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Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Type: Art & Culture, Art Museums, Children's Museums, Museums
10Best Says
Visit a local museum that enjoys a national reputation. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers a rare display of the artistic achievements of a variety of cultures and periods. Home to 27,000+ works... Read More
Visit a local museum that enjoys a national reputation. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers a rare display of the artistic achievements of a variety of cultures and periods. Home to 27,000+ works of art (not including traveling exhibitions), this museum houses a collection that rivals museums in much larger cities in both quantity and quality. For example, the SBMA owns more Monets than any other museum on the West Coast. Particular emphasis is given to American, Asian and Classical art; European painting and sculpture; and 20th century art and photography. Also onsite is a museum store, cafe and special childrens' gallery. The museum is committed to art education, spending roughly 20% of every dollar on academic, outreach, after-school and lecture programs for all ages.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Geneva Ives
Santa Barbara Local Expert
- Best Attractions & Activities: "Visit their website to view upcoming family days, artist talks, evening celebrations and even time dedicated to sketching in the galleries."
- Museums: "Visit their website to view upcoming family days, artist talks and evening celebrations."
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art just completed a stunning six-year renovation. It showcases an awe-inspiring collection of famous masterpieces year-round.
- Best for Museums Because: This great museum has everything from Monets to mandalas (and it's free on Thursday nights).
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