Visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has been on my to-do list for quite a while, so when Kate recommended a visit during a recent SB trip, Sophie and I jumped at the chance.
You know how much we’ve been enjoying museums during the pandemic. From timed entry to empty galleries, there’s rarely been a better time to be a museum goer, as sad as that may sound. And I especially like smaller museums, like the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. They are easily digestible, and then there’s time for an ice cream cone after a couple of hours of culture 🙂 The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is no different, with a lovely and diverse selection of art. Everyone will find something to love at this museum!
The museum was closed for several years (which just happened to overlap with the pandemic) to undergo a major renovation. Visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is particularly special right now, since it just reopened in May 2021. And it feels brand new- freshly painted and overhauled. It’s the perfect time to visit, while it is still relatively quiet and almost empty.
I can’t imagine that these galleries will be so deserted as they are now, ever again. It’s the right time for making a visit.
Museum shop
You know I am a fan of a museum shop! The one at the SB museum had a good selection of items, especially of Santa Barbara mementos.
And right outside of the shop, there’s a studio where anyone can make a little art for themselves. Of course we had a seat and painted for a little while. We decided that Sophie’s was the best of the three.
The museum has a Van Gogh exhibit coming up in February. It’s got to be better than the Immersive Van Gogh that Dear Husband and I saw in San Francisco.
Highly recommend visiting the Santa Barbara Museum of Art when you are in town. It’s a lovely spot off State Street, and McConnell’s isn’t too far for an ice cream cone when you are done!
Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
