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SANTA BARBARA MUSEUMS: OASES OF ART, HISTORY, AND CULTURE

November 23, 2023

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Santa Barbara museums and cultural attractions are an essential facet of the American Rivera jewel. They tell stories about the natural world, teach, inspire, entertain, and some even transport us back in time. Those of us who live here are downright spoiled by the quality of programming, depth, and breadth of the collections, and aesthetic beauty showcased at these fine institutions and landmarks dedicated to mind-expanding experiences.


One of the amazing galleries at the SB Museum of Art with statues.
Jllm06, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Santa Barbara Museums

Santa Barbara boasts a diverse array of museums that encapsulate the city's cultural and historical richness. Each museum offers a captivating journey into the heart and soul of this coastal destination. For instance, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art showcases stunning works, as seen in the image able, while MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, offers immersive experiences that blend science and art seamlessly. The Santa Barbara Historical Museum exhibits our rich history in exquisite collections, and while MOCA Santa Barbara provides a contemporary perspective with cutting-edge artistic expressions. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, featuring the Sea Center along with the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum are all beloved local favorites. Plus, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum boasts the world's largest private collection of significant original manuscript documents, the AD&A Museum encapsulates the region's architectural evolution and The South Coast Railroad Museum at the Historic Goleta Depot offers a glimpse into the importance that railroads played in shaping the development of the region.

The door to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Mary Harrsch from Springfield, Oregon, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Santa Barbara Museum of Art
The mission of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is to integrate art into our lives. And that they do, with more than 27,000 pieces on display, spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Conveniently located on State Street, the museum is home to some of the most important art ever created, including the most extensive collection of works by legendary French Impressionist Monet on the West Coast, to "Portrait of Mexico Today, 1932," the only intact mural in the United States by David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
Commonly known as MOCA Santa Barbara, the Museum of Contemporary Art stands as a dynamic hub for modern artistic expression. Located in the heart of downtown, this institution captivates visitors with its thought-provoking exhibitions and innovative programming. MOCA Santa Barbara is dedicated to showcasing the works of both emerging and established contemporary artists, providing a platform for the ever-evolving world of visual arts. With its sleek and modern architecture, the museum itself is a canvas, reflecting the spirit of experimentation and creativity that defines contemporary art.

The Art Design & Architecture Museum UC Santa Barbara
In a serene setting alongside a Pacific lagoon, the Art, Design & Architecture Museum at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides intimate access to art. Through rotating installations of its permanent collections along with special exhibitions and programs, the AD&A Museum is both a teaching museum, committed to the development of critical thinking and visual literacy in support of the University’s goals of education, research, and service, and a resource for the wider Santa Barbara community and surrounding region. Of particular regional significance are the meticulously preserved archives of George Washington Smith and Lutah Maria Riggs, offering an immersive exploration into the architectural tapestry that shaped the unique character of Southern California. The ADC stands as a testament to the rich legacy of design innovation and cultural history encapsulated within the region's architectural evolution.

Inside an exhibit at the MOXI Museum with a wall of televisions and two statues.
AnTOn!0, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Moxi, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
MOXI, Santa Barbara's Science Museum, caters to all ages with its innovative, imaginative, and fun exhibits focused on science and technology. Located on lower State Street, the museum's three engaging floors and stunning rooftop Sky Garden provide a bird's-eye view of Stearns Wharf, Cabrillo Boulevard, and downtown Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum
Ready to take a stroll through more than 500 years of history featuring collections from the Chumash, Mexican, Spanish, and American periods? Then, head to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum in the historic El Pueblo Viejo district. You'll find some 80,000 artifacts and objects there, including fine art from the late Renaissance, Spanish Colonial, Mexican, and Early California periods. The museum maintains the most extensive institutional collection of works by artists such as Ludmilla Welch and Clarence Mattei and the Old West artwork of John Edward Borein.

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
At this unique Santa Barbara museum, you'll discover artifacts and stories illustrating the adventurous history of man's discovery and exploration of the Santa Barbara Channel. Located off Shoreline Drive, within walking distance of Santa Barbara Harbor, topics of exploration here run the gamut, from the superstitious world of nautical tattoos to firsthand accounts of the more than 300 women who once served as lighthouse keepers. A visit will give you a unique insight into some of the lesser-known stories of the sea.

The front of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Image from Wikipedia

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Established in 1916, this local favorite boasts revolving displays of over 3.5 million artifacts and specimens encompassing every facet of natural history. Set on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek, the museum features state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, including the Central Coast's exclusive planetarium. Educational programs for various age levels, facilitated by the museum's scientists, provide engaging hands-on nature experiences.

Sea Center/Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
For a hands-on aquatic adventure, visit The Sea Center on Stearns Wharf. Dive into the captivating life of the Santa Barbara Channel through a 1,500-gallon tidepool tank and a live shark touch pool. The Sea Center not only hosts permanent exhibits but also offers unique events and special educational programming.

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
Did you know the world's largest private holding of important original manuscript documents was located right here in Santa Barbara? Well, it is. The archives include Literature, Science, Religion, Political History, and Art. Treasures include the original draft of the Bill of Rights of the United States, The original manuscript of the sheet music for "The Wedding March," Einstein's famous formula "E=Mc2", Roget's "Thesaurus," Webster's "Dictionary," and over one million more.

The South Coast Railroad Museum at the Historic Goleta Depot
Nestled within the historic confines of the Goleta Depot in Santa Barbara, The South Coast Railroad Museum stands as a captivating testament to the region's railroad heritage. Housed in a meticulously preserved historic depot building, the museum invites visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring the significant role that railroads played in shaping Southern California's development. Exhibits at the museum showcase vintage locomotives, railcars, and artifacts, providing a vivid glimpse into the heyday of rail travel. The Historic Goleta Depot itself, a charming structure dating back to the early 20th century, adds an authentic backdrop to the museum experience. Beyond the tangible exhibits, the museum serves as a hub for educational programs and events, engaging visitors of all ages in the fascinating history of railroading on the South Coast. Whether one is a railway enthusiast or a casual observer, The South Coast Railroad Museum offers a unique and enriching experience that transports visitors to a bygone era of locomotive marvels and regional progress.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our local culture and visual riches we who live here enjoy. If the allure of Santa Barbara's cultural riches has captured your interest and you're considering a move, I invite you to, explore my comprehensive website. For a complimentary consultation, reach out to me at (805) 886-9378 or email Cristal@montecito-estate.com.


Of Related Interest:

• A Weekend in Santa Barbara
• Living in Santa Barbara: Soaring and Sailing on the American Rivera
• Santa Barbara Bucket List




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“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

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