Barnes Foundation

My degree is in art history, and this museum definitely has some amazing pieces, including some of my favorite and more obscure Degas works. However, I do agree with some of the other reviews that this museum does tend to over-​glorify Albert Barnes, and sometimes I think they read too much into how Barnes arranged the paintings.

This review is submitted by someone who was admittedly a Barnes, Merion snob.
That changed 13 months ago when I visited on one of the free Sundays and became an instant fan of Barnes, Parkway. Feb 7,2015 was my 3^rd of 3 free visits. Today, I forked over the cash to become a member and I am proud to say I am now a Barnes, Parkway snob.
This art lover has had her dreams fulfilled. Stunning architecture to house incredible works of post-​Impressionist and some works of modern art. The lighting is much better than in Merion and thus your viewing enjoyment is greatly enhanced. And they stuck to Albert Barnes’ vision in displaying it much the same as it was in Merion, for all to see. Today’s visit was to the Glackens exhibition which in and of itself was divine.
Twice I’ve had the opportunity to dine at the Garden Restaurant which is minimalist and pretty in its décor with wide, tall windows in which to blend with the outdoors, in season. The seasonal food was very good and beautifully presented. Can’t wait to dine there again when spring has sprung!
Yes, I will return to Merion as they have the wonderful arboretum and they offer classes. But, as a reformed Barnes, Merion purist my heart dances when I see the Renoirs’, Cézanne’s, Matisse’s and Degas’ beautifully on display in this new venue

Amazing selection of artwork.
Absurd rules regarding not being allowed to wear a basic jacket inside.
One of the guards was incredibly rude regarding kids stating they must remain immediately next to your person at all times.

«The Amazing Little Museum that you’ve Never Heard of.»
The Barnes Foundation in Merion is easily one of the most important cultural landmarks of the 20^th century. Sadly, if you missed it, it may never be the same in downtown Philadelphia. There’s something fundamentally wrong about the collection being moved from it’s location in Merion. It’s not fair, but then again, life isn’t fair. (If it were, I’d be 6 feet tall and playing second base for the Chicago Cubs.) It’s extremely sad that the collection is moving, though it may not be without merit in some regards.
I’ll say one more thing on that: «The Art of the Steal» is called a documentary, but it’s not. Truthfully, it’s flat-​out propaganda, as it doesn’t state facts – it makes an argument. Ken Burns makes documentaries. Michael Moore does not. The difference between the Michael Moore crap that is made and «The Art of the Steal» is that I agree with the bias in «The Art of the Steal.» It’s certainly worth watching. It will enrage you. The Barnes being moved in this fashion is a tragedy.
Enough about that. We can learn two important things about life from the Barnes. I mentioned the first sad truth already (Life isn’t fair). The second, and more potent message that the Barnes delivers in such a unique, well-​articulated fashion is that life is art, and art is life.
Never before the Barnes (at least that this writer is aware of) was there such a collection of art that focused so intently on it’s arrangement and how the pieces fit together ascetically. A few times it has been tried on the scale since, but still not in the same fashion.
By the way – regardless of the specific arrangement of the art, the art is nothing short of remarkable. A lot of focus on the Barnes goes to the fact that the collection is almost impossible to accurately put a value on (I’ve heard figures between 27 billion and 36 billion dollars. Putting that in perspective, if you took the total value of the wealth amassed by both co-​founders of Google (Sergey Brin and Larry Page), sold everything they had and converted it perfectly into cash, as of this writing you might not be able to afford the balance art in the Barnes collection. That’s pretty friggin’ nuts.
Enough background – what about the collection? Simply marvelous. Probably the greatest collection I’ve seen for the time period that Barnes collected (impressionism, pre-​modern /​early modern, etc – late 1800s and early 1900s). I believe they have more Renoirs than the city of Paris. They have one of the Van Gogh postmans. They have the Seurat models. And, my personal favorite – they’ve got the Card Players. The really, really good one. And, who could forget Matisse’s «The Dance II» (an awesome triptych, literally made by Matisse for the Barnes foundation’s building.)
Spring for the audio tour – it’s well worth it, especially in the setting that provides very little description to each painting. The audio tour will also help the average patron think more like an artist as it will occasionally explain why the painting was placed in the position it was.
No pictures were allowed in the old building. That really sucked, especially now since no one will ever be able to see it «as it was intended by Barnes» but in a sliver of pictures distributed throughout the Internet.
As for boycotting the museum, I think that’s a stupid suggestion. I don’t care if you pile the art in a shack out back – it’s still great art. Why would you suggest that anyone not see the art just because of the politics that surround it? Hate the lying politicians, don’t hate the art.
All that being said, there’s a few things I hope improve with the move. The lighting in the original galleries was pretty dark. I hope the natural lighting in the new galleries is improved using more modern techniques. Also, I hope that the galleries are a bit less cramped.
In any case, it’s marvelous – despite all the politics and controversy. If you have the chance to see it in it’s new location, I’d go.

