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Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

The Barnes Foundation displays a private art collection with a focus on paintings by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modernist masters such as Renoir, Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso (over 350 works just from those 4 artists). There is also some American, Native American, African, Greek, and Asian art. Initially housed in Merion, the collection moved to a new building designed by Tod Williams & Billie Tsien Architects in 2012.

Access & Transport

The museum is located at the south-eastern end of the Fairmont Park, 1.5km northwest of City Hall. Buses 7, 32, 48 and 49 stop next to the building at '21st St & Ben Franklin Pkwy'. Suburban Station, Spring Garden (BSL) and 22nd St trolley station (10, 11, 13, 34, 36) are all 1.0-1.5km away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit there with the Franklin Institute Science Museum (for those with kids), the Rodin Museum or the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

Meta review

Online reviews are massively geared towards the 'excellent' with consistent comments about the top-tier roaster of artists on display and the depth of the collection for some of the most recognizable names, even though there aren't that many rooms. The building itself is described as beautiful and enjoyable with some indoor and outdoor spaces to take a break. The use of technology to get info on artwork and artists generate mixed feedback though, it is handy for those who are fluent on how to use QR codes, but a significant percentage of visitors does not fall in that category. A few recurring negative comments regarding the curation as it lacks logical and thematic progression and paintings feel a little stacked too close to each other. The staff is generally, but not always, described as friendly and helpful.

Environmental & Social

The building has a LEED Platinum certification thanks to features such as reduced water consumption, vegetated roof and the use of renewable, local, and recycled materials. Helps spread the arts.

Conclusion

The Barnes Foundation mid-sized collection is an absolute gem. Recommended for everybody and an unmissable venue for art lovers in Philadelphia. If only the paintings were spread out in a few more rooms and the entrance fee was a little lower...

Key positive

A lot of top tier artwork

Enjoyable modern building

Key negative

Short total weekly opening hours

Expensive considering the size

Suitability

Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility but some larger mobility devices may not be accommodated in all rooms

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 45m

Regulated hours

Monday11:00 - 17:00

Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday11:00 - 17:00

Friday11:00 - 17:00

Saturday11:00 - 17:00

Sunday11:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$23
Adult
19 - 64
US$25
Teen & Young
13 - 18
US$5
Child
3 - 12
US$0
Infant
0 - 2
US$0
Valid for 2 days.

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