An ad for this museum came up in my Instagram feed and I'm glad it did. I put it on my list when I was visiting Philly recently. This is more like a house than a museum and the walls are filled with art from top names in the art world. I had a very nice but rushed visit cause I was trying to visit the Philly art museum before it closed as well. Next time I'll take more time. Cezanne, Manet and Picasso. The staff was nice to deal with too. read more

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Beautiful museum- the tickets are pricey but it's a great experience. We loved their collection of Matisse and Renoir paintings. There's also a great temporary exhibit running through August of 2026 called Freedom Dreams on the main level that's very moving. read more

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Do I come here too much? Yes. Am I completely obsessed? Also yes. I love the Barnes Foundation so much. It's genuinely one of the most unique art experiences you can have. Did you know the original owner wrote into his will that the walls had to stay exactly the same, down to the centimeter? It's wild. And all those odd little objects on the walls -- the spatulas, hinges, door handles -- they aren't random. They're there to guide your eyes, balance the compositions, and make you notice shapes and lines across different artworks. When you step back, you start seeing all the hidden layers and connections he built into each room. It's like a puzzle of patterns, themes, and echoes everywhere you look. The collection itself is insane. So many Cézannes, a Rousseau exhibit on view right now, a Matisse, and my absolute favorite: a huge, famous Seurat that I could stare at forever. Every visit feels like discovering something new, even in the same rooms I've walked through dozens of times. Downstairs they have the little hand carriers so you don't bump into anything, and each room has a paper guide breaking down the pieces by the north, east, south, and west walls. It's small details like that that make it such a thoughtful museum. I've been here more times than I can count, and it never gets old. Every visit feels fresh. I find something new to love every time. Absolute perfection. read more

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Purchased a membership for my mom as a Christmas gift and it's been so worth it. It's $100 for a one year membership. That membership comes with perks like discounted parking, 2 guest passes, invitations to special classes and events before they're released to the public. So many amazing pieces here. I'm a huge Renoir fan so this was a perfect spot. Private parking lot you can pay to use. Lots of street spots around that are cheaper Coat/ bag check available. Lockers available too. Beautiful space, modern building. Very clean. Everyone who works here is friendly. Fabulous collection of art work. So many pieces. Easy to do in an hour or two but you can spend the whole day slowly working your way through the rooms. It gets very busy on the weekends and there tend to be school trips on weekdays during the school yeah. read more

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We scheduled a docent tour for our trip to this museum, which we have been wanting to visit for decades. I would encourage you to do the same if you can afford it; the information is on the website. If you cannot afford a docent tour, the museum is still worth your time, but the docent's institutional knowledge added so much to our appreciation of the collection. The tranquil garden outside the building was a surprise. It's a respite in the middle of the big city. We had lunch in the Garden Restaurant and wow, what a treat. I'm a vegetarian and there are several good options, including the chopped salad that I ordered. The iced tea was especially good. read more

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Extraordinary collection of treasures. 180 Renoirs! Dr.Barnes curated his paintings in a most unusual fashion. He organized them along with furniture, decorative objects and metal work into "ensembles". A very personal interpretation. Docents are wonderful. read more

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First Friday at The Barnes Foundation was such an enjoyable evening! This was my first time visiting the museum, and I was impressed by the ambiance, plus the staff were very kind and helpful. They even had a free coat check! Bonus points! On this particular evening, there was lovely live music being played, with both seating and standing room to enjoy the vibes. The ticket we purchased gave us the wonderful opportunity to enjoy both the entertainment and the exhibit. I've been wanting to see Mickalene Thomas's exhibition, All About Love, for several months, and this evening we finally got the chance to. The art is beautiful, interesting, and unique! I also purchased her book and am eager to learn more about her work. After the exhibit, we were hungry and decided to check out their restaurant--which was surprisingly good! The menu was "1970s Inspired TV Dinners," with an option for a "starter" and "main course." I went with the lemon & chicken noodle soup, which was so flavorful and tasty! For my main, I had the hibiscus glazed salmon. I eat salmon often, and I don't recall ever having it with hibiscus--it was delicious! The meal also came with string beans, mashed potatoes, and a yummy brownie. The Barnes Foundation was really nice, and I cannot wait to return to explore some more! read more