This place used to be spectacular… and now I’m awaiting what it’s going to be like in 2012 on the Parkway. Of course, it’s a huge Philly controversy… but there’s always two sides to any story. I’m sure the new one will be a nice re-​creation, but I don’t think it’ll ever really be the same.

Having just watched «The Art of the Steal» last night, the documentary about the blatant theft of the Barnes collection by big-​wigs in city government for profit and tourism, I’m inclined to give this beautiful museum a 5 star review, before I have to relegate it to the list of things that existed in my lifetime I have to tell my children about one day (like when Pluto was a planet, pay-​phones existed, and when gum was a quarter).
The Barnes Foundation houses (housed) a staggering and gorgeous collection of some of the finest Post-​Impressionist and Modern art anywhere in the world. It is a true shame that what was once so pure and good has now been corrupted and will forever be associated with one of the largest political scandals in our city’s history. I only had the opportunity to visit the Foundation once, but I was awe-​struck at the collection, the presentation, the grounds, and the genuine sense of respect you feel for the entire idea behind it.
Do yourself a favor and watch «Art of the Steal.» Unfortunately, the chance to see the Barnes collection in its rightful home has passed.

The Barnes Museum is the most unique place to see art in America It is a shame that the courts have ignored the rules of Dr. Barnes’ Trust and are planning a move to a $ 300M museum in downtown Philly.
It’s all part of the dumbing down trend in America. Take something unique and turn it into something for mass consumption.
Everyone should see the Barnes as it was designed to be seen with the art hung as Dr. Barnes designed it in this unique setting full of history.
The Chronicle of what is happening at the Barnes is showcased in the movie, THE ART OF THE STEAL. It’s a documentary available on NetFlix. The fight is still not over. Check out
It is obvious, even to a casual visitor of the Barnes, that nothing has been done to make a visitor more comfortable or to increase the revenue stream. It is almost as if management has left the Barnes to wither in order to justify this move. Imagine not being able to buy water? That’s what happened to us after a 4 hour drive to get there. They don’t sell it. They don’t even sell candy bars and there are no restaurants around the museum.
The management has deliberately tried to make the Barnes look as run down and hopeless as it possibly can to justify this move downtown to be part of the mainstream art establishment a scene Dr. Barnes loathed and despised… very sad.

You only have one month to visit the Barnes Foundation in its original location in Merion before it closes for a move to downtown Philadelphia. Many will tell you that the move is treasonous. I am withholding judgment on that, but just in case– get yourself to the Barnes ASAP.
It’s a small museum, and half of the art was gone by the time I managed to visit. All the same, it was simply astounding. Barnes brought the art together for teaching purposes, so it is laid out in a fascinating non-​linear fashion. It’s worth shelling out for the audio guide (you don’t have to use the audio tour, you can skip around to the art that most interests you) to learn what Barnes had to teach.
I was particularly enchanted with a few offbeat Van Gogh’s, a quirky Monet painting of a studio boat, the Matisse mural commissioned for the main room, a Seurat nude, and a particularly haunting white-​stocking nude by Courbet. Of course all of those Cezannes are nice too. The Renoirs are mostly pretty terrible, though.
Go while the magic lasts.

