Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is a non-profit art museum located in Santa Barbara, California. It was established in 1941 and has since become one of the region's most prestigious art museums. The building was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural form, which is specific to the region.

There are more than 27,000 works of art in the museum's collection, including works by Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, and Diego Rivera. The collection encompasses a wide range of historical periods and artistic styles, from ancient art to contemporary pieces, making it a significant cultural resource for the region. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts multiple temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the works of both established and upcoming artists.

The museum plays a significant role in the cultural life of Santa Barbara. Throughout the year, it hosts a variety of special events, including film screenings, concerts, and other cultural events. The museum is also a renowned tourist attraction in the region.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art. Among others, the collection contains works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Thomas Hart Benton. In addition to a collection of antiquities from ancient Greece and Rome, the museum has a significant collection of Asian art, including works from China, Japan, Korea, and India.

Things to do at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Take a guided tour: The museum offers guided tours of the galleries, conducted by knowledgeable staff and volunteers who offer insights into the artwork and its historical and cultural significance.

Attend an art talk or lecture: Over the year, the museum hosts a variety of art-related talks and lectures. Subject matter experts run these events, which give attendees the chance to learn more about particular artists, art movements, or cultural customs. Printmaking, collage, painting, and drawing are some of the things taught in the workshops.

Watch a Film Screening: Throughout the year, the museum screens a variety of films, including classic and contemporary films, documentaries, and foreign films. Typically, screenings align with current museum exhibitions or themes associated with the museum's collections.

Enjoy Family Art Day: This event provides a free museum entrance and a variety of art-making activities for children and their families. The museum educators who are leading the activities have created them to be enjoyable and engaging for all ages.

Shop at the Museum Store: Books, prints, and jewelry are among the distinctive gifts and souvenirs sold at the museum store. The museum's gift store offers products inspired by the museum's collections and exhibitions.