A Breathtaking Reopening

In August 2021, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art celebrated the completion of a six-year $50 million renovation campaign. More than 2,000 people streamed through the museum’s doors to see the new and renovated galleries during the grand reopening weekend. The renovation was essential, addressing critical needs to the main building built in 1912, including seismic retrofitting, the replacement of mechanical, air handling, and climate controls systems, and the replacement of ageing roofs. New galleries for contemporary art, photography and new media enable the museum to display even more of its impressive 25,000-object permanent collection.

Highlights of the permanent collection on view include a reimagined installation of the museum’s monumental Roman marbles, intermixed with African and pre-Columbian antiquities. Galleries dedicated to the museum’s superb Asian collection celebrate the region’s diversely rich aesthetics with selections from China, Japan, Korea, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas. A new Works on Paper Study Center offers members and visitors a behind-the-scenes view into the process of researching and caring for the collection. 

The grand reopening provided a short respite after a long construction period and fundraising for the next stages will continue. Now it’s on to programs, lectures, and exhibitions including, on February 27, 2022, the opening of “Through Vincent’s Eyes: Van Gogh and His Sources,” a highly anticipated exhibition presenting 20 works by Vincent van Gogh along with over 75 works by the artists and authors who inspired him. More information about current and upcoming exhibitions can be found on the museum website.

Art lovers of all ages are invited to join as members to enjoy free admission; discounts on programs, lectures, workshops, and shopping at the Museum Store; as well as access to events that celebrate and honor art for all in the community. Philanthropic support membership as a Museum Circles Patron provides donors with additional opportunities to meet artists, curators, and fellow patrons.