Santa Barbara Historical Museum, History museum in downtown Santa Barbara, United States.
Description
The Santa Barbara Historical Museum is a history museum downtown that displays paintings, artifacts, furniture, textiles, and traditional clothing from five centuries of the region's past. The galleries hold objects from different eras and show how people lived through major changes in the area.
History
The museum was founded in 1932 to preserve and share the local history with the public, growing from the work of the Santa Barbara Historical Society. Over the decades, it expanded its collections and programs to document the diverse past of the region.
Culture
The collections show how different peoples - from the Chumash to Spanish settlers and later Americans - shaped the city over time. You can see how crafts, clothing, and everyday objects changed as new groups arrived and settled.
Practical
Visiting is possible mid-week through to weekends, with extended hours on Thursdays if you prefer a quieter or longer visit. The location in downtown makes it easy to reach and combine with other sites nearby.
Did you know?
The lower courtyard preserves two original adobe buildings from the 1800s that show how people lived in early California times. These standing structures offer a rare glimpse into the building methods and living conditions of that era.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Santa Barbara County).
Moreton Bay Fig Tree
912 m
Presidio of Santa Barbara
97 m
Santa Barbara Bowl
1.3 km
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
569 m
Stearns Wharf
1.5 km
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museums
706 m
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
650 m
Casa de la Guerra
222 m
Lobero Theatre
249 m
Rafael Gonzalez House
326 m
Our Lady of Sorrows Church
971 m
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center
1.6 km
East Beach
1.6 km
East Beach
1.6 km
Paseo Nuevo
462 m
Arlington Theatre
405 mCovarrubias Adobe
145 m
Casa Dolores
881 m
Allan Herschell 3-Abreast Carousel
1.4 km
The Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation
1 km
Paseo de la Guerra
296 m
Hill-Carrillo Adobe
411 m
Janssens-Orella-Birk Building
533 m
Trinity Episcopal Church
1.2 km
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
2 km
Granada Theater
729 m
Santa Barbara Public Library
617 m
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Santa Barbara
706 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes