Philadelphia

 

 

The Barnes Foundation

History
The Barnes Foundation was created in 1922, a school originating with Barnes’ educational experimentation in his Argyrol (pharmaceutical) factory. Barnes and The Foundation’s first director of education, John Dewey, were interested in fostering cognitive development through new approaches to education, and in heightening critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through the study of art. Barnes, like Dewey, was actively engaged in development of an intellectual framework and educational philosophies and practices with many of the best artists and thinkers of his day.

In 2004, a court ruling granted permission for the Barnes Foundation’s gallery art collection to move to a new building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia. No date has been set for the move and, in the meantime, the galleries in Merion will continue to be open to the public. At this time, you must have an advance reservation to be admitted, as The Barnes is only permitted 400 visitors each day. Reservations are suggested at least one month in advance.

The Experience
Visitors from around the world make the pilgrimage to this lovely setting in suburban Philadelphia to savor 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso. But that’s just the beginning.
The real charm of the Barnes lies in the way the art is displayed – symmetrically arranged according to size, and often paired with artifacts and furniture (think: African sculpture, Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, antique Chinese paintings) organized around themes and formal elements. The scheme is the physical manifestation of the teachings of the man who collected the works, Albert C. Barnes.

The Aboretum
Behind the iron gates of Barnes’s secluded suburban estate, you’ll find a luscious arboretum filled with specimen trees, like the cedar of Lebanon and the Raisin tree, and formal rose and perennial gardens. A walk across the sweeping lawn and the Woodlands takes you past collections of magnolias, hollies and more than 200 varieties of lilacs. The collections of peonies and ornamental ferns are highlights of the garden.

Other Information
Open Fri – Sun, Sep – Jun; 
Wed – Fri, Jul – Aug 
Advanced reservations are required.

Insider Tip
You must have an advance reservation to be admitted, as The Barnes is only permitted 400 visitors each day. Reservations are suggested at least one month in advance.

Kids’ Stuff
In accordance with Barnes’ emphasis on education, the foundation maintains a regular schedule of children’s programs and tours.