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Santa Barbara Museum Of Art

Tourist attraction Museum Book store Non profit organization Art museum

Compact museum featuring 20th-century Western American paintings as well as modern Asian ceramics. People often mention museum, small, time, Santa, nice, Barbara, paintings, staff, exhibit, exhibits,


Address

1130 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Website

www.sbma.net

Contact

(805) 963-4364

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (501 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (34) small (13) time (10) Santa (9) nice (9) Barbara (8) paintings (8) staff (7) exhibit (7) exhibits (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Zan L. 2 years ago on Google • 376 reviews
    It’s fair to say this is my favorite museum in Santa Barbara. I was in town for the day visiting from LA and had heard many great things about this museum so decided to see for myself. Parking is easy and there are multiple areas to do it. It’s not very large inside but is two floors filled with beautiful works from all over the world. It’s subdivided into different regions and periods and it’s very easy to spend an hour here looking and reading. Coming from LA it’s way less crowded than I’m used to so that was also a bonus. I would recommend to anyone visiting Santa Barbara or if you’re a fan of art like I am and live within driving distance SB is a wonderful town to plan a day away.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rico S. 1 year ago on Google
    Drove from San Diego for the sole purpose of seeing the few paintings from Van Gogh on display at the SBMA and was not disappointed. The facility is small but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in content. The staff were friendly and the entire facility is just complimentary to the many exhibitions it houses. Highly recommend a visit if you are in town and want to add a cultural experience to your trip.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James J. 6 months ago on Google • 173 reviews
    Can't wait to go back. Came up for the James Castle exhibit. Definitely didn't have enough time to look at other exhibits. I think it was take at least 1/2 day to explore. Lovely museum and staff. Can't wait to come back up!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 * d. 3 weeks ago on Google • 334 reviews New
    Fantastic experience! It is so calming and full of fantastic pieces. They have some incredible paintings and sculptures. We're fortunate to have this museum in our city!

  • 5/5 Ben B. 2 years ago on Google • 156 reviews
    Old post office turned stunning art museum. Recently remodeled with a surprisingly diverse collection. 60-90 min to navigate. It’s easy to miss the compelling gift shop as it is accessible on State Street, but it isn’t connected to the museum lobby, so make sure to seek it out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Fernando I. 4 years ago on Google
    there aren't too many museums in the santa barbara area to begin with so stopping here is a must if you're visiting. the galleries here are very small but they do have a lot of art to see. the reason i am giving such a low score is because my friend and i got yelled at by a security guard for "pointing" at some of the work. the security guard belittled us by saying "do you know how much the art costs?" prior to this run in, we had been having a great time walking around and experiencing the work that was displayed. this security guard ruined the whole experience for us.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Cindy S. 5 years ago on Google
    A very small space which is lovely and used heavily for programs. The collection, only a small portion can be exhibited, is significant in representing both established and contemporary artists. There is minimal work done in aiding the casual guest past the most obvious interpretations or insights, security were most helpful in this regard. Unaware of their own materials stale dates.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isabela G. 1 year ago on Google
    I have visited this museum many times and for general admission, the price is much lower than their tickets for an exhibit which is $25. I decided to treat myself and my friend to the Van Gogh exhibit and it did not disappoint. If you love wandering and looking at art, then this is the place for you. I appreciate the workers who make sure people are respecting the art as well as answering any questions patrons may have. Buying tickets in advance is very cool. I would definitely do this so you can get started right away. I cannot wait until the next time I come to this museum. I always have a blast.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ka S. 8 months ago on Google
    I have visited many museums before, but I had never encountered such an uncomfortable situation until now. While exploring place , I noticed one of the male white guards continuously focusing on me, which I found to be unwarranted and unsettling. This behavior persisted even as I moved to the second floor, where it seemed like another guard began following me discreetly. When approached him to inquire about the matter, he couldn't provide any valid reason for their attention towards me. The uncomfortable level of attention I was receiving made it difficult for me to continue enjoying my visit, and as a result, I couldn't finish exploring the museum as I had initially intended. To rule out any potential misunderstandings, I asked if their concern was due to the size of my canvas tote bag, which I thought might have violated the museum's bag policy. However, the guard assured me that this was not the case. I’d to emphasize that I have always been considerate of others' personal space and the objects in the museum. Is it because I am a woman of color? I hope this was not the case, as every visitor should be treated with the same level of respect and courtesy, regardless of their background. I hope next time this experience doesn’t happen to others. Visitors should feel welcomed, comfortable, and respected during their visits. On the other note, I don’t think I’ll ever want to return to this place ever again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 elisabeth aline t. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful little gem of a museum that had a recent renovation. Great place to spend afternoon. Lovely gift shop with unusual items like striped wooden pepper grinders from Morocco and multiple items that are handmade from small international collectives that sustain villages and women. Museum is located in close walking distance near many coffee shops/bars /restaurants. Worth drive from LA.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 philip de k. 4 months ago on Google • 124 reviews
    Not too big; nice exhibitions; some nice known and unknown European and American paintings, including this Matisse. Entry $10

