Private Group Tour

Looking for standard group admission without a dedicated docent? Simply book tickets online for the number in your party. Complimentary docent-led tours are offered at 1 pm. on weekdays and at 11:30 am. and 1 pm on weekends, and can accommodate groups of up to 15 guests. If your group is larger, or you'd like a docent-led tour at a different time or focused on a specific exhibition or gallery, please book a Private Group Tour instead.

Experience the Santa Barbara Museum of Art through an engaging private led tour featuring highlights from SBMA's permanent collection and current exhibitions. Each tour is approximately 45 minutes to an hour long. Our knowledgeable docents tailor each tour to the interests of your group, offering meaningful conversations about art, history, and culture. These private tours are designed for corporate groups, professional organizations, travel groups, community organizations, and other private parties during regular Museum hours.

Tour Pricing

• $300 for groups of up to 10 visitors
• $30 for each additional visitor
• Maximum group size: 25 visitors

Qualified schools, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, and community partners may be eligible for complimentary tours. Please indicate your organization when submitting your request.

Looking for an Even More Personalized Experience?

Special private experiences led by Museum leadership or members of the curatorial team are available for a required minimal philanthropic contribution of $3,000–$5,000, supporting SBMA's exhibitions, educational programs, and community initiatives. Learn more about Leadership-Led Experiences , or indicate your interest when submitting your Private Group Tour request.

Please note: The Santa Barbara Museum of Art offers private art experiences and guided tours only. At this time, we do not provide catering coordination, event planning, or event coordination services.

Tour Availability

• Tuesday–Sunday
• During regular Museum hours
• Beginning between 11 am and 4 pm
• Subject to docent availability and Museum programming
• Each tour is approximately 45 minutes to an hour long
• After-hours leadership-led experiences may be available upon request, subject to staff availability, for a required minimal philanthropic contribution of $3,000 to $5,000.

Please submit your request at least three weeks before your preferred tour date. The final number of guests must be confirmed 14 days before the scheduled tour. Additional guests may be accommodated based on availability and will be billed at $30 per person, up to the maximum group size of 25.

Arrival

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. Groups are advised to check in at our Main Visitor Services Desk located at the Main Entrance to the Museum on State Street.

Arriving early gives time for:

• Check-in
• Admissions
• Restroom use
• Gathering the group

Bus and shuttle drop-off is available at the Museum's designated loading zone on Anapamu Street. The loading area is located along the yellow curb adjacent to the Museum.

Payment Schedule

A $300 deposit is required at the time of booking to reserve your private tour. This deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your tour.

The remaining balance, if applicable, is due 14 days prior to the scheduled tour.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 7 or more days before the scheduled tour will receive a full refund of the deposit.

Cancellations made fewer than 7 days before the tour are non-refundable.

Request a Private Group Tour

Complete our Private Group Tour Request Form.

After we receive your request, a member of our Visitor Experience team will contact you to:

• Confirm availability
• Answer any questions
• Finalize tour details
• Arrange payment

Submitting a request does not guarantee a reservation. Tours are confirmed only after availability has been verified by Museum staff.