I woke up yesterday morning and was like, «Crap…I have to get to the Barnes before it closes?». I don’t know why I had this instant panic of having to go see it, but obviously it was my tuition telling me time was running out. Boy was I right. I went on their website and found only two days were available — yesterday and June 11^th… and June 11^th is no good for my schedule. After this month, the Barnes is closing its doors :-(
Yes, I did just use an emoticon in my review…
I took the last appointment of the day… which was at 4 PM and the Barnes closes at 5 PM. This was kismet that I was able to score the las
I was morally opposed to buying a parking pass for $ 15 so I parked down the block for free and had a lovely 10 minute walk to the museum. The grounds are beautiful and I wish I had known to go earlier to have more time to explore the outside. Lady Barnes started the arboretum there and when the Barnes moves to the city next year, the grounds are still going to be a learning facility for horticulture.
I entered the museum and purchased the audio tour. It was crowded for being so late in the day and I understand why they do the appointments. Security is serious up in here! You have to put all your bags in the basement lockers and there is tape on the floor preventing you from getting close to the wall.
I have to preface that I am not a huge fan of impressionist paintings. In fact, I kind of loathe them. I know they were edgy when they were first coming to life, but now they seem like safe art. I never understood what was so great about Cezanne — his colors and strokes are ugly to me. I will say that Renoir on the other hand stole my heart. Then again, he loved Rubenesque redheads, so why wouldn’t this Rebenesque redhead love him back. I really loved the Degas sketches. I found these to be beautifully composed. I loved the huge Matisse wall painting in the main gallery. Also wonderful were the Van Gogh’s and Picasso’s. I did appreciate the audio tour helping me see the importance of pairing the paintings together. I am afraid of what will become of these compositions in the new museum.
The second floor was already closed and a lot of the paintings were missing for conservation or out on loan. Even still, I am glad I went. I am sure it is too late for everyone else.

GET TO THIS EXHIBIT BEFORE IT CLOSES ON JULY 3RD!!!
After seeing the documentary «Art Of The Steal» a few years ago, we had earmarked a trip to PA to see this amazing collection but much to our chagrin, we waited too long & now only 1 floor was open for public viewing… but IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!
Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, Pissarro… too many treats for the eye to behold! It was an absolute privilege to be able to see these masterpieces in their «native» home — as originally purchased and displayed by Dr Barnes. Not only did he recognize greatness and have the foresight to collect these works (or commission pieces himself — like the Matisse mural) but he was fortunate enough to personally interact with the Masters… I can only imagine what stories he must have heard as they were creating these Impressionists Masterpieces
Each wall of his gallery had a theme of colors & shapes & sight-​lines that I would have totally missed if it were not for the Docent tour we took, or the audio tour we listened to afterwards… paintings, metal wall fixtures, furniture & vases were specifically placed to create a mood or atmosphere & upon first blush, one might see clutter — but after listening to the interpretation of why he placed what he placed, it all made sense & his true brilliance really came to light.
Dr Barnes was very involved in the layout of each wall & designed each room — very impressive!
I’ve seen art in a whole new way — THANKS Dr Barnes!
We spent 4 hours in complete awe

Wow, can’t believe I never visited while I lived here. I thought the restrictions on the collection were silly until now. I can really understand why Barnes did not want it photographed or moved. It is experiential.

