The Story of Santa Barbara
Experience the Museum’s signature exhibit which traces our compelling history of “The American Riviera” from the days of the Chumash … READ MORE
Hidden Treasures – Staff Favorites
What do a lamp made out of seashells, a delicate hand-painted fan, a rifle from 1850, and a leather guitar … READ MORE
Project Fiesta!
Through September 22 Join us for our latest installation of “Project Fiesta: A History of Old Spanish Days” In celebration … READ MORE
Native American Civilizations
The first human inhabitants of the Santa Barbara area were the Chumash, estimated to have settled in this region over … READ MORE
Saint Barbara Legend
According to tradition, Barbara lived in Asia Minor in the third century CE, daughter of a prominent Roman citizen. Converting … READ MORE
Spanish Settlement
The first Europeans to settle in this region were the Spanish with the founding of the Santa Barbara Presidio in … READ MORE
Great Read!
Empty Mansions reveals an enthralling mystery of wealth and loss, and a secretive heiress named Huguette Clark. Though she owned … READ MORE
Great gift, vintage design
If you’re like us, you love quintessential vintage California images, and these tote bags by the California Citrus Company feature … READ MORE
In The Saddle
In the Saddle: Horses, Santa Barbara, and the Way of the West April 20 – September 3, 2017 Our visitors experienced … READ MORE
Stars, Snapshots and Chanel
Experience the 1970s and 1980s social scene on America’s Riviera through high fashion and photographs by Beverley Jackson. As the … READ MORE