Press Releases
October 8, 2026
*Dinorama: Miniatures Through the Mesozoic returns to SB Museum of Natural History
*Outdoor exhibit of mini dioramas runs October 17, 2026 through March 14, 2027
October 5, 2026
*The first museum exhibition ever devoted to a “British Audubon”
*Features live-sized etchings of British birds by Prideaux John Selby
*Explores a Romantic philosophy of nature based on connections
October 2, 2026
National Earth Science Week celebration at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Learn about geology, paleontology, astronomy, and mapping from Museum staff.
October 11–17
September 16, 2026
Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant will read You Belong in the Wild at Storytime in the Museum Backyard on October 3, 2026.
The event encourages children of all backgrounds to see themselves in nature and science.
September 7, 2026
Astro Fest included with Museum admission, September 26, 10:00 AM to noon
Featuring astronomy experts from institutions around the Central Coast
September 1, 2026
Birds of California's Channel Islands published by Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History now available in Museum Store.
Primary author is the Museum's Curator Emeritus Paul W. Collins, M.A.
August 27, 2026
Family-friendly event on Sept. 13 invites Members and guests to meet the beloved star of Dinosaur Train at Donuts & Dinos from 9:00—10:00 AM and at a general meet-and-greet from 10:30 AM—1:00 PM.
August 20, 2026
• “A Day of BEEing” public talk at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
• Wednesday, September 9, 6:00–7:00 PM, $12 general admission, $10 Members
• Featuring National Geographic Explorer
August 12, 2026
At The Museum | Fleischmann Auditorium
Join us to experience a total solar eclipse on the big screen! Courtesy of the Exploratorium, we'll enjoy a live video feed.
August 12, 2026
Remaining at home while aging is a challenging goal of a growing demographic
Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisory Kendra Epley offers expert tips
Free webinar Tuesday, September 8, noon to 1:00 PM
July 23, 2026
*Sunflower Stars play a key role in the kelp forest by controlling urchin grazing of kelp.
*Two stars from Sunflower Star Laboratory (SSL) are now residents at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf.
June 9, 2026
The Museum’s board welcomes a diversity of perspectives from professionals that hold aligned values and have demonstrated their commitment to the institution.
June 6, 2026
Free admission and hands-on activities at the Sea Center on Stearns Wharf, June 6
Meet local ocean science and conservation partners
Family-friendly celebration across Stearns Wharf
May 20, 2026
• Beloved summer exhibit returns: Butterflies Alive! open May 23–September 7
• The exhibit’s butterflies are sustainably raised in Costa Rica through a partnership that supports small family farms.
April 21, 2026
Abrigo de los Escorpiones is the fifth volume in the Contributions in Anthropology series
Volume is a detailed report of the excavation of a rock shelter in northwestern Baja California
April 17, 2026
The Collectors: A Life in Lepidoptera runs April 24–September 7, 2026 in John and Peggy Maximus Gallery at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
April 13, 2026
Sprague Butterfly Pavilion nominated for Best Butterfly Garden in USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards
April 13, 2026
The startling and unique female Mysterious Moon Clam in the running for Mollusc of the Year.
A scientist at SBMNH leads an international team studying this species.
April 8, 2026
• A celebration of Santa Barbara County’s wine and food scene set on the Museum’s iconic oak woodland campus, June 27
• Tastings from dozens of renowned wineries, alongside local chefs and bakeries
April 3, 2026
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History hosts the Trail Running Film Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026, celebrating the joy, beauty, and challenges of running in wild places.