Every bit worth it and you will return with a new perspective — going to the Barnes for me was waking a third eye in viewing art. There are a few paintings on the first floor that have already been shipped off for conservation. Each docent tours (we followed 3 of them) will give you interesting perspective. These tours were unlike large museum tours where a docent is repeating same pre-​written passages on a paper. Audio tours (the guided highlights tour) also briefly explains how certain wall ensembles are organized by Dr. Barnes.
Visiting the Barnes also made me wish I lived closer so I could take the classes offered at the foundation and visited sooner — multiple times — I still feel like I missed out for getting here so late. We bought the books written by Dr. Barnes and a CD-​Rom set to take a peek at the paintings on the 2^nd floor. You can test out the CD at the store to see all the contents, or buy it off their website. Not all paintings are available for close-​up, but if you can’t make it to the Barnes, I say CD is probably the closest alternative.

If you like Impressionism, Post-​impressionism or Modern art, you absolutely must visit. Founded in 1922 by Albert Barnes to promote art education, this collection represents the largest single collection of Impressionist and Post-​impressionist art in the world. At the Barnes, there are more Renoirs than in all of France. Equally notable is the way the art is grouped, not by period or artist, but in thematically or stylistically-​related wall collaborations, accented by decorative pieces and furniture.
The art currently resides in the gallery that Barnes himself had constructed specifically to house it. Notably site-​specific is Matisse’s La Danse II, which Matisse painted especially for the space.
Hurry! If you want to see the art where Barnes intended it to be seen, you have only until this summer, when the collection will unfortunately, and explicitly against Barnes’ wishes, be relocated.

Renoir loved redheads.
Alfred Barnes loved Renoir.
I love the Barnes Foundation and redheads.
Luckily visited this place on the very last week of 2010, with my redhead BFFL, right before they closed the top floor in preparation for their move to the Parkway (sob).
Watch The Art of the Steal (2009 documentary).

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Barnes on a few occasions over the last five years or so. It can be overwhelming to see such an astounding, private collection of impressionism and post-​impressionism. The artwork is displayed in a unique manner for the purposes of Dr Barnes’ educational efforts, making the audio tour very worthwhile and insightful.
My personal favorites are some of the sketches you’ll see, drawn on torn scraps of paper, by such artists as Vincent Van Gogh. It’s unbelievable.
RANT:
It’s an absolute sin that this collection is being moved. I’ve heard every argument in the book: «Art is intended to be seen, for everyone to enjoy. These works deserve to be more visible.» But, I’m pretty certain Matisse knew who was going to see the tapestry he painted inside the original building. He knew who it was intended for. Who are we to say otherwise? Everyone has been able to enjoy these pieces for years. People who complain about the inconvenience are not people who really care or seek out great art. They’re lazy; as if to say, «Bring culture to me. Why live in the city if everything worthwhile isn’t at my fingetips?» And the motivation for the move is purely business, with no thought put into importance of the site itself. This is not a museum. Dr Barnes’ school is far more unique. There’s a story here, a greater context to these works, and it is being overlooked.
Do you know why Dr Barnes shunned the mainstream art community in his day? Because these works were lost on them. They ignored great post-​impressionists. Barnes not only saw the value in their contributions, but he saw the significance in allowing these works to shape and influence future artists. He gave them a home. And now the City of Philadelphia, Pew and PMA pride themselves on displaying these works completely out of context.
Congratulations, Philadelphia. You still don’t get it. Maybe next year NYC can finally move the Statue of Liberty inland. That ferry is a total hassle.