  • 5/5 Ellen L. 3 years ago on Google
    When I arrived, it was 4:40. They were closing in 20 minutes, but they were still very friendly to let me in. I like it very much because it is clean and tidy, and there are many staff who can see that they are very Care here.From the entrance is the pedestrian street, there are many bars, you can see beautiful lights at night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erica Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Small art museum, but nice exhibits. Because of the size and how quickly you can go through the museum, I recommend going on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8pm, when they have free admission!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carrie K. 1 year ago on Google
    We thoroughly enjoyed this museum and it was a super value at $10/$6 adult/senior. There were pieces from many different eras and cultures. We easily spent two hours appreciating the art.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex H. 4 years ago on Google
    Had some amazing art!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 adnan akif k. 10 months ago on Google
    Not too big museum it was so far good so good!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 William R. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place for a visit. Has a good viewing tower as well
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 rachel m. 1 month ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    The art was fine. The staff was very strange and followed me into every room I went into watching me like a hawk. It’s hard to enjoy the art when you feel eyes glued on you. I’ve seen multiple reviews saying very similar things, I don’t know if that makes me feel better or worse. Talk with your staff. I understand the need to protect the art pieces, but there’s a tasteful and respectful way to do so. I’ve been to plenty of art 5 and have never had this same issue.

  • 5/5 Evan B. 2 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    Unlike other art museums, you can get up close and look at the painting without any restrictions. You can literally look at each stroke of the brush and get a feel of how the artist did the painting. Plus it is a small museum so going through all of it was doable within 2 hrs or less.

  • 5/5 Cristina R. 4 years ago on Google
    Small museum but very outdoorsy, loved their butterfly exhibit.

  • 4/5 The Derp G. 4 years ago on Google
    Very engaging!!;

  • 4/5 Rustin M. 4 years ago on Google
    For how small the museum is it has a great collection. Currently being renovated so it is even smaller than usual.

  • 5/5 Liz A. 4 years ago on Google
    I saw a wondrous John Decker painting of 1933 Venice, CA with Oil Derricks everywhere! It was amazing. A few days later we took CA-17 from the 101 to the PCH above Malibu, which went thru Decker Canyon. It had a Van Gogh and other fine pieces as well. Lovely.

  • 5/5 Matt L. 4 years ago on Google
    It was very cool and cost only 5.00 to enter. Had a few Monet paintings that was very cool. Alot of Asian art as well.

  • 5/5 Inger K. 4 years ago on Google
    Smaller than I thought. One gallery for a special exhibit and two galleries displaying paintings and sculptures. Under construction at the moment. Very friendly docent.

  • 5/5 Arelis F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great experience and exhibits!

  • 5/5 Philip L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great

  • 5/5 Eniko T. 4 years ago on Google
    Yes, I like it a lot!A place not to leave out of your program!

  • 5/5 Margaret P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Museum! The show on until the end of May "Out of the Closet" is a sculpture exhibit of the human form telling a story. There's a Rodin, a cyclid and Egyptian stone carved head from 2500bc.! Truly wonderful.

  • 5/5 Shree S. 1 year ago on Google
    Elegant museum, we got lucky with the special Van Gough exhibit going on Musée d'Orsey is my favorite museums and viewing some of the Van Gogh and Claude Monet paintings from Impressionism era made our day!! This is an elegant museum with collection of paintings, sculptures and artifacts The museum store is really nice too

  • 5/5 Henry F. 1 year ago on Google
    The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is quite nice. They have lots of art and lots of docents to answer your questions. Any map program can tell you how to find the museum. This What3Words address is the location of the entrance to the nearby public parking lot. The first 75 minutes are free. Park near the bottom of the lot. ///puzzled.approach.kind 34.422987, -119.706422

  • 5/5 Christa C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a wonderful Art Museum. They have different mediums and eras of artwork. I love the paintings, especially from the Impressionist era. There's also some beautiful artwork from different cultures. It's not a big museum, but the artwork is a wonderful selection for a small town like Santa Barbara. Definitely a nice way to spend an hour+

  • 5/5 shelli b. 6 months ago on Google
    Cool place to go. Only $10. Military and family for free.

  • 5/5 Norene S. 4 months ago on Google
    I'd been visiting this special museum for many years before I moved to Santa Barbara. Now I am a proud member. It's a lovely place to spend a few hours. The exhibits are well chosen, the space is beautiful and it's always a delight.

