Barnes Foundation

Barnes Foundation We offer fresh new ways to through a renowned collection, exhibitions + programs.
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The Barnes was founded in 1922 by Philadelphia art collector Dr. Albert C. Barnes, with the belief that learning with and through art is a powerful agent for personal growth and social progress. In the Barnes collection, artists such as Renoir and Picasso share space with remarkable African masks and Native American jewelry in ensembles that invite the viewer to draw their own connections across a

rtistic traditions and time for a singularly immersive experience. Since relocating to Center City in 2012, the Barnes has continued this visionary legacy. From thought-provoking exhibitions that champion artists across diasporas, identities, periods, and disciplines, to robust social and educational programs that bring together communities and learners of all ages, the Barnes sparks exploration of our world through art.

Today's the day! Check out this *super* bowl with a bird on it... GO BIRDS! 🦅 Philadelphia Eagles 🖼Unidentified Maker. P...
02/09/2025

Today's the day! Check out this *super* bowl with a bird on it... GO BIRDS! 🦅 Philadelphia Eagles

đź–ĽUnidentified Maker. Plate, Tin-glazed Earthenware. The Barnes Foundation

Imagine wandering through the vibrant Barnes galleries, discovering how painters bring the beauty of gardens and flowers...
02/08/2025

Imagine wandering through the vibrant Barnes galleries, discovering how painters bring the beauty of gardens and flowers to life on canvas. Now, picture yourself creating your own masterpiece inspired by these treasures!

In celebration of The Philadelphia Flower Show, this hands-on workshop invites you to explore the sensory magic of gardens through art. No experience? No problem! We’ll guide you through drawing and printmaking techniques— all necessary materials will be provided, though you can bring your favorite art materials to make it uniquely yours.

At Bloom in the Barnes: The Painted Garden
đź“… Wednesday, March 5
🕙 10am – 4pm ET
đź“Ť On-site
🎓 Scholarships available
🥪 Boxed lunch included
🔗 Register ➡ https://bit.ly/3PBx68F

🎨 Chaïm Soutine. Bouquet of Flowers (detail), c. 1918. The Barnes Foundation, BF125. Public Domain.

In celebration of  , we step into the world of grace, movement, and artistry with Edgar Degas’ "Three Dancers with Hair ...
02/07/2025

In celebration of , we step into the world of grace, movement, and artistry with Edgar Degas’ "Three Dancers with Hair in Braids". 🩰 ✨

Captured in this intimate moment, Degas' dancers—draped in flowing motion—remind us of the delicate balance between strength and beauty that defines ballet. Through his brushstrokes, the energy of dance is frozen in time, yet the story of each figure continues to unfold, just as every performance tells a new narrative.

Today, we honor not just the art of ballet but the timeless connection between visual art and movement. The rhythmic elegance of Degas' work invites us to imagine the silent music echoing through the dancers' every step, every twist, and every leap.

See this work in person today ➡ https://bit.ly/4iqHME8

🎨 Edgar Degas. Three Dancers with Hair in Braids (Trois danseuses les cheveux en tresses), c. 1900, Pastel and charcoal on wove paper. The Barnes Foundation

A hero, a dragon, and a twist on the tale... 🔥Step into the vivid imagination of Odilon Redon as we unravel the story be...
02/05/2025

A hero, a dragon, and a twist on the tale... 🔥

Step into the vivid imagination of Odilon Redon as we unravel the story behind "Saint George and the Dragon". This isn’t your typical heroic scene—the action and gore are subdued, pushed to the side. Instead, Redon captivates us with fiery colors and a landscape bursting with drama.

Join Emma Nell Jacobs, a doctoral candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, for a 30-minute gallery talk exploring the legend, the art, and Redon’s unique approach to storytelling.

In Focus Gallery Talk: Redon's Saint George and the Dragon
📆 Monday, February 10
đź•’ 3pm - 3:30pm ET
đź“Ť On-site
🎟 Free with admission
🔗 Get tickets ➡ https://bit.ly/4jpcjCL

Presented in partnership with Penn’s history of art graduate program, In Focus Gallery Talks offer fresh perspectives on the Barnes collection. Don’t miss this deep dive into Redon’s enigmatic world!

🎨 Odilon Redon. Saint George and the Dragon (detail), c. 1909–10. The Barnes Foundation

Every brushstroke tells a story, and on  , we're here to listen đź–ŚWilliam Glackens painted scenes of urban life with vibr...
02/03/2025

Every brushstroke tells a story, and on , we're here to listen đź–Ś

William Glackens painted scenes of urban life with vibrant color, aiming to capture the beauty and vitality of everyday moments. Horace Pippin, a self-taught artist and World War I veteran, captured resilience and the African American experience with raw, emotive power. Charles Demuth’s precisionist works echo the rhythm of a modernizing America, while Marsden Hartley’s bold abstractions explore the spiritual landscapes of the human soul.

