The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is preparing to make a bold visual statement with its upcoming major exhibition by wrapping its historic front steps in eye-catching artwork. The museum will host "The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse" from October 5 through January 25, and in collaboration with the City of Santa Barbara, plans to install adhesive artwork reading "Monet to Matisse" on the building's prominent front steps. The proposal is scheduled for discussion at the city's Historic Landmarks Commission meeting on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the David Gebhard Meeting Room at 630 Garden Street.
"We are thrilled to have the Museum of Art showcase its upcoming exhibition on the steps of the museum, which we hope will spark awareness and excitement for The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse," said Tess Harris, State Street master planner. She emphasized the significance of the exhibition, noting that "Santa Barbara is fortunate to be the only West Coast city to host this exhibition, and the temporary wrapping of the stairs provides an inviting way to share that excitement with both residents and visitors."
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art, located at 1130 State Street, occupies a building with rich historical significance. Originally constructed between 1912 and 1914, the structure served as the Santa Barbara Federal Post Office Building. The building was designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style by Oscar Wenderoth, the supervising architect of the U.S. Treasury Department, with assistance from local architect Francis Wilson. According to a Historic Significance report prepared by the city, the site was known as the federal building and housed several federal agencies. The building was deliberately set back from the street to reflect its important governmental status.
By the mid-1930s, the federal offices had outgrown the original building, leading to the construction of a new post office. Architect Reginald Johnson designed the replacement facility at the intersection of Anacapa and East Canon Perdido streets, where it stands today. This transition opened up new possibilities for the historic building's future use.
The transformation into an art museum began in 1937 when the postmaster allowed the former post office space to be used as an exhibition area for local artists, responding to growing community support for establishing a public art museum. One of the museum's founding trustees, Wright Ludington, played a crucial role in establishing the institution's collection. A passionate collector since the 1920s, Ludington amassed European and American paintings as well as Greek and Roman sculptures. He generously donated much of his private collection to form the museum's initial core collection of paintings, drawings, and classical sculpture.
The building underwent significant architectural changes when it was converted into a museum. After efforts by Thomas Storke and Santa Barbara County, the building was sold and underwent a major redesign. Chicago architect David Adler, working with local architect Chester Carjola, transformed the former post office from its original Italian Renaissance Revival style into a Mediterranean style, better suited for its new role as an art museum.
As part of the preparations for the Monet to Matisse exhibit, the Museum of Art plans additional improvements to enhance visibility and historical authenticity. The museum will trim hedges to match historic photographs from 1950 and 1975, which will provide the community with better views of the Museum of Art building and restore its appearance to match its historical presentation.
Harris explained the broader significance of incorporating art into public spaces, particularly in downtown areas. "Art in public spaces plays a vital role in the life of a downtown," she said. "It brings energy and vibrancy, creates opportunities for storytelling, and helps highlight important issues or events. Art sparks joy and awareness, builds a sense of pride in the community, and generates buzz that draws people into the heart of the city. In this way, the temporary art on the museum steps not only supports the upcoming exhibition but also strengthens the cultural vitality of State Street."
The museum's step display is just the beginning of Santa Barbara's expanded commitment to public art. The city received significant recognition this year by being awarded the Bloomberg Asphalt Art Grant, making it one of only 10 cities in North America to receive this prestigious honor. The grant will fund an ambitious project to transform the Farmers Market area into a vibrant civic hub that enhances both safety and community celebration.
The Bloomberg grant project will feature colorful curb extensions, enhanced crosswalks, and large-scale asphalt art designed to calm traffic, improve visibility, and create safer connections for pedestrians and cyclists. Beyond safety improvements, the artwork will serve important cultural and social purposes by honoring the Mixtec and Zapotec communities, engaging youth artists, and highlighting sustainability initiatives. These elements are intended to make downtown Santa Barbara more inclusive, dynamic, and welcoming for all residents and visitors.
The City Council is expected to consider an agenda item related to the Asphalt Art Grant project this fall, with the actual installation planned for spring 2026, according to Harris. This timeline will allow for proper planning and community input while building on the momentum created by the museum's Monet to Matisse exhibition and step display.
