCAS El Toro, on view at Irvine City Hall June 9–August 1. This exhibition features a rare look inside the transformation of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro through the lens of six celebrated photographers who collectively formed The Legacy Project.

In 2003, during the decommissioning of the base and its transition into what is now the Great Park, these photographers — Jerry Burchfield, Mark Chamberlain, Jacques Garnier, Rob Johnson, Douglas McCulloh, and Clayton Spada — embarked on a historic endeavor. Together, they captured over 400,000 photographs, documenting this monumental shift in land use and its legacy. Interiors of MCAS El Toro spotlights a curated selection from this vast archive, with a particular focus on the haunting and powerful imagery of the base’s abandoned interior spaces.

This intimate visual record reflects not only a significant chapter in Southern California’s history but also the artistic spirit and collaborative drive of The Legacy Project. Through their eyes, visitors are invited to explore forgotten hallways, empty offices, and once-bustling rooms — each image preserving the echoes of El Toro’s past.

As part of the Art at City Hall initiative, this exhibition supports the City’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent and making local artwork accessible to the community. The Art at City Hall series rotates seasonally, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative works to the heart of Irvine.

City Hall is open to the public 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday. The exhibition and parking are free and open to the public. For more information, visit cityofirvine.org/artatcityhall.