A Historic Treasure in the Heart of Downtown
Located at 1130 State Street, directly beside the Santa Barbara Public Library, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) is one of the city’s premier cultural attractions. Housed within a beautifully restored historic building that originally served as Santa Barbara’s main Post Office, the museum blends world-class art with more than a century of local history.
Visitors come from around the world to experience an extraordinary collection spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity, all within one of downtown Santa Barbara’s most architecturally significant buildings.
From Post Office to Museum
Long before masterpieces filled its galleries, the building served a very different purpose.
Constructed in 1914 (the museum notes the post office era as 1912–1932 while acknowledging the early-1910s construction), the structure was Santa Barbara’s main United States Post Office until postal operations moved to a larger facility in the early 1930s. Rather than demolishing the handsome federal building, community leaders envisioned transforming it into an art museum—a decision that permanently enriched Santa Barbara’s cultural landscape.
The museum officially opened its doors on June 5, 1941, becoming one of the first museums in the nation to repurpose a historic public building into an art institution. Chicago architect David Adler redesigned the interior while preserving the building’s dignified exterior, creating elegant galleries centered around the dramatic Ludington Court, which continues to welcome visitors today.
A Museum That Continues to Grow
Since opening in 1941, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has expanded several times while remaining true to its original architecture.
Major additions include:
- Stanley R. McCormick Gallery (1942)
- Sterling and Preston Morton Galleries (1963)
- Alice Keck Park Wing (1985)
- Ridley-Tree Education Center (1991)
- Jean and Austin H. Peck Jr. Wing (1998)
Beginning in 2015, the museum underwent an extensive multi-year renovation that modernized the historic structure from the foundation to the roof. The project included seismic upgrades, new gallery spaces for photography and contemporary art, modern climate-control systems, and improved visitor amenities before reopening in 2021.
A World-Class Collection
Although modest in size compared to museums in major metropolitan areas, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art houses an internationally respected permanent collection of approximately 25,000 works of art representing civilizations from around the world.
Collections include:
- European paintings
- American art
- Asian art
- Classical antiquities
- Contemporary art
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Prints and drawings
- Latin American art
- Decorative arts
The museum also presents changing exhibitions throughout the year, ensuring that every visit offers something new to discover.
Education and Community
The museum is far more than an exhibition space.
Throughout the year it offers:
- Guided docent tours
- Artist lectures
- Educational workshops
- School programs
- Family activities
- Film screenings
- Musical performances
- Children’s art programs
- Community events
These programs have helped make the museum one of Santa Barbara’s leading educational institutions for both residents and visitors.
Architecture Worth Admiring
Even before stepping inside, visitors are greeted by one of downtown Santa Barbara’s most handsome historic buildings.
Architectural highlights include:
- Classical Beaux-Arts influences
- Symmetrical façade
- Decorative stone detailing
- Grand entrance
- Historic columns
- Elegant interior courtyard
- Beautiful natural lighting
- Thoughtfully restored historic features
The building itself is considered one of the museum’s most significant works of art.
Next Door to the Public Library
One of the museum’s greatest advantages is its location.
Immediately adjacent to the Santa Barbara Public Library, visitors can easily combine two of downtown’s finest cultural destinations in a single afternoon.
The surrounding neighborhood features:
- Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden (a short walk away)
- Downtown restaurants
- State Street shopping
- Historic buildings
- Paseo Nuevo
- Arlington Theatre
- Granada Theatre
- County Courthouse
- Public gardens
Together, these attractions create one of Santa Barbara’s most walkable cultural districts.
A Downtown Cultural Landmark
For more than eighty years, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has served as one of the city’s premier art museums, historic landmarks, and cultural institutions.
Its unique combination of historic architecture, internationally recognized collections, educational programming, and central downtown location makes it an essential stop for visitors interested in history, architecture, fine art, photography, and Santa Barbara culture.
Whether you’re an experienced art enthusiast or simply exploring downtown, the museum offers an inspiring experience for visitors of all ages.
Amenities
Museum Amenities
- ✔ Permanent Art Collection
- ✔ Rotating Special Exhibitions
- ✔ Museum Store
- ✔ Auditorium
- ✔ Educational Programs
- ✔ Guided Tours
- ✔ Family Programs
- ✔ Children’s Activities
- ✔ Wheelchair Accessible
- ✔ Accessible Restrooms
- ✔ Elevator Access
- ✔ Gift Shop
- ✔ Membership Programs
- ✔ Photography Permitted in Select Areas (subject to museum policy)
- ✔ Group Tours
- ✔ School Programs
Location
1130 State Street
Santa Barbara, California 93101
Parking
Public parking is available in nearby City of Santa Barbara parking lots and garages, with several options located within a short walk of the museum. The museum does not provide its own parking or parking validation.
Nearby Attractions
Within walking distance you’ll find:
- Santa Barbara Public Library
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Arlington Theatre
- Granada Theatre
- Paseo Nuevo
- State Street Promenade
- Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden
- El Presidio State Historic Park
- Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Local Tip
Take time to admire the building before you enter. Many visitors don’t realize they’re walking into what was once Santa Barbara’s historic main Post Office. After exploring the galleries, stroll next door to the Public Library or continue a few blocks to the Santa Barbara County Courthouse to experience two more of downtown’s architectural and cultural landmarks.
Official Website
Did You Know?
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is often described as “a world-class museum in a small city.” Its collection spans more than 5,000 years of human history and includes approximately 25,000 works of art, making it one of the finest regional art museums in the United States. Despite its intimate scale, it regularly presents exhibitions and educational programs that attract visitors from around the world.
