Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Pacific Coast Highway Travel visits the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and describes some of the highlights of its collection as well as giving contact details.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) was established in 1941, the museum is renowned for its diverse and impressive collection of art spanning various periods, cultures, and mediums.

Housed in a historic building that was originally a post office, the museum has grown to become a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara arts community, offering a rich array of exhibitions, educational programs, and public events.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Collections and Highlights

The SBMA boasts a collection of over 27,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary. Some of the highlights include:

Afternoon by the Seine by Claude Monet at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

1. European Art: The museum features an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Notable works include pieces by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The museum also has a significant collection of 19th-century French art, including works by the Barbizon School and Impressionists.

November, Washington Square by Edward Hopper

2. American Art: The SBMA's American art collection includes works by prominent artists such as John Singer Sargent, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Edward Hopper. The collection spans from the colonial period to the modern era, showcasing the evolution of American artistic expression.

Japanese Art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

3. Asian Art: The museum's Asian art collection is one of its most distinguished, featuring works from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Highlights include Chinese ceramics, Japanese woodblock prints, and South Asian sculptures. The collection provides a comprehensive overview of the artistic traditions and cultural heritage of Asia.

4. Contemporary Art: The SBMA is committed to showcasing contemporary art, with a collection that includes works by artists such as David Hockney, Richard Diebenkorn, and Joan Brown. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, providing a platform for emerging and established artists.

From the Photography Collection at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

5. Photography: The museum has a growing collection of photographs, with works by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, and Dorothea Lange, among others. The photography collection spans the history of the medium, from its inception to the present day.

6. Ancient Art: The SBMA's collection of ancient art includes artifacts from Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These works provide insight into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations.

Our Pick of the California Guides

Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The SBMA is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art through its educational programs. The museum offers a variety of programs for all ages, including guided tours, art classes, lectures, and workshops.

The museum's education department works closely with local schools and community organizations to provide accessible and engaging art experiences.

Ten Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Address and Contact Information

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is located at:
1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
For general inquiries, you can contact the museum at:
Phone: (805) 963-4364
Website: sbma.net

The website offers a wealth of information about current and upcoming exhibitions, educational programs, membership opportunities, and special events. Visitors can also explore the museum's collections online, access virtual tours, and learn about the museum's history and mission.

Our Pick of the Central Coast Guides

Other Santa Barbara Pages

Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara Wine Country is one of the top wine destinations says Wine Enthusiast, alongside Napa Valley, rating California vineyards alongside Champagne.
Santa Barbara Historical Museum
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is one of the best things to do in Santa Barbara, California, on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Pacific Coast Highway Travel tells the story of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, its history, the courthouse today, & the Michael Jackson trial held there.
Santa Barbara
Standing on the Pacific Coast Highway in California, Santa Barbara is an attractive resort with a historic downtown, sandy beaches, a mission, and good museums.
Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara
PCH Travel picks the best time to visit Santa Barbara, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.
Best Museums in Santa Barbara
Pacific Coast Highway Travel's guide to the best museums in Santa Barbara, which include art, history, natural history, and science museums.
Santa Barbara Beachfront Hotel
The Oceana Santa Barbara beachfront hotel has a perfect seafront location, close to Stearns Wharf and State Street, and whale watching cruises.
Ten Best Things to Do in Santa Barbara
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the ten best things to do in Santa Barbara, including shopping, outdoor activities, and food and wine experiences.
Santa Barbara Guidebook
The Santa Barbara Guidebook from Moon Handbooks also covers California’s Central Coast with Ventura, San Luis Obispo, wine country, and Hearst Castle.
Franciscan Inn Santa Barbara
The historic Franciscan Inn in Santa Barbara, California, near the Pacific Coast Highway, is in a quiet location near the beach ideal for those driving PCH.
Best Restaurants in Santa Barbara
Pacific Coast Highway Travel visits the best restaurants in Santa Barbara and recommends where to eat for the finest food and top local wines.
Santa Barbara Whale Watching
Santa Barbara whale watching cruises in southern California can be booked through Condor Express, with whale watching trips leaving from the harbor.
Santa Barbara Mission
Pacific Coast Highway brings you all you need to know about the Santa Barbara Mission including its history, location, what to see and full contact details.
Santa Barbara Italian Restaurant
The Santa Barbara Italian restaurant Olio e Limone serves some of the best Sicilian-Italian food in California, and is well-located downtown.