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.

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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.

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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.

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