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museum exhibitions calendar_today Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Santa Ynez Chumash Museum Launches New Temporary Exhibit, Audio Tour and 'Second Thursday at the Museum' Lecture Series

The Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center has launched a new temporary exhibition titled “Between the Three Worlds: Ceremony and Community in the Paintings of Christopher Evans,” featuring works from its permanent collection. The museum also introduced a self-guided audio tour narrated by Board Chairwoman Kathleen Marshall and a free monthly lecture series called “Second Thursday at the Museum,” starting June 11 with a talk by artist Beau Armenta. These initiatives aim to enhance visitor engagement and deepen understanding of Chumash history and culture.

The launch marks a significant expansion of programming at the museum, which opened in May 2025 and houses over 24,000 cultural items. By offering free after-hours events, an immersive audio tour, and a focused exhibition on a contemporary Chumash artist, the museum strengthens its role as a community hub for cultural education and connection. This reflects a broader trend of Indigenous museums using innovative programming to attract diverse audiences and preserve heritage.