“For we must never forget that the main objective of our museum is to increase the strength of all our people. To that there must be no more democratic institution on the entire Pacific coast than the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.”

— Buell Hammett, 1941

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Unknown Artist, Lansdowne Hermes (detail), Roman, 1st half of 2nd century CE. Marble. SBMA, Gift of Wright S. Ludington.

“Art is for everyone — be it the privileged or the poor. It is the soul of community. Art reflects the history and the dimensions of everybody who is part of our community in Santa Barbara County.”

— Congressman Salud Carbajal
Representing California's 24th District

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“We'll have new galleries dedicated to the contemporary art collection and to the Asian art collection, both of which are some of the fastest growing areas at the Museum. And finally we'll have a gallery dedicated to photography and video, which we never had before.”

— Larry J. Feinberg SBMA Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Director and CEO

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Yamantaka (detail), Tibetan, 15th Century. Bronze. SBMA, Museum Purchase with John and Peggy Maximus Fund.

Next Steps Timeline

Updates on the renovation plan and
ongoing construction projects.

Next Steps Timeline >

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The Campaign

We have launched the most ambitious fundraising campaign in our history to support what is best and most exciting about The Santa Barbara Museum of Art... An intimate experience for those who come to view master works that span thousands of years; a powerful connection to the Santa Barbara community and the broader community of Southern California; the ambition and vision to acquire great works of art and create exhibitions that have an impact on the art world.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor to transform SBMA. We invite you to imagine more... Read More

 
Improved Gallery Spaces
Increased Community Spaces
Enhanced Museum Experience
Critical Needs of the Facility
 

The Renovation

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art's building renovation project is comprehensive and involves nearly every square foot of the Museum. The proposed new and renovated spaces will benefit visitors by enhancing gallery space, expanding offerings to the community, and addressing the critical issues of seismic retrofitting and improving safety. Completing the facility renovation plan will be one of the most important achievements in our history. Read More

Flythrough Video

Ludington Court
McCormick Gallery 
Flythrough Video

Flythrough Video

Thayer Gallery
Contemporary Gallery 
Flythrough Video

Flythrough Video

Asian Art Galleries
Flythrough Video

Flythrough Video

Park Wing
Flythrough Video

Investing in the Museum

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art thrives through the generosity of individuals who invest in our mission.
Below are the stories of some of our donors. Read More

Gwen Baker

Donor Stories
Gwen Baker

Joan Davidson

Donor Stories
Joan Davidson

Gwen Baker

Donor Stories
Bob and Siri Marshall