  • 3/5 최지섭 4 years ago on Google
    Good moon stufff

  • 5/5 Sofia E. 6 years ago on Google
    Beautiful building, small collection but very interesting. It offers a variety of artifacts from Asia, Europe and the Americas.

  • 5/5 Ace G. 4 years ago on Google
    We love visiting the Museum on First Thursday’s in Santa Barbara-very festive. Live music 🎶

  • 5/5 Louise T. 4 years ago on Google
    Under construction at the moment but a beautiful gem of a museum. Great classes for adults and programs for children. Museum shop is fantastic.

  • 4/5 Karen G. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice but under construction right now. Half fee for half museum, fair enough!

  • 5/5 Monique K. 4 years ago on Google
    Was under construction but it was super affordable to see some great peices

  • 3/5 RMA 4 years ago on Google
    I was disappointed because they were doing upgrades to the museum and there was only two small rooms open for viewing.

  • 5/5 Joe V. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely museum. Walking distance to the court house and shopping on State st.

  • 5/5 Nakajima woodturning s. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Although it is small, there are quite a lot of collections, and I enjoyed the many Klimts that were exhibited at the special exhibition at that time. (Original) こじんまりしてますが収蔵品も結構多くて、当時企画展で出てたクリムトも点数多くて楽しかったです。

  • 1/5 crystle h. 4 years ago on Google
    because the main section was closed, that we were looking forward too. there was only one gallery opened. Such a disappointment for us.

  • 2/5 Diane s. 4 years ago on Google
    Small museum, sorry wasn't worth the price.

  • 5/5 A. L. 4 years ago on Google
    Really liked this museum, even though it's small they have a great variety of art. The exhibits are very organized and cohesive. The staff was really nice as well.

  • 5/5 Martin A. 4 years ago on Google
    Unbelievable place..

  • 5/5 Paulo G. 4 years ago on Google
    It is a great place in SB

  • 5/5 jamklopa r. 4 years ago on Google
    thanks a lot 5 star !!

  • 5/5 Robert N. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent local gem. I highly recommend a visit

  • 5/5 Allen T. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the art center for our girls.

  • 3/5 David Hsieh, G. 4 years ago on Google
    Tiny

  • 5/5 A M. 4 years ago on Google
    Monet!

  • 5/5 Moshe Z. 4 years ago on Google
    fantastic. though pictures are not permitted , it's highly inspiring .

  • 4/5 Donald B. 4 years ago on Google
    A small but well curated collection. Definitely worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Robert L. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good exhibits, and knowledgeable docent(s)

  • 5/5 adriana Pizzia f. 4 years ago on Google
    Up to date

  • 1/5 April F. 4 years ago on Google
    This was one of the worst museum experiences I've ever had. It is pretty weird that they even charge for this as I did not even find the half price student price worth it. There's no explaination about the construction or that the museum is essentially one little room (which was also cut in half by a private class or tour). In fact we wanted to get our money back but the front desk staff was gone for the day already. We felt completely ripped off! The security guard was nice enough to empathize and direct us to some other art galleries in the area which had 3 times more art than the museum. Save your money and your time on this one. Santa Barbara thinks it's a pretty cool town but I've yet to see why.

  • 5/5 William F. 4 years ago on Google
    Quite, cool and filled with amazing art.

  • 5/5 Ahava G. 4 years ago on Google
    Little, but lovely!

  • 5/5 John A. R. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice art museum. Currently undergoing renovation so some galleries were closed.

  • 5/5 Nathan C. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a fun place, we did the tour where we got to play the bells which was very relaxing.

  • 4/5 Dianne C. 2 years ago on Google • 1 review
    Maybe it's the humanities major in me, but I really enjoyed the Santa Barbara Museum of Art more than the Mission... We came on Sunday afternoon towards the end of our trip. The admission fee for adults are usually $10, but if you have a student id you can get in for $6 :) yay for looking young enough to get college discounts still!! My favorite collections were definitely the Japanese and the Egyptian exhibits. I really admired the skill-based occupations of the time. In the world we live in, mass production takes away the meaning of art and what's special. So looking at the hand made artifacts really call out to a part in my soul (yeah I know, I sound super lame...) I really preferred the artifacts over the more contemporary photographs and painting. But that's all a preference thing, I have nothing against photographs and paints... I just enjoy the sculptures and artifacts at a higher level. My only complaint about this place is that I didn't have enough time to truly enjoy its' beauty. Towards the end of the trip, I felt like time was running out. If I come back to Santa Barbara, this will probably one of the places I check out on the first day so I can spend more time here :)
    9 people found this review helpful 👍


Call (805) 963-4364 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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