I thought it might be helpful to future bride and grooms who may be considering getting married at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum to hear about this space from a different perspective than what you may typically read about in reviews. I would love to offer the light and lines perspective of how the Santa Barbara Historical Museum unfolds from a wedding day experience and how it presents in photography.As someone who sees spaces in terms of light and composition, the Santa Barbara Historical Museum captures the authentic rustic elegance that Santa Barbara is known for. The property first unfolds and presents itself first with the more intimate of the two courtyards. The pergola archway with green foliage crawling throughout the thick wooden beams is the focal point to the space and makes for a beautiful ceremony location. The layers of green photograph incredibly well under this archway in either direction. I’ve photographed weddings here where the guests face the pergola and also weddings in a rotated orientation where the guests line either side of the pergola with the couple at the far end. The sunlight at this location moves in the direction of the larger courtyard, so either ceremony orientation looks spectacular.There are so many fun layers of Spanish themes to layer in to my photographs; from the fountain in the entrance courtyard, to the Spanish overhangs and architecture, to the succulents and landscaping that runs throughout the property. One of my favorite spaces to photograph couples for golden hour is just around the corner to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. You can see the wall textures and architectural layers in the photos I posted. Everything about this space photographs Santa Barbara’s rustic elegance. I absolutely LOVE photographing at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum!

If its free, its for me! You can come visit this museum for absolutely free but donations are highly appreciated. This beautiful compound currently consists of a historical representation of Santa Barbaras Fiesta! Hanging from the walls are facts and photos about Fiesta! from the 20s to today. Complete with over 7000 photographs of postcards from this and the last century, an old horse drawn buggy, and a beautifully handcrafted saddle (please dont touch)! The grounds consist of handicapped ramps to assist in visiting the different sanded levels. At the bottom is a beautiful small courtyard with a fountain, grapevines, and beautiful trees bearing fruit. Come check it out, enjoy for a lifetime!(Edited for spelling error)

Nice museum, informative exhibits and beautiful space, but my low rating is for one reason only, the nearly complete absence of information and exhibits of the original people of the Santa Barbara region, who would become known as the Chumash.On my visit there were only two small exhibits of the Chumash, showing a few baskets and stone tools. These were people who were here thousands of years before the Spanish arrived (8,000+ years ago, it’s estimated), developing one of the most populated regions of native people in what is now North America. They developed advanced societies, trade, commerce and governance. They were master boat-builders, inhabiting the Channel Islands, and had an understanding of the natural environment, plant and wildlife far advanced from the Spanish colonialists. Unfortunately, the Spanish Imperialists saw them as primitive savages, vilifying their customs, belief systems and culture. Many of the Spanish sincerely believed theirs was good intent, though many were outright opportunists. They enslaved many native people, justifying it in order to “save” them, and brought diseases that killed over 90% of the native people.None of this is conveyed in the museum that, based on it’s name, exists to tell the history of Santa Barbara.The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, just a few miles away, does a far better job of providing a truer depiction of the role the original people here played in Santa Barbara’s history. There are countless books they do so as well (Thrown Among Strangers by Doug Monroy is highly recommended).I understand that many in Santa Barbara have historically chosen to tell only the portion of its history from a Spanish perspective, but it’s time a truer history be told.

Nice museum with great exhibitions & lightings! Great visit!

Modern museum with historical pieces and dresses from the time of the new spain there will discover because the name of santa barbara. They have an area for social events

Such a beautiful space! From the moment we sent our inquiry email to Heather on our search for a wedding venue, she was so quick and gracious to respond with a welcoming smile, and didnt hesitate to give us a tour of the beautiful space. She were accommodating and always available. SBHM is truly magical, we heard so much praise of the space at our wedding, thank you.

Very interesting museum and amazing docents!

A decent museum for the price. There are two areas with floating exhibits. At the time of my visit, they had some really lovely art from historic residents of Santa Barbara. The main museum is fairly small, but well laid-out. Plan on about 45 minutes.

Great staff. They always have great exhibitions. Were lucky to have such a great Historical museum in Santa Barbara, California.

Attended wedding after hours on Monday prior to Thanksgiving. It was beautiful setting for it but rustic dirt floors. Never entered museum itself so cant speak to that. Catering was great.

