diff --git a/CHANGELOG b/CHANGELOG
index 024abc52..cf7a4efd 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG
+++ b/CHANGELOG
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ pyqtgraph-0.9.9  [unreleased]
       when plots do not fit inside the widget.
     - Added BarGraphItem.shape() to allow better mouse interaction
     - Added MeshData.cylinder
+    - Added ViewBox.setBackgroundColor()
 
   Bugfixes:
     - PlotCurveItem now has correct clicking behavior--clicks within a few px
diff --git a/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ViewBox/ViewBox.py b/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ViewBox/ViewBox.py
index 06e0ec1f..adc089a7 100644
--- a/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ViewBox/ViewBox.py
+++ b/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ViewBox/ViewBox.py
@@ -285,6 +285,15 @@ class ViewBox(GraphicsWidget):
         self.updateViewRange()
         self.sigStateChanged.emit(self)
 
+    def setBackgroundColor(self, color):
+        """
+        Set the background color of the ViewBox.
+        
+        If color is None, then no background will be drawn.
+        """
+        self.background.setVisible(color is not None)
+        self.state['background'] = color
+        self.updateBackground()
 
     def setMouseMode(self, mode):
         """