Leadership-Led Experience

Create a memorable and highly personalized experience at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. For patrons and private groups seeking an experience beyond a standard docent-led tour, the Museum may offer exclusive experiences led by Museum leadership or members of the curatorial team. These customized experiences offer guests an opportunity to engage more deeply with the Museum's collections, exhibitions, history, architecture, and behind-the-scenes work.

Exclusive experiences are available for a required minimal philanthropic contribution of $3,000 to $5,000, supporting the Santa Barbara Museum of Art's exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives.

Choose Your Experience:

Curatorial Leadership Experience — $3,000+

A private, in-depth experience led by the Museum's Chief Curator & Curator of Contemporary Art James Glisson or another senior member of the curatorial team.

• The Museum's History & Collections

  Explore the history of SBMA, its architecture, and the development of its permanent collection.

• Special Look

  A focused experience centered on a current exhibition, its themes, artists, and curatorial approach.

• Customized Collection Experience

  Work with the Museum to develop a personalized tour based on the interests of your group, such as a particular artist, period, medium, or theme.

Director's Experience — $5,000+

An exclusive experience led by Eichholz Foundation Director Amada Cruz, subject to availability. This highly personalized experience may include a private conversation about the Museum's mission, history, collections, exhibitions, and future vision, combined with a customized exploration of the galleries.

Special Access Experience — $3,000+

Depending on availability and operational considerations, the Museum may also be able to arrange a special behind-the-scenes experience offering insight into the work that supports the Museum's exhibitions and collections. Possible experiences may include:

• A look at the behind-the-scenes process of preparing exhibitions
• Insight into the work of Museum professionals who care for and interpret the collection
• A conversation about exhibition development and installation
• A glimpse into the operational work that supports the Museum's galleries and programs

Special access experiences are subject to availability, staff schedules, safety requirements, and Museum operations. Specific access cannot be guaranteed.

Important Information

All exclusive experiences are subject to the availability of Museum leadership, curatorial staff, and other participating personnel, as well as Museum programming and operational requirements.

All philanthropic contributions support the Santa Barbara Museum of Art's exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives.

The Museum offers art-focused tours and experiences only. The Museum does not provide event planning, reception coordination, seated dinner coordination, or catering services. Food and beverages are not permitted in the Museum's galleries.

Request a Leadership-Led Experience

Complete our Leadership-Led Experience Request Form.

Following submission of this request, a member of the Museum team will contact you to discuss your interests and determine whether the requested experience can be accommodated.