The first time I encountered the Barnes Foundation collection wasn’t in Philadelphia—it was at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris during my honeymoon in 1993. At the time, I had no idea that this was a rare and controversial exhibition, the result of years of legal battles. These remarkable paintings were never meant to leave their original home in a private collection, making their presence in Paris all the more extraordinary.
For 15 months eighty works of art from the Barnes Foundation were exhibited at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC; the Musee d’Orsay in Paris; the National Museum of Western Art, in Tokyo, and eventually, the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
After that initial introduction, I had always wanted to see the entire collection and was pleased to be able to visit for the third time this January with my daughter. Her first visit to Philadelphia was the perfect opportunity to introduce her to this world-class collection. She has seen the Musée d’Orsay exhibit poster displayed in our home since she was a small child.
The Barnes Foundation isn’t just another art museum—it’s an experience that challenges the way you see and appreciate art. Founded by Dr. Albert C. Barnes in 1922, this world-renowned collection in Philadelphia is home to an astonishing number of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modernist masterpieces. His vast collection includes 181 works by Renoir, 69 by Cézanne, 59 by Matisse, 46 by Picasso,16 by Modigliani, and 7 van Gogh.
What sets the Barnes Foundation apart from other museums isn’t just its world-class collection—it’s the vision behind how the art is displayed and the controversial battle over its relocation from Merion, PA to Philadelphia.
A Museum Unlike Any Other
In 1912, Barnes entrusted his good friend William Glackens, a leading moderin American artist, with twenty thousand dollars to spend on modern art. He returned from Europe with canvases by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Piere-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, Camille Pissarro, and Alfred Sisley. Barnes would make two more trips to Paris that year and purchased 36 paintings from Chiam Sutaine to help launch his career. By the time he opened the doors to the Barnes Foundation in 1925, Dr. Barnes had accumulated more than 700 pieces to be displayed.
What makes the Barnes so unique isn’t just the art itself—it’s the way it’s displayed. Unlike traditional museums that group paintings by artist or time period, Dr. Barnes arranged his collection in carefully curated “ensembles,” mixing paintings, metalwork, furniture, and decorative arts to highlight connections between form, colour, and composition.
This unconventional approach transforms the visit into something more than just viewing art—it becomes an immersive journey through creativity and craftsmanship.
This means that when you visit the Barnes, you won’t find all the Renoirs in one room or Cézannes grouped together. Instead, you’ll see The Card Players by Cézanne below Seurat’s Models, The Postman by Van Gogh next to an antique iron hinge, or Matisse’s The Joy of Life displayed alongside early American folk art. These unique juxtapositions encourage visitors to make their own connections between different styles, time periods, and cultures.
The Fierce Battle Over the Move
For decades, the Barnes collection was housed in its original location in Merion, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Dr. Barnes, who had a contentious relationship with the Philadelphia art establishment, had strictly stated in his will that the collection should remain in Merion exactly as he left it. However, by the late 20th century, financial struggles, and legal battles over governance led to a controversial plan: moving the collection to downtown Philadelphia to make it more accessible to the public.
The fight over the move lasted nearly a decade, with lawsuits, protests, and a highly publicized court case. Supporters of the move argued that a new facility would ensure the long-term survival of the Barnes, while opponents saw it as a betrayal of Dr. Barnes’ wishes and an attack on his legacy. Despite passionate opposition, in 2012, the collection was relocated to a brand-new museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Although the exterior of the building is sleek and modern, the galleries were designed to replicate the original Merion galleries down to the inch. So if you can imagine, what you currently see on the walls is exactly how it was hung in the space in Merion. This is a very important detail.
Why It Matters
While the Barnes Foundation now welcomes far more visitors than it did in Merion, it remains true to its founder’s unique vision. The ensemble displays remain intact, allowing visitors to experience art in a way they won’t find anywhere else. Whether or not the move was justified remains a topic of debate among art lovers, but one thing is certain: the Barnes Foundation is a one-of-a-kind museum experience, offering an intimate, thought-provoking way to engage with some of the most important works in modern art.
Dr. Barnes’ Vision: Art for the People
Dr. Albert C. Barnes was not just a collector—he was a visionary who believed that art should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy elite. His deep sense of social justice shaped the very foundation of the Barnes Foundation, as he saw art as a powerful tool for education and personal growth, particularly for working-class people and marginalized communities.
Unlike many institutions of his time, Barnes was adamant about breaking down barriers to art education. He prioritized working-class visitors, Black students, and everyday Philadelphians over the traditional art establishment, whom he often criticized as elitist. He partnered with historically Black colleges like Lincoln University, offering students and scholars opportunities to engage with the collection long before mainstream museums embraced diversity in education.
For Barnes, art was meant to be studied, discussed, and experienced—not locked away in private collections or interpreted only by so-called experts. His radical approach to displaying and teaching art, through his carefully curated “ensembles,” was designed to encourage people to see patterns, connections, and relationships between different works, regardless of their background or education level.