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The Barnes Foundation was one of the best experiences I've had at a museum. The building itself is stunning, including an interior atrium. The body of artwork on display and it's arrangement is so captivating, especially if you're already a fan of French Moderns. Dr. Barnes' passion for art is evident in the collection he amassed and the foundation really makes you feel like you're experiencing it right alongside him as you walk from room to room. I would recommend starting your visit with an intro lecture to learn about Dr Barnes and his art theories so you can explore with an understanding of how things are displayed. There's a very cool system where you can use your phone to scan the artwork for additional information (artist, title, year, etc) but some of the pieces displayed higher on the walls cannot be scanned for information for those who are ..... ahem, vertically challenged, such as myself. read more

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This was my first visit to The Barnes Foundation; it's been on my list of places to visit but I haven't prioritized doing so until I heard about the Mickalene Thomas exhibit titled All About Love; it was such a beautiful, creative, thought-provoking, inspiring and uplifting experience for me. I'm so glad that Philly/The Barnes was included in this tour. I didn't explore the entire museum because I had a limited amount of time on the day of my visit but I will certainly return. The museum is in a convenient location - the Ben Franklin Parkway - and there is street parking as well as a parking lot. I didn't need any help during my visit but I saw many staff and those that I did interact with were pleasant. read more

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I've never seen so many Reniors in the same location- and the landscapes are terrific. Many Picassos, Cezannes, and a few Monets. Overwhelming how much art is in one collection. Enjoyed seeing two Norwegian artists also. read more

Located in the heart of the Philadelphia Museum area. We visited this museum for a work event and I'm glad I did as I am not sure I would have gone by myself. I love the beautiful collection available for us to see and enjoy. I did not get to see all the art since we got there late. It a bit pricey ($30PP I believe) for me. I may be back with a guest. read more

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I made a special trip to the Barnes Foundation coming from Austin Texas. Since I was a young girl, I loved Rousseau. The Barnes was showing an extensive collection and I happen to be in nearby Washington DC and I took the train to Philadelphia. I really enjoyed the highlights tour. The Barnes foundation is an educational institution and is not filled with labels. Artwork is shown in a salon type display with lots of works clustered together on the walls and there's iron work or metal work to set it apart and a group it it's really a fascinating display. So I'm gonna handle is a bit disappointing as I guess I like the animals. He was terrible at painting people. And I liked his details of the foliage. I'm glad that Russell was there cause I may not ever have gone to the Barnes Foundation as it's the big Philadelphia art museum with the Ricky steps that calls to everyone. Next time I come to Philadelphia I will go to the Barnes first. Tours are dependent on the doses and some are stronger than others. read more

This is a great place to go to if you want to relax, stand around, check out cool architecture, see interesting metal fixtures and tools, or to see impressionist artwork. This museum has it all, the collection of art is great and so is the building. read more

Been awhile since I last been to this museum, however I went on a book club outing and had a guided tour with a grouping of ten of us. This was most likely my fourth trip to the museum over the years and I was blown away by the experience this time around. Dr. Barnes who the museum is named after I admire in the sense that he sought out pieces which at that time ventured away from "traditional art". He sought out pieces that were not renown at the time and was actually considered a bit of a whackadoo, our tour guides wording, as Dr. Barnes was ahead of the time versus the current climate of the art community. The architecture of the museum is exquisite, and I felt a sense of a calming effect as I observed the facility. The food that is offered at the cafe cart is actually quite delicious as well. I had a spinach pastry that was out of this world. I asked the employee where I can find these, but she said they come frozen and she does not believe you can acquire outside of the museum, o well, just more incentive to visit here more often. After browsing all of the artwork I recognized I have a style of art that draws me in. It is Soutine, Klee, the Miro's of the world. At this moment I have one piece of artwork in my office entitled, "Fish Magic", by Paul Klee. This trip has inspired me to try and visit more museums as I really love stepping back in time and viewing all of the respective artists at the time to behold their genius. 1st Sunday of each month I believe is still free. Check out the museum asap as it is magnificent : ) As always people SYOY!!! read more

ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT ART MUSEUMS! The Barnes is famous for housing one of the world's s greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings. Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, Seurat and Van Gogh. But what really sets this museum apart is how the art is displayed. Most museums have big empty walls with one or two paintings on it. At the Barnes, the display rooms are small, intimate--if you're in the home where Dr. Barnes originally displayed them. They're placed exactly where they were in Mr. Barnes home--which means numerous pictures on each wall, thoughtfully arranged with antique hardware on textured fabric walls. What a difference this makes! In other museums the paintings can feel like specimens to be studied on their own. Here, artfully arranged with other pieces by different artists, even different time periods, the collection takes on new life--you get to decide which piece stands out to you--then focus on it--or see how it fits into the world of art around it. It's a unique experience you won't find at other art museums--as delightful as it is thought-provoking! It literally makes you see art in a new way! I've been to many art museums around the world and this is now one of my favorites! If you love art you MUST GO! (if you can't go, you can explore their collection online by color, line, light, space here: https://collection.barnesfoundation.org/ read more

The Barnes Foundation - By showing the art with many other pieces it helps you see it in a new way - Art Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Overall: 10/10 Collection: 10/10 Service: 8/10 Value: 9/10 One of the most incredible works of this caliber I've ever seen in one place. I highly recommend watching "The Art of the Steal" before going (YouTube). It gives you a greater understanding of how the Barnes Foundation can to be and how the city of Philly swindled the museum to relocate to downtown Philly. Despite how it came to be, I'm happy that it did. Not only are the works amazing, but the was that Dr. Barnes put together the collection is half fascinating and half mind boggling. 10/10 highly recommend. read more

Quality services. They seem to cater to out of towners. As a local it was hard to get seen. After one appointment I felt better but couldn't get another appointment for at least a month. In truth I left and wasn't able to schedule another appointment without calling in!? I would have scheduled a month of visits that first night. Very confusing. read more

I don't really have words. This is a must-see art museum when in the area. If you can take a tour (or sneakily follow the tours), do it. The setup is specific in every room, and it tells a story. read more

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Love the location off the Benjamin Franklin Parkway-in close proximity to the main Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Art Museum. The museum offers lots of free programs and activities on certain days; showcases a fine set of works by some of the masters (Matisse, Rousseau, Renoir, Modigliani etc); and has special exhibitions and performances, for the audience's viewing pleasure. I like the spacious, airy feel of the main room and the coziness of moving through the smaller display rooms to view the works displayed in each, in turn. Multiple levels, coffee/snack bar with ample seating and, of course, a gift shop. You can scan in on your smartphone or device to get information on the displayed artwork. Staff is there with gentle reminders for visitors who get too close to the treasures. The only thing I don't like is having to continually scan tickets at each main display entrance and exit. Nevertheless, definitely worth a visit or several, to see world class art in a lovely setting. read more

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Small-ish but with an amazing, diverse and eclectic collection of art and antiques. The space is modern and well-designed for meandering from room to room. It's a nice place for a 1-2 hour visit without braving the immensity and crowds of the Philly Art Museum (also recommend) down the street. read more

There is a lot, a lot packed into one small building. You'll find relics and other works of art but it's mostly paintings. You could easily see it all in about an hour but if you really want to take it all in, you could spend a entire day or maybe even two. During the warmer months the weekdays are full of class trips so keep that in mind. Weekends are busy with tourist and families. I don't remember seeing food to buy there but there's a good amount of eateries and even a Whole Foods within walking distance. read more

This museum features a deep collection of Renoir and Matisse paintings, as well as many Post-Romantic era pieces. You'll find an occasional Van Gogh and Monet. This space is clean and relatively small. It's still worth the entrance fee. read more

The Barnes Foundation - A Renoir painting. - Art Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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It fill with the most amazing art collection in the world. And they have a restaurant there that you can get a bite which is also amazing!