These American visionaries remind us that art is more than beauty—it’s a window into our collective journey. Celebrate these artists and see their work today ➡ https://bit.ly/4iqHME8

🎨 William Glackens. The Bathing Hour, Chester, Nova Scotia, 1910, Oil on canvas. The Barnes Foundation
🎨 Horace Pippin. Supper Time, c. 1940, Oil on burnt-wood panel. The Barnes Foundation
🎨 Charles Demuth. Two Trapeze Performers in Red, c. 1917, Watercolor and graphite on thin wove paper. The Barnes Foundation
🎨 Marsden Hartley. Flowerpiece, 1916, Oil on commercial wallboard. The Barnes Foundation

Step into the vibrant and sometimes gritty world of 1890s Montmartre through the eyes of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the ...
02/02/2025

Step into the vibrant and sometimes gritty world of 1890s Montmartre through the eyes of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, the artist who immortalized its electric nightlife. From the dazzling Moulin Rouge to the shadowy corners of Parisian cabarets, Toulouse-Lautrec captured both the glamour and the rawness of this iconic era.

Join us online as we dive into his mischievous, yet poignant works—his stunning depictions of dance hall performers, portraits of bohemians, and advertisements for the stars of the day. Explore how Toulouse-Lautrec shaped modern art and how his work intertwined with the rise of celebrity culture, print media, and the social history of prostitution.

The Art and Life of Toulouse-Lautrec
📅 Thursdays, February 27 – March 20
🕕 6pm – 8pm ET
đź’» Online
🎓 Scholarships available
🔗 Register ➡ https://bit.ly/3W2t8JF

🎨 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. N**e Lying on a Couch, 1897, Oil on panel. The Barnes Foundation.

02/01/2025

Escape into the art. ✨

Dive into a realm of endless inspiration where every room invites you to wander, wonder, and be inspired. Whether you're seeking a quiet moment or a burst of creativity, the collection is your gateway to a special getaway.

Plan your visit and let the art take you somewhere extraordinary ➡ https://bit.ly/4iqHME8

Imagine a room filled with passionate minds, sharing fresh perspectives and sparking dynamic conversations about art his...
01/30/2025

Imagine a room filled with passionate minds, sharing fresh perspectives and sparking dynamic conversations about art history. For 29 years, the Graduate Symposium on the History of Art has been a space where graduate students from across the mid-Atlantic come together to present their latest research.

Step into a story centuries in the making. This year, we’re exploring how depictions of the Prophet Muhammad have shifted from celebrated artworks to the center of today’s debates. Join us for engaging sessions, thought-provoking discussions, and an inspiring keynote lecture by Christiane Gruber, professor of Islamic art at the University of Michigan, on February 20.

Graduate Student Symposium on the History of Art—Keynote Lecture
📆 February 20
🕡 6:30pm - 8pm ET
🎟 Online and on-site
🔗 Register ➡ https://bit.ly/4jdA7cV

Graduate Symposium on the History of Art
📆 February 21
🕡 10am - 4:30pm ET
🎟 Online and on-site
🔗 Register ➡ https://bit.ly/40hTVmz

🎨 Manuscript painting of the Prophet Muhammad receiving his first revelation from the angel Gabriel, from the book Compendium of Chronicles by Rashid al-Din, Tabriz, Iran, 1307 (pixelated by online news media in 2022). Heritage Collections, the University of Edinburgh, Scotland

01/27/2025

Imagine standing in front of Manet’s Tarring the Boat—you can almost hear the fire crackling, feel the breeze against your skin. Art has the power to awaken all the senses, and at the Barnes, Albert Barnes himself often paired music with painting to deepen the experience.

In this installment of Looking and Listening, we’ll explore this connection through a meditative journey of sound and sight. Beginning with a guided crystal singing bowl sound bath, then practicing close looking at the Barnes collection to uncover the harmony between visual art and sound.

No experience with meditation is necessary—just bring curiosity, comfort (loose clothing encouraged!), and an open mind.

Looking and Listening: The Art of Atmospheric Sound
đź“… Monday, February 24
🕕 6pm – 8pm ET
đź“Ť On-site
🎓 Scholarships available
🔗 Register today ➡ https://bit.ly/3DHO0jg

Go Birds! 🦅🎨 Philadelphia Eagles 🖼 Unidentified artist. Bird on Twig, 19th century, Opaque water-based paint and iron ga...
01/26/2025

Go Birds! 🦅🎨 Philadelphia Eagles

đź–Ľ Unidentified artist. Bird on Twig, 19th century, Opaque water-based paint and iron gall ink on wove paper. The Barnes Foundation

February First Friday at the Barnes: Hailey Brinnel 🎶Join us for performances by Philly-based trombonist and vocalist Ha...
01/25/2025

February First Friday at the Barnes: Hailey Brinnel 🎶

Join us for performances by Philly-based trombonist and vocalist Hailey Brinnel. Named an “Emerging Jazz Artist to Watch” by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs, Brinnel has performed globally with ensembles such as the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Philly Pops, and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and alongside artists like Ingrid Jensen, Anat Cohen, Haley Reinhart, and Camille Thurman. Her critically acclaimed albums, Beautiful Tomorrow and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, reinterpret early eras of jazz—swing, New Orleans traditional, and the Great American Songbook. These vibrant performances will capture the timeless essence of 1920s–40s jazz.

