Celebrate 5,000 years of human history and creativity on a visit to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. First opened in 1941, the Museum is located in the heart of downtown in a stately building that was once the Santa Barbara Post Office. SBMA’s renowned 25,000-piece permanent collection spans both the centuries and the globe, with works ranging from classical antiquities to modern installations. Explore a fascinating array of 19th-century French, British and American art; 20th-century and contemporary European, North American and Latin American art; Asian art; sculptures; photography; and works on paper. Whether you want to enjoy a stroll through the galleries or participate in a selection of virtual offerings and educational alternatives, SBMA provides visitors with many ways to connect more deeply with the artwork. The Museum continually offers a robust calendar of events, tours and classes, educational programs, lectures, and free resources for adults, families, and kids. Learn more about events here.
Hours, Admissions and Tours
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m, and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays, the 4th of July, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the galleries and store close at 3 p.m. Admission for non-members is $10 for adults and $6 for kids under 6 and seniors 65+. Enjoy free on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Advance ticketing reservations can be purchased to guarantee your entry time.
Tips for Your Visit
If you’ll be attending the Museum with children, drop by the Visitors Services Desks or Family Resource Center to pick up a free Family Guide, which includes games, activities and information to help parents and children explore the galleries together. To take home a memento of your visit, stop by the Museum Store located on the Ground Level. The Store features a variety of items unique to SBMA’s permanent and special exhibitions, as well as art books, jewelry, décor, toys and more. Or purchase items at home via the Museum’s online store here.
Health & Safety Standards
The Museum is following precautionary guidelines as recommended by the CDC and County of Santa Barbara to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The following outlines the procedures, policies, operations, and how you can help make the Museum a positive experience for all.
Please do not visit if you have a cough or fever.
Bring your online reservation confirmation with you (either printed or on your smartphone) to show upon arrival at the Visitor Services desk.
Visitors who plan to attend an event in SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium must show proof of being fully vaccinated with a booster (if eligible) OR, in some cases, supply a negative Covid-19 medical test result (taken within 72 hours prior to each event), along with an official photo ID, before entering the venue. All visitors must also follow SBMA’s mask policy and wear a mask while attending events in SBMA's Mary Craig Auditorium.
Please do not bring backpacks or large bags. The use of visitor lockers is unavailable at this time.
Hand sanitization stations will be available.
Increased hourly sanitization is scheduled for all public areas and surfaces.
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