Even today, the Barnes Foundation continues to honor its founder’s mission through community outreach, educational programs, and accessibility initiatives, making sure that his belief in art for the people lives on.
Located along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Barnes Foundation is a must-visit for anyone who loves art, history, or simply discovering something extraordinary. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to appreciate in this one-of-a-kind collection.
FAQ about the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia
Where is the Barnes Foundation located?
Located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, The Barnes Foundation is located right beside the Rodin Museum and a few blocks from The Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Location: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
When is the Barnes Foundation Open?
| Days of week | Open hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 11 am- 5 pm |
| Monday | 11 am – 5 pm |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11 am- 5 pm |
| Friday | 11 am – 5 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am- 5 pm |
Notable Works of Art
Touring the Barnes Foundation collection can be overwhelming, but if you can visit over two days, take advantage of this perk! I cannot stress enough how helpful the Barnes Focus App was for us to learn and enjoy the galleries. I also picked up the handbook in the gift shop. It was very helpful when trying to recall the names and artists of the hundreds of pictures that I took.
Models – George Seurat and The Card Players Paul Cezanne 
Portrait of Jeanne Durand-Ruel – Pierre-Auguste Renoir 
Redheaded Girl in Evening Dress – Amedeo Modigliani 
Woman Walking in an Exotic Forest – Henri Rousseau 
Seated Rifian – Henri Matisse 
Woman in Blue – Chaim Soutine 
Mr. Loulou (Louis Le Ray) – Paul Gauguin 
Young Woman Holding a Cigarette – Pablo Piccaso 
An Unpleasant Surprise – Henri Rousseau 
The Ascetic – Pablo Picasso 
Figure – Luigi Settani 
Mussel Fishers at Bernaval – Pierre-Auguste Renoir 
Saint Katherine of Alexandria before the Roman Empero – Nicolás Solano. 
Leaving the Conservatory – Pierre-Auguste Renoir 
Juggler – Abraham Hankins 
Madame Cézanne – Paul Cezanne 
Egyptian and Roman Artifacts 
The Nursemaid, Milton Avery 
Red Madras Headdress – Henri Matisse 
Le Bonheur de vivre, also called The Joy of Life, Henri Matisse 
Ladies’ Man – George Seurat 
Metalworks 
Sophocles and Euripides – Giorgio de Chirico 
Still Life – Vincent van Gogh 
Young Mother – Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Room 13 
Pony Ballet – William Glackens 
The Studio Boat – Claude Monet 
Three Dancers with Hair in Braids – Edgar Degas 
The Postman – Vincent van Gogh
Barnes Foundation Ticket Prices
All tickets are good for two consecutive days. Plan accordingly so you can take advantage of seeing the full collection and take in a lecture.
| Adults | $30 |
|---|---|
| Seniors | $28 |
| College students (with valid ID) | $5 |
| Youth (13–18) | $5 |
| Children (12 and under) | Free |
What is showing at the Barnes Foundation
This summer the Barnes Foundation has selected 50 works from the first floor focusing on works which were created in from the shores of Brittany and Normandy to sunny Provence and a return to Paris. From Paris to Provence: French Painting at the Barnes will run between June 29 – August 31, 2025. The exhibition highlights Vincent van Gogh’s time in Arles and Saint-Rémy as well as Paul Cézanne’s deep connection to his native Provence.
Is the Barnes Foundation part of the Philadelphia CityPASS?
Yes, the Philadelphia CityPASS includes admission (for two days) to the Barnes Foundation. This comprehensive tourism pass lets you also access The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, and The Eastern State Penitentiary (which are all very close to the Barnes Foundation). You can also access the Big Bus Company and Trolley Works for a tour of Philadelphia. I have partnered with CityPASS before and you can read more about my tours in New York City and San Antonio.
How can I see who the artists are if there are no labels beside the paintings?
We have grown accustomed to having info plates beside museum pieces. This was a detail that Dr. Barnes did not want as he wanted you to observe the overall combination of artwork, metalwork, pottery, and decorative arts. In today’s modern age, a smartphone is very useful. To learn more about a specific artwork during your visit, I recommend the mobile gallery guide, Barnes Focus; or take a deeper dive with one of our guided tours.
In the app, point the camera towards the artwork and a description of each piece comes up. At the end of your tour, a summary of all of the works of art that you searched is sent to your email. What a great memento of your visit!
Where to Stay in Philadelphia:
Enjoy staying in Fishtown, only 20 minutes from city centre, you will love this beautiful luxury boutique hotel. In the summer, be sure and take advantage of their plunge pool and patio. There is also a fantastic restaurant and bar onsite. Make your reservations at Bastia immediately after booking your hotel room. Below is my full review for Hotel-Scoop.com.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Discover PHL and CityPASS. All opinions are my own and genuine.
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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.