Accessibility at SBMA

SBMA is committed to making our exhibitions and programs accessible and welcoming to all. Below is a list of on-site accommodations for guests.

If you have questions or would like assistance planning your visit, please contact us at tickets@sbma.net or (805) 884-6344.

Planning Your Visit

• Personal Care Attendants. Admission is free for one person accompanying a visitor with accessibility needs.
• Accessible Restrooms. Restrooms at SBMA are ADA accessible. Family-friendly and all-gender restrooms are available throughout the Museum.

• Service Animals Policy. Service animals that are trained to do work or perform specific tasks for the benefit of an individual with disabilities are welcome at SBMA.

  Visitors with Service Animals must adhere to the following:

  • The animal must be under the handler’s control at all times.
  • No retractable leashes permitted. The animal must be on a six-foot or shorter tether.
  • Be mindful that some visitors or staff may be frightened or allergic to animals.
  • Handlers must pick up after their service animal.
  • Vacate the property if the animal is out of control or misbehaves.

• Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted within the Museum.
• Nursing and Bottle Feeding. Visitors are welcome to breastfeed infants in all areas of the Museum, on all floors, including the galleries spaces. Please note that gallery seating may be limited. Visitors are welcome to bottle feed infants in all public areas on the Ground Level (GL) floor of the Museum. Bottle feeding is not permitted on gallery levels.

For Visitors Using Mobility Aids

• Accessible Parking. Accessible parking spaces are located in Downtown Parking Lots 6 and 7. Visit the City of Santa Barbara website for a map of downtown parking locations and current parking rates. SBMA does not provide parking validation.
• Accessible Drop-Off. The most convenient location to drop off a guest who may have limited mobility is on East Anapamu Street between State and Anacapa Streets.
• Accessible Entrance. An ADA accessible ramp leading to the Museum's main entrance is located on East Anapamu Street. A self-serve door is available by pressing OPEN at the top of the ramp. For additional assistance, press the CALL button and someone from the Museum will be happy to assist you.
• Standard Wheelchairs and Gallery Seating. Two standard wheelchairs are available at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Light, folding gallery stools are also available for visitors who may need to rest while exploring the galleries. To reserve a wheelchair in advance, please contact our Visitor Services desk at tickets@sbma.net or (805) 884-6344.
• Wheelchair Seating. Front- and rear-row seating for visitors using wheelchairs is available in the auditorium. Please arrive early to reach this area before a program begins. Visitor Services staff will be happy to assist you.

For Visitors Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

• Large Format Labels. Large format labels of exhibition texts are available at the Visitor Services desk.
• Verbal Description Tours. Verbal description tours offer opportunities for visitors who are blind or have low vision to engage with works of art through detailed verbal descriptions and guided exploration. To learn more about tour availability and arrangements, please contact our Education Department at education@sbma.net or (805) 884-6457.
• Audio Headsets. SBMA does not offer audio headsets for visitors.
• Indoor Lighting. Lighting may be dimmed in galleries that contain photographs and drawings to protect the art.
• Tactile or Multisensory Experiences SBMA is developing new opportunities for visitors to engage with art through touch and other sensory experiences. Planned initiatives include tactile replicas of selected works of art and Braille labels to support more accessible and independent exploration of the Museum's collection. Additional information will be shared as these resources become available.

For Visitors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

• Hearing Loop Assistive Listening System. The SBMA auditorium has a hearing loop assistive listening system. Activate your telecoil to directly connect to the system. If you need help with your telecoil contact your hearing health care professional.
• Sign Language Interpretation and Open Captioning. Sign language interpretation and open captioning is not being offered during public programs at this time.

For Visitors on the Autism Spectrum and Visitors with Sensory Sensitivities

• Sensory Information. Some exhibitions or installations may have sensory components that could be overwhelming or disorienting to some visitors. Visitors are encouraged to contact Visitor Services in advance with questions about specific exhibitions or sensory considerations.
• Future Sensory-Inclusive Initiatives. As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility, SBMA is exploring the development of sensory-friendly spaces and resources for visitors who may benefit from a quieter, more flexible Museum experience. Potential features include calming environments, adjustable lighting, noise-reducing headphones, sensory tools, and comfortable seating. These initiatives are part of the Museum's longer-term efforts to create a more inclusive visitor experience.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.