The Barnes Foundation Art Museum is one of the finest collections of Impressionist paintings I have ever seen. Featuring paintings by Renoir (181 of them!), Cezanne, Van Gough, Picasso, Matisse, and other painters of the period, the collection is extensive. I was amazed that one man, Alfred Barnes, could amass such an important and impressive collection of work. In addition to the Impressionist paintings, the collection includes African sculpture and Pennsylvania ironworks. Plan on 3 to 4 hours to take in the exhibit and take advantage of the docents' knowledge of the works, of Alfred Barnes, and the history of the collection. https://collection.barnesfoundation.org read more

Absolutely jaw dropping collection, beautifully curated and presented. I live quite nearby and was excited to have the opportunity to swing by the Barnes for an afternoon. I was impressed by the Modigliani exhibit currently on display and though that alone was worth the price of admission, the meat and potatoes of this experience lays within the permanent collection - rooms and rooms of work. I look forward to grabbing a membership here so I can continue to find new discoveries from artists like Renoir, Cezanne, Monet, and many many more. It is doable in an afternoon for an undetailed look at the vastness of the collection, but to really do a deep dive here will take some serious stamina. Use your time wisely if this is a one-time stop for you! Ticketing is located outside of the museum itself at a booth near 22nd. You'll need a fully charged phone to scan your ticket when going from exhibit to exhibit and also upon entering the museum. Purchase ahead of time is also available via their website. Absolutely floored by this museum and excited to get back and wander as soon as I can. read more

The Barnes Foundation - Art Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Barnes Foundation is such a cool museum located on the parkway in Philadelphia. The place has a ton of art packed into such a small space. I really like how furniture arts are incorporated with art on the walls. They had a non rotating art section which is pretty interesting. The rotating art section always has interesting and unique pieces every time I visit. read more

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If you would rather spend time engaging with your phone than look at art work but at the same time you would like to spend money and feel cramped, this is the place for you! You'll be forced to engage with your phone, almost as if Mark Zuckerberg is literally standing in between your eyeballs and the paintings, if there is anything at all you would like to learn about what you're looking at. This museum was originally in a house and was moved to this location on the condition that all the things that made it a bummer to see in a house (cramped rooms, works hung at random, lack of labels) be retained: they were successful in that mission. What's also weird about this museum is the amount of wide open space that is unused, the lobby is enormous and empty. There's a large outdoor space that is not friendly for seating or spending time. Your visit really is confined to teeny rooms with walls crowded with unrelated works and no info. They have you use your phone to scan the works if you'd like to know anything about them, even the name of the artist is not displayed anywhere; unfortunately even spending the whole afternoon on your phone doesn't get you the info because works placed high up do not scan correctly. The sad thing is that the collection itself is worth seeing, there are some truly remarkable works on display. I wonder why they make it so hard? I get that it's the trend now to force people to keep staring at their phones but it sure made visiting this place feel like a drag. Is it worth seeing? Maybe if you're nearby or have a coupon. Would I return? No. read more

The Barnes Foundation is a wonderful place to appreciate art, with literally several paintings packed on each wall. When you visit, it's important to look at now just each piece, but also the relationship between the pieces on the walls and the walls themselves. Everything is carefully selected and deliberately placed. Using color, line, and shape, you can really appreciate the symmetries and subtle meanings. An overall wonderful place to visit in Philly. read more

The Barnes Foundation - Art Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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A classic Philly Museum that has only been located downtown for 11 years due to a fascinating backstory. Came here yesterday and somehow it was my first time here, but won't be my last. Tickets are pricey at $25 (for reference, you'll pay the same amount down the street at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a space and collection ten times the size of the Barnes). But they do offer steep discounts like free first Sundays, $5 tickets for college students, Philly teachers are free every Sunday, and kids 12 and under are always free. But the collection is truly stunning. The world's largest holding of Renoir (179) and Cézanne (69) paintings as well as plenty by Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh, Monet and Seurat. They're all packed into a space designed to mimic the collection's former layout in the nearby suburb of Lower Merion. That's unfortunately part of the problem. Dr. Barnes was a private collector and had his own eccentric views on how the paintings should be displayed. Most museums will give paintings space to breathe, so to speak, but here they are all jammed together, some positioned ten or twenty feet up the wall, without a single informational sign posted anywhere. For that you'll need a cell phone. Your digital ticket links to their website where you can scan any painting in the collection to read additional information. Unfortunately it's incredibly buggy. It often took up to 20 seconds for the scan to work. Sometimes information from an adjacent painting popped up instead. And if you don't hold your phone at exactly the right distance and angle, it won't work at all. And because it was so crowded, it was often difficult to get close enough to scan the paintings I wanted to. Overall, I came to the Barnes to learn a little about art and escape screens and technology for an afternoon, so I was a little dismayed to have to stare at my phone so much for two hours. But overall still a wonderful experience that I don't regret, and can definitely recommend to others. read more