My wife had to go here for a class. Some cool things to see, but not very big.

This place is breathtaking, it has been restored and the buildings and grounds are amazing, it is a must when in Santa Barbara.

Very nice, local historical museum. The exhibits and artifacts are well organized and presented. The Edward Borein exhibit was especially enjoyable. You feel the character, ethos, and optimism of the American West in his art.

Such a cool little museum. I was by myself the whole time. It’s not very big but it’s worth it. If you’re a student, it’s free. There’s parking in the back and you walk through a pretty courtyard to get to the front door. Great pictures that explain the history of Santa Barbara. Loved it!

Visitor center and the museum states they are open at noon. We went at 14:00 and doors locked.

Found a Free parking spot out front. During Old Spanish Days entry is free! A beautiful front building, walk through to the old Adobe structure. The staff very friendly

Neal Graffys lectures are the best. Great staff!

Finally! I’ve been meaning to come see the Fiesta exhibit and it did not disappoint. This is a lovely small museum with unique artifacts. Well organized, and as another reviewer stated - “significant” displays. If you have an interest in SB and a couple of hours to spare, this is a charming spot to be. I enjoyed strolling the grounds and yes, it would be a charming spot for a wedding, photo shoot, etc. I felt like I escaped the city and the modern world for just a little while here. Enjoy.

Small but full of terrific information amd one of a kind treasures and artifacts from the founding of this incredible Californian city.

The museum is small but packed with great exhibits and photography. I was especially impressed with the way they cleaned up photos from the late 19th century. The details of those photos was astounding!

This place was so cool the exhibits that were presented were interesting and very educational. The place out side is just a nice view.

NOT free, admission is $7 for adults. Small museum but cool things on display. Exhibit include paintings, drawings, clothing, furniture, and other artifacts.

Good place to learn a bit story and price for $7. It is a small but it is

Beautiful exhibits. Great history of Santa Barbara. The West Dressed Woman exhibit was delightful.

A little disappointing. expected to see a more comprehensive, curated timeline of the history of Santa Barbara

It is free and awesome place to Learn the history of santa Barbara. They have really good explanation of the different stages of the city

Beautiful historical site, great wedding venue. Lots of trees and overhangs to relax under during mid-afternoon. Open area is big enough to host large parties (75- 100 people comfortably)

Terrific exhibits, beautiful images of old Santa Barbara

Awesome place with a lot of history ... Great staff who are very helpful. G

We love using Santa Barbara Historical Museum as a wedding and event venue. The team is wonderful and easy to work with and the rules of the historical property are fair and easy to understand.

Great local history museum.

Pretty cool museum highlighting Santa Barbara history

Outstanding history of SB!

The yard is pretty. One exhivition is under construction. Other two is abit dark anf thus scary. Overall it is very educational.

Great little museum for quick glimpse of Santa Barbara and California history. Donation for admission. Learned many new facts. Recommend. Minimum one hour.

Really nice place to walk around. Entrance is technically free so you can take the kids.

A Jewel -- a bit of history and architecture, and a very nice series of traveling art exhibits that focus on life in olden times, rural themes and nature. Another reason why Santa Barbara is a special place.

Im a member of the museum and appreciate the care and passion for which the staff gives towards sharing and preserving the history of our beautiful and charming city.

Ive worked with the these folks a couple of time for various events. They are very passionate about their cause, and I always feel good knowing were helping preserve the unique history of this area.

Great museum, lots of interesting SB historical artifacts

This small historical museum is well laid out with significant exhibits .

Beautiful venue and wonderful events!

Very cool and interesting museum. Love it

Cool small museum that teaches Santa Barbaras history. Donation-only

Amazing Wedding Venue. Very Santa Barbara.

They have a great collection taking about the Spanish influence in the USA.

Very nice place for weddings..

Super museum, very specific to the region. Very moving exhibition about Japanese Internment.

Perfect venue for an outdoor wedding!

They have a mural here that has more moxie than all of the art in SB county.

So much fun

Great venue.

Meh

Amazing wedding venue.

Beautiful spaces.

Venue was beautiful!!!

Family fun

Historic

Its FREE and good

Nice place

Outstanding place!

Interesting local history

Great museum Amazing event space