Museum Exhibitions
The Museum’s mission is to create meaningful connections to Santa Barbara history. The signature installation, The Story of Santa Barbara traces our community’s story from the Chumash to the mid-20th century.
Accessible and diverse programming along with rotating exhibitions feature dynamic local traditions and historical events. Visitors also experience the Edward Borein Gallery, the Gledhill Research Library, and two historic adobes.
PROJECT FIESTA! CENTENNIAL!
Celebrating the Centennial of Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Santa Barbara's largest civic celebration, Old Spanish Days Fiesta, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. To commemorate this landmark event the Historical Museum is staging a special, enlarged edition of its annual Project Fiesta exhibition.
Through photographs and film, poster art and programs, costumes, and additional memorabilia from the Museum's extensive collections, Fiestas from years past will be brought to life - 100 years of memories.
As part of this special year, the Museum is hosting several programs. For more information, click HERE.
Viva la Fiesta!
Open July 12-November 1. 2024
The Story of Santa Barbara
The Museum’s mission is to create meaningful connections to Santa Barbara history. The signature installation traces our community’s story from the Chumash to the mid-20th century. The exhibition features highlights of our extensive collection including clothing, furniture, fine art, photographs, decorative arts, and more.
An audio guide is available to accompany your self-guided visit.
Permanent Installation
Edward Borein Gallery
Western artist Edward Borein (1872-1945) roamed the western states and territories and much of Mexico, working as a cowboy and using his artistic talent to record these experiences.
In his early thirties Borein decided to pursue a career as a professional artist and moved to New York City, where his studio soon became a favorite haunt for important figures such as Will Rogers, Charles M. Russell, Carl Oscar Borg and Buffalo Bill Cody. In the early 1920s he returned to his native California and set up a permanent studio in Santa Barbara. His etchings, watercolors, and drawings quickly earned him a reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of the American West.
The Museum holds the largest and most significant collections of his work, thanks to the dedication and research of curator Marlene Miller.
Permanent Installation
