Gallery Tours

Learn more about the artwork on view at SBMA with a docent-led gallery tour. Tours take place daily and are free with the price of admission. Please meet in Ludington Court near the State Street entrance at the times listed below.

Tuesday – Thursday: 1 pm

Friday - Sunday: 11:30 am, 1 pm

1st and 3rd Thursdays: Ten Talks at 6:30 pm

During July – September 2023, the following tours are offered:

Highlights of the Permanent Collection

The Private Universe of James Castle: Drawings from the William Louis-Dreyfus Foundation and James Castle Collection and Archive

Guided Tours in American Sign Language

Group Tours

Are you interested in touring the Museum as a group? Docent-led group tours are offered Thursdays at 4 pm and Fridays at 3 pm. Please submit your request at least three weeks in advance of your desired tour date.

To book a group tour, please call 805.884.6421 or email tickets@sbma.net. Museum Visitor Services staff are happy to assist you.

School Tours

SBMA offers a range of in-person gallery tours and art programs for students in grades K – College. To book a school tour, please refer to the Schools & Teachers page for current offerings or reserve a tour directly through the online field trip registration system. Reservations must be made at least three weeks in advance.

Self-guided school visits that meet SBMA’s chaperone requirements are permitted for grades 9 – college. Please notify the Museum by phone or email at least two weeks in advance of your planned visit. To prepare, please refer to the School Visit Toolkit in advance of your visit.

Questions? Contact the Museum’s Education Department at 805.884.6457 or schoolprograms@sbma.net.

Verbal Description Tours

SBMA offers verbal description tours for individuals who are blind or have low vision. To schedule a verbal description tour, please contact the Museum’s Education Department at 805.884.6457 or education@sbma.net. Please submit your request three weeks in advance of the desired tour date.