🍽 Guest Chefs Kyle Cuffie and Joseph Lope of Darnel's Cakes—a delicious initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic while supporting local and national organizations leading the fight against the virus and stigma—have created a special, full a la carte dinner menu and will be providing some sweet treats in the Lower Level Lobby. Reserve your table at the Garden Restaurant at the Barnes for First Friday ➡ https://bit.ly/3E6lAQ9

âť— Please note: First Friday is different in February! The Annenberg Court is closed, and performances will take place in the Comcast NBCUniversal Auditorium. Guests must purchase tickets for the 6:30pm or 7:45pm set. The galleries, bar, and lounge are still open to all from 6 to 9pm.

📆 Friday, February 7th
đź•• 6pm - 9pm
🎵 Live music sets: 6:30pm & 7:45pm
🍸 Cocktails and light fare available for purchase
🪑 Seating is limited, arrive early
🎟 Get tickets: https://bit.ly/3PrDbV9

01/22/2025

Introducing brand NEW on-demand classes at the Barnes! ✨🎨

Have you ever wondered what story a painting is trying to tell you? Unlock the secrets of various artworks with our on-demand classes—designed to fit your pace and packed with interactive exploration.

In the Art of Looking: An Introduction to the Barnes Method, you’ll explore 4 engaging modules, each featuring 5 video sessions (5–15 minutes) and the Barnes's state-of-the-art Visual Experience Platform (VXP) that brings every brushstroke to life. Pause, zoom in, and uncover the hidden details that make each work of art extraordinary—on your own time.

🖼️ Start your journey today and experience art like never before ➡ https://bit.ly/4h3oeVg

🎨 Cover: Henri Matisse. Le Bonheur de vivre, also called The Joy of Life, between October 1905 and March 1906, Oil on canvas (detail). The Barnes Foundation

A single masterpiece tells a story—but what happens when it’s surrounded by other artworks that start to chime in? 🤔At t...
01/21/2025

A single masterpiece tells a story—but what happens when it’s surrounded by other artworks that start to chime in? 🤔

At the Barnes, artworks live in unexpected relationships. Walls are filled with ensembles where paintings, metalwork, and decorative objects speak to one another in surprising ways.

Join us on-site as we explore these unique conversations. Starting with a deep dive into major artworks, then uncovering the subtle (and sometimes provocative) connections they share with their neighbors. Come curious. Leave inspired. ✨

Errand into the Maze: The Masterpiece and the Ensemble
📅 Wednesdays, February 19 – March 12
🕑 2pm – 4pm ET
đź“Ť On-site
🎓 Scholarships available
🔗 Space is limited, register today ➡ https://bit.ly/3PsrjSR

📸 Ensemble view, Room 1, west wall, Philadelphia, 2012. Image © The Barnes Foundation

Happy Birthday to Paul Cézanne, born on this day in 1839! 🥳A pioneer of modern art, Cézanne transformed how we see the w...
01/19/2025

Happy Birthday to Paul Cézanne, born on this day in 1839! 🥳

A pioneer of modern art, Cézanne transformed how we see the world through his mastery of form, color, and perspective. Known for his still lifes, landscapes, and portraits, he challenged traditional conventions and paved the way for Cubism and abstraction. Through layered brushstrokes and subtle shifts in tone, Cézanne captured the essence of his subjects, blending observation with innovation. His vision continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences today. 🎨

See Cézanne in person today ➡ https://bit.ly/4iqHME8

What happens when you spend 90 minutes with a single work of art? At first, you might see a simple still life. But look ...
01/18/2025

What happens when you spend 90 minutes with a single work of art? At first, you might see a simple still life. But look closer: a brushstroke here, a shadow there… layers begin to reveal themselves!

In our next class, we’ll take this slow, immersive approach to Paul Cézanne’s “Still Life with Skull”, unlocking details you might have missed at first glance. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or new to close-looking, these sessions invite you to slow down, observe, and see art in a whole new way. Join us online and discover what happens when you give yourself the time to truly see.

Close-Looking Immersion: Cézanne’s Still Life with Skull
đź“… Wednesday, February 12
🕛 12pm – 1:30pm ET
đź’» Online
🎓 Scholarships available
🔗 Register ➡ https://bit.ly/3PnzPlQ

🎨 Paul Cézanne. Still Life with Skull (detail), 1890–93. The Barnes Foundation.

