The Barnes Foundation

Why Visit

The Barnes Foundation's impressive collection features more Cézannes than in all of France.

Created in 1922, the Barnes Foundation originated with Dr. Albert Barnes’ mission to foster cognitive development through new approaches to education and to heighten critical-thinking and problem-solving skills through the study of art.

He actively engaged in the development of an intellectual framework and educational philosophies and practices with many of the best artists and thinkers of his day.

The 93,000-square-foot, two-story building, one of the key anchors of the Parkway Museum District, features a textured grey-and-gold Ramon limestone exterior and a glass canopy that glows at night.

Set on four-and-a-half acres of landscaped grounds, the museum boasts sustainable features including a green roof and permeable surfaces that allow for rain and grey water re-use.

Must-See

The true draw of this widely visited museum is the Barnes’ permanent collection, featuring 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso — one of the world’s largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings and African sculpture.

The 12,000-square-foot gallery space devoted to the collection preserves the scale, proportion and configuration of the Barnes’ original location in Merion, just outside the city.

The priceless works hang carefully, and often symmetrically, amidst artifacts and furniture.

Visitors can use Barnes Focus , a free mobile guide, to explore the galleries and get more information about the collection.

Introduced in 2019 and available on any smartphone with a web browser, Barnes Focus uses the phone’s camera to “read” a piece of art and instantly serve up details about the work. Text is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes enjoy free admission. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Events & More

On the first Sunday of every month, visitors to the Barnes enjoy free admission along with family-friendly entertainment, informative talks, performances and hands-on activities.

Tickets include access to the permanent collection galleries, exhibitions and any programs taking place that day.

Unwind at the Barnes every first Friday evening of the month, when visitors relax with cocktails, live music, inspiring talks and after-hours access to the world-famous collection and special exhibitions.

French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, American and African art and sculpture can all be found at The Barnes Foundation. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia