The Beckman Center

Specialties

Built on seven acres bordering the cities of Irvine and Newport Beach, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center provides a private, distraction-​free environment for your meeting or event. The retreat-​like atmosphere of the 48,000 square foot facility is highly conducive to learning and productivity. Just minutes from the John Wayne Orange County Airport and outstanding hotels, restaurants, beaches, and attractions, the Beckman Center is a first class conference center.

History

Established in 1988.

Advancing Science, Engineering, and Medicine:

As a scientist and a businessman, Dr. Arnold Beckman envisioned a West Coast center where experts could discuss matters of science and technology, comparable to the headquarters of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering in Washington, DC. A $ 20 million grant from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, and the Irvine Company’s donation of seven acres on the crest of a hill adjacent to the campus of the University of California, Irvine made this vision a reality. The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering opened its doors in April, 1988, and the Beckman Center continues to be operated by the academies as their West Coast location for both program activity and conferences.