Santa Barbara Maritime Museum

Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Preserving and celebrating the maritime heritage of the California Coast Home of the Point Conception First Order Fresnel Lens.
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Creating quality exhibits and educational experiences that celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel and illuminate our rich connections with the sea.

Here it is! The final creation from the 2026 I Madonnari Festival. Swipe to see one of our staff’s pups and the real “Di...
05/27/2026

Here it is! The final creation from the 2026 I Madonnari Festival.

Swipe to see one of our staff’s pups and the real “Diver Dan”

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Commercial diving was revolutionized on November 3, 1962, when Santa Barbara Abalone Diver Dan Wilson dove more than 400 feet off the east end of Santa Cruz Island in the Santa Barbara Channel. He used oxy-helium (Heliox) as breathing gas instead of normal air.

On Memorial Day, we honor those who served and invite families visiting the waterfront to stop by SBMM and explore Santa...
05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor those who served and invite families visiting the waterfront to stop by SBMM and explore Santa Barbara’s maritime story.

Veterans and active military receive free admission. Open today 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

05/23/2026

Heading to I Madonnari this weekend? Be sure to stop by and see what Ernie Merlan is creating for SBMM. His mural is part of this year’s vibrant festival at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, where the plaza comes alive with color, creativity, and community spirit. This is just the first layer....don't miss the final creation.

Come visit, enjoy the art, and see SBMM be part of this beloved Santa Barbara tradition.

05/22/2026

Get to know more about Dr. Marley Dewey and her groundbreaking research at SBMM’s May Maritime Distinguished Speaker Series. In “How Our Skeletons Can Save Our Reefs,” Dr. Dewey explores how advances in human bone repair may help restore coral reefs—offering an inspiring look at innovation, ocean science, and the future of marine conservation.

05/22/2026

SBMM is pleased to take part in the 40th annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival this Memorial Day Weekend. Join us at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, May 23–25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and watch Ernie Merlan, Founder and Executive Director of Muralism, create a special mural for SBMM.

This free community event transforms the Mission plaza into a stunning outdoor gallery of large-scale pastel street paintings by artists of all ages. Come celebrate art, mentorship, and community connection with us.

SBMM is pleased to take part in the 40th annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival this Memorial Day Weekend. ...
05/22/2026

SBMM is pleased to take part in the 40th annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival this Memorial Day Weekend. Join us at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, May 23–25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and watch Ernie Merlan, Founder and Executive Director of Muralism, create a special mural for SBMM.

This free community event transforms the Mission plaza into a stunning outdoor gallery of large-scale pastel street paintings by artists of all ages. Come celebrate art, mentorship, and community connection with us.

This Saturday! Kids can build boats from reclaimed materials, add sails, and learn boating basics on the museum patio in...
05/20/2026

This Saturday! Kids can build boats from reclaimed materials, add sails, and learn boating basics on the museum patio in Santa Barbara Harbor. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Happening now (12:30-2:30 pm) at SBMM: the Aquean Artist Walkthrough and Book Signing with David Ellis and Larry Vigon. ...
05/16/2026

Happening now (12:30-2:30 pm) at SBMM: the Aquean Artist Walkthrough and Book Signing with David Ellis and Larry Vigon. Join us at the museum to experience the exhibition through the artists’ own perspectives and stay for book signings to follow.

📍 Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
🕧 Now underway

Celebrate World Boating Day at SBMM with Port, Starboard & Sails: A Hands-On Boating Adventure on Saturday, May 23, from...
05/16/2026

Celebrate World Boating Day at SBMM with Port, Starboard & Sails: A Hands-On Boating Adventure on Saturday, May 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In collaboration with Sail to Shelter, children can build boats from reclaimed materials, add handmade sails, and learn boating basics in the heart of Santa Barbara Harbor. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to explore creativity, sustainability, and life on the water. ⚓⛵

Address

Santa Barbara, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18059628404

Website

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