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It took me about 2-3 hours to walk through the whole collections! 我花了大約 2-3 個小時來瀏覽整個展覽！ collections of Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Early Modern! Surprisingly there are eastern art works as well including Wang Wei. 囊括西方印象派，後印象派和早期現代的作品！ 令人驚訝的是，當中還有包括王維在內的東方藝術作品。 They recently put up a Modigliani gallery as well which I personally love. 他們最近新開了一個我個人蠻喜歡的一個展，表現主義畫派的代表藝術家之一的莫迪利亞尼的個人展。 It's a great place to check out the artists you like up close. 這是一個可以近距離欣賞您所喜歡的藝術家作品的好地方。 read more

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So I went to the Barnes this past weekend and I hated it. I really viscerally hated it - for some of the same reasons Scott P. talks about in his review. The architecture of the atrium is gorgeous - modern with some MCM touches like the mosaic on the entry and irregular rectangles on the walls. It's a lovely space. The collection is extraordinary - hundreds of paintings by Impressionist masters, Renoir and Cezanne, some extraordinary pieces by Modigliani, a few Van Gogh paintings, and so much more. Three things just killed it for me, though. I love to sit and contemplate a piece of art, to gaze at the subtleties inherent in the artwork, look at the piece from all angles - and (1) these masterpieces of Impressionist art are stacked vertically, one on top of the other, and so close to each other - it's like Impressionist Tetris. I know we're supposed to be experiencing the pieces the way Barnes saw the art, but I want to experience my own interpretation, and I want the art to be able to breathe. Several of my design classes have emphasized null space, or white space - there isn't any at the Barnes. The art is packed like the museum ran out of walls. (2) Color and lighting. The paintings are on caramel brown wallpaper and it makes it very hard to see the art. It's like being in a brown caramel swirled ice cream shake, a Blizzard of visual chaos, masterpieces and gilt frames and then wrought metal bits adding up to too much, everywhere, all at once. And the lighting is "protect the paintings" dim (it was also a cloudy day when I was there) so it's really hard to pull colors and dimensionality and life out of the paintings. Everything blended together. (3) Technology abuse. (a) Don't bother buying your ticket at the gate - get it online. Because the person at the gate just walks you through the online process. (b) After I'd waited in line to go through the online buying process (sigh) I had to scan the QR three times to get into the gallery, and then twice to get out. This is is a UI designed by a non-computer person. Imagine if you were someone who had a difficult time with mobile tech and then you're asked to pull up the QR code again and again? Some of my beloved art-loving relatives would have been in tears. My phone refused to keep the code up when I flipped the phone and it was really annoying. (c) The only way to get data on the art is through the online app. Scott P summarizes this excellently. I DO NOT WANT TO EXPERIENCE AN ART MUSEUM VIA STARING AT MY MOBILE. I am absolutely convinced that the only way to appropriately experience this museum is with a guide and a tour. And it wouldn't hurt to make sure you're in alignment with Barnes' art ideology. read more

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The Modigliani exhibition was wonderful. There were docents everywhere and they were very knowledgeable. In addition to the exhibited paintings and sculptures the Barnes has a many Modigliani's in its collection hanging throughout the place. We have been to the Barnes many times it is one of our favorite museums. It is spacious and comfortable. We spent an hour doing the Barnes after the exhibit. Parking is easy we parked right on the street. It was lunchtime on a Monday. Highly recommend. Mark & Nancy. read more

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Such an intimate space to view the world's largest collection of Renoir's (179) and Cezannes (69) as well as Picasso, and Matisses and many other artists' works. The pieces are not labeled and explained like in most museums. The app really enhances and helped me to understand the pieces. read more

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I've never seen such an extensive collection of Renoirs and Cézanne's as they