Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Natural history museum in Santa Barbara, United States.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History houses collections of animal specimens, rocks, and fossils from the region across multiple galleries and outdoor display areas. Pathways connect different sections of the building, allowing visitors to move between the various collection areas.
Founded in 1916, the museum grew from a modest private collection into a major regional institution. Its collection expanded over the decades to become an important archive of California's natural heritage.
The museum reflects how the natural world shaped Santa Barbara's history and how people in the region have long connected with their environment. The displays show the relationship between local communities and the land they inhabit.
The museum sits near Mission Creek and operates year-round with rotating displays and special exhibitions. It includes outdoor areas to explore, so wear comfortable shoes and come prepared for changing light and weather conditions.
The building itself is a notable example of Spanish-California architecture with adobe walls, red tile roofs, and decorative ironwork reflecting local building traditions. These architectural features make the museum structure itself part of what visitors discover here.
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