The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, also known as SBMA, is situated in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, California. This museum, which was established in 1941, is a significant cultural landmark in the city. It offers visitors a chance to explore a wide range of art collections from different periods and regions.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art houses both permanent and special collections, offering a diverse range of artworks. These collections include Asian, American, and European art, spanning 4,000 years from ancient to modern times. Visitors can enjoy a journey through art history, experiencing different cultures and artistic styles.
The permanent collection of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art includes more than 27,000 works of art. These works encompass a variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, ceramics, glass, jades, bronzes, lacquer, and textiles. The collection represents the arts of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, spanning over 5,000 years of human history.
Art & Design Ancient art Contemporary art Modern art Photography
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Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 – 20:00 |
Friday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Closed Mondays and holidays
Active Military & Military Families | Free |
Bank of America Museums on Us | Free |
Museums for All CalFresh/SNAP Participants | Free |
Non-Member: Adult | US$10.00 |
Non-Member: Child (Ages 6 – 17 years) | US$6.00 |
Non-Member: Child (Under 6 years) | Free |
Non-Member: Senior (Age 65+) | US$6.00 |
SB County Students* and Teachers* | Free |
SBMA Members | Free |
State Street 1130, Santa Barbara
No exhibitions in Santa Barbara Museum of Art have been found.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art has 1 rating.
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers a diverse collection of art spanning various periods and cultures. Visitors appreciate the well-curated exhibitions featuring both classical and contemporary works. The museum's strengths lie in its Asian art collection, particularly Japanese prints, and its holdings of 19th and 20th-century American and European art.
The renovated spaces provide a pleasant viewing experience, with good lighting and layout. Many visitors find the size of the museum manageable, allowing for a thorough exploration without feeling overwhelming. The rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors.
While generally positive, some reviewers mention that certain areas of the museum could benefit from more detailed information about the artworks. A few visitors also note that the museum shop, while well-stocked, can be on the pricier side.
The museum's location in downtown Santa Barbara is convenient, and its architecture, blending Spanish Colonial Revival style with modern elements, is often praised. The staff is generally described as friendly and knowledgeable.
Overall, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art provides a quality art experience, offering a good balance of permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in a pleasant setting. It's a solid choice for art enthusiasts visiting Santa Barbara, though it may not be as extensive as some major metropolitan museums.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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