A Fall Feast of Impressionist and 19th-Century Art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
This fall, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA) transforms into a vibrant hub for art lovers with two must-see exhibitions: The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse and Encore: 19th-Century French Art. Running from October 5, 2025, to January 25, 2026, these exhibitions promise to immerse visitors in the beauty and innovation of Impressionist and 19th-century French art. I’m thrilled to share the details of these shows, which I plan to visit, along with some highlights I’m eager to experience.
The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse
Sourced from the Dallas Museum of Art, The Impressionist Revolution tells the bold story of the Impressionists, a group of rebellious artists who defied convention to redefine modern art. The exhibition features stunning works by luminaries like Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Mondrian, Morisot, and Munch. These paintings showcase the collective’s daring spirit, from vibrant brushstrokes to innovative uses of color and light that challenged the art establishment and reshaped the course of art history. I’m particularly excited to see Monet’s iconic works and Matisse’s bold compositions, which promise to capture the movement’s revolutionary energy.
Claude Monet, Valle Buona, Near Bordighera, 1884. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art
Vincent van Gogh, Sheaves of wheat, July 1890. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art
Berthe Morisot, The Port of Nice, 1881 - 1882. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art
Paul Signac, Mont Saint-Michel, Setting Sun, 1897. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art
Encore: 19th-Century French Art
Encore draws from SBMA’s own impressive collection, presenting over 40 paintings, photographs, and sculptures that transport viewers to 19th-century France. This exhibition is a virtual journey through Parisian landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower, as well as the sun-drenched French Riviera, Normandy’s dramatic cliffs, and serene countryside farms. With four Monets among the highlights, the show not only recreates the world these artists inhabited but also underscores the depth of SBMA’s holdings. I’m looking forward to exploring the interplay of photography and painting, which offers a unique glimpse into the era’s cultural milieu.
Claude Monet, Villas in Bordighera, 1884. Oil on canvas. SBMA
Paul Signac, Herblay - The Riverbank, 1889. Oil on canvas. SBMA
Plan Your Visit
Both exhibitions open on October 5, 2025, and run through January 25, 2026. SBMA members can snag advance tickets from August 15 to 29, while public ticket sales begin August 30. I’ve already marked my calendar to grab tickets early and avoid the rush.
These exhibitions are a rare chance to dive into the rebellious spirit and breathtaking beauty of Impressionist and 19th-century French art. Whether you’re drawn to the bold innovation of the Impressionists or the evocative scenes of 19th-century France, SBMA’s fall lineup is not to be missed. I’ll be sharing photos from my visit, so stay tuned for more on these incredible shows!