01/16/2025

Attention all educators: class is in session! 🍎 💭

2025 brings exciting new ways to learn with the Barnes through on-demand art education for grades 2–10. Watch this quick video for more information about our interactive Visual Experience Platform and how it can support in-class lessons or at-home learning. All videos are free to access, and topics for students include French, Spanish, art making, and literacy-building—each with a corresponding worksheet. And, new for 2025: Art Integration Lessons for teachers!

Check back often as this library of videos will continue to grow ➡ https://bit.ly/4jdqHy2

The Barnes and Calder Foundation are delighted that Calder Gardens will open its doors on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway ...
01/15/2025

The Barnes and Calder Foundation are delighted that Calder Gardens will open its doors on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia in September 2025, and that curator, educator, and arts programmer Juana Berrío has been appointed as the Marsha Perelman Senior Director of Programs. Berrío will be responsible for curating public programs that foster engagement, enrichment, and community, including a robust and inclusive slate of performances, events, and wellness activities that resonate with Calder’s art in the galleries.

“I am thrilled to join Calder Gardens, a unique space that integrates art, architecture, and nature to invite self-reflection,” said Juana Berrío. “I look forward to working with the team to design rich cross-pollinations between artistic and nonartistic practices, with diverse communities, and between humans, flora, and fauna. Calder’s own passion for interdisciplinary collaborations and experimentation at large provides a perfect context for Calder Gardens to become one of the most innovative and forward-thinking spaces for art and culture today.”

Thom Collins, Neubauer Family Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation, which will provide administrative, operational, and educational programming support to Calder Gardens, said: “With extensive experience in curatorial and programming roles at museums, galleries, and nonprofits across the US, Juana Berrío brings significant cultural programming knowledge to Calder Gardens. Her expertise and ability to thoughtfully and meaningfully engage the community will be instrumental as we create a place where art and nature merge in a novel and exciting way.”

Read more in the The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer:
The New York Times ➡ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/15/arts/design/calder-gardens-philadelphia.html
The Philadelphia Inquirer ➡ https://www.inquirer.com/arts/calder-gardens-opening-philadelphia-director-20250115.html

Sign up for Calder Gardens’ mailing list to stay up-to-date and be among the first to know when tickets go on sale: https://caldergardens.org/contact/

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Flipping the Script📆 Sunday, February 2nd🕙 10am - 5pm🎟 Registration opens Thursday, J...
01/14/2025

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Flipping the Script
📆 Sunday, February 2nd
đź•™ 10am - 5pm
🎟 Registration opens Thursday, January 30, at 10am
đź”— Learn more: https://bit.ly/3BLBY84

It’s the first Sunday of the month, which means free admission at the Barnes. First Sunday at the Barnes is a little different this February! Join us on the lower level for interactive storytime sessions, family-friendly film screenings, and access to our collection galleries. Plus, pick up a free art activity kit to enjoy at home. Check back soon for more information and a list of films.

🎨 Art Kit Giveaway | 10am - 4 pm
Pick up a take-home art activity kit, complete with materials and bilingual (English/Spanish) directions. Learn more about artworks in our collection and see what surprises are in store for you! Perfect for the whole family—ages 2 and up.

📚 Storytime | 10:30am–11am & 11:15am–11:45am
Join us in the Comcast Auditorium for an interactive storytime with children’s book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris. Alyssa is an experienced multicultural and bilingual author, speaker, and storyteller. Catch a live reading of her critically acclaimed books today! Perfect for ages 2 and up.

🎬 Film Screenings in Comcast Auditorium | 10am - 4pm
Check our website for a list of family-friendly films and screening times.

Address

2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA
19130

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm
Sunday 11am - 5pm

Telephone

+12152787000

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Our Story

We believe art is for everyone. Our founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes, believed that art had the power to improve minds and transform lives. Our diverse educational programs are based on his teachings and one-of-a-kind collections—both his art holdings and the rare trees, flowers, and other plants at the Barnes Arboretum. Learn more about our history.

An art experience like no other.

The Barnes is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern European paintings, with especially deep holdings in Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Assembled by Dr. Albert C. Barnes between 1912 and 1951, the collection also includes important examples of African art, Native American pottery and jewelry, Pennsylvania German furniture, American avant-garde painting, and wrought-iron metalwork.

The minute you step into the galleries of the Barnes collection, you know you’re in for an experience like no other. Masterpieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso hang next to ordinary household objects—a door hinge, a spatula, a yarn spinner. On another wall, you might see a French medieval sculpture displayed with a Navajo textile. These dense groupings, in which objects from different cultures, time periods, and media are all mixed together, are what Dr. Barnes called his “ensembles.”