So long, farewell, Barnes collection in Merion. Hello, new, schmancy location on the Parkway. It’s heartbreaking either way, folks — and there is nothing we can do, except, please go see the collection before it’s all shipped out and unavailable. As it stands right now, four of the galleries on the second floor are closed, some of their central pieces are undergoing restoration — and the entire 2^nd floor will be closed by January 3^rd. Sadness!
Dr. Barnes was a man ahead of this time and his collection is truly out of this world. The Renoir’s, Matisse’s (a personal commissioned mural– lovely!) Seurat’s, Cézanne’s, Soutine’s, Rousseau’s, Modigliani’s, Degas, Manet’s, Monet’s, Van Gogh’s, the Old Masters, oh my! Not to mention, he juxtaposes all of these with some splendid surrealists, De Chirico’s, Picasso’s and Miro’s, and some amazing African tribal masks, phew — it is supreme, all of it. What’s even better, are his arrangements, mixed in with furniture and metal work — and it is just depressing to think that these will be no longer once the whole lot of it is moved to Museum row. I’ve seen the renderings of the buildings, but I have no idea how they will curate the artwork. I hope they stay true to Dr. Barnes vision as much as possible, but I’m afraid it won’t be the case.
Pay $ 7 (cash or check only) for the audio guide — it’s worth it– you can even hear Dr. Barnes narrate a couple pieces of the artwork. You must buy tickets in advance and the venue only allows 200 people a day. Most of the days are already sold out. So, that being said, go NOW. Like, now, now — and see the unique brilliance and arrangement of the Barnes collection — as it should be.

Before it moves next year make every effort to visit this fabulous collection of over 2500 art objects which includes 800 paintings estimated to be worth well over $ 25 billion. Among the paintings are 181 works by Renoir, 69 by Cézanne, and 59 by Matisse, Try to get tickets for a Saturday with an arrival at 1pm to line up for the docent tour at 1:30pm. I can not recommend a museum more highly. Get there before the collection is moved next year to Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Most people LOVE the Barnes Foundation — and I bet the new Center City space will be a true spectacle.
My parents had dragged us here since childhood and mom is/​was a member and supporter, so we kids had art & culture shoved down our throats.
Thus, I too, love the Barnes foundation. And the arts.
Thanks, Mom!

I guess you cant blame people for wanting more money. It will be blasphemously moving to Center City all too soon.
The location is what Mr. Barnes wanted, and he must of had his reasons. The museum is a little inaccessable. You cant just wake up one day and decide to go. Go online and schedule a time to visit. Parking costs a fee but there are plenty of spots in the neighborhood to park for free if you dont mind a little walk.
Make sure you go with a guide (free with admission but spots fill up quick, there is also a ipod tour to listen while you walk), who will explain the history of Barnes as well as some of the stories behind the pictures.
Setup is very cool. none of the pictures are tagged but they have little wall charts to look at next to the seats. Someone said, not good for kids. Admittedly, both my kids (9 – 6 at the time) like art but were a little bored there, until I made up a great game. I held the wall chart that explained the pictures name and artist. I would say the name of a picture, and my kids would have to find it on 1 of the walls. Some were easy but others took skill and patience. Or sometimes I would say, «Find a Renoir» and by then they would know the style. It was fun for all of us and they day just flew by.
What was amazing to me was how close you can get to the pictures. You can walk right up to a Picasso and see the brush strokes. No glass, no chained off area, just some black tape on the floor. Dont get me wrong, they are serious as a heart attack here. If you do breech the tape line they are on you like crazy on Van Gough. Also, dont mess around here. As we were leaving, a group of well dressed, relatively normal looking people were being interrogated by the Lower Merion Police about something they did (we were insanely curious but never found out what was up).
By all means people! Go now, while its still in the original location and see it as Barnes intended. You will regret not going.

Wow. The place is nuts. There is an astounding collection of art here, along with some really out-​of-​place pieces. I noted that one really did look like a child’s drawing (not an insult like those dorks who talk about Pollock). Turns out it was indeed a drawing by a little girl that Barnes knew. Next to incredibly fabulous pieces!
The collection is impressive and deserves a look. But the arrangement is overwhelming and made it hard to really concentrate on a single piece at times. And since Barnes said the pieces couldn’t be loaned out, we’ll never get to appreciate that Soutine on its own.
And wait… is that a HINGE mounted between those priceless Impressionist paintings? And a trowel over there? Whuh?
But when you look at the place as an art installation itself, it’s pretty interesting. Barnes’s ideas about art and how it should be viewed are fascinating, though I also find them pretentious and even condescending. It’s like getting into the mind of a mad man… a very wealthy mad man.
I’m glad I got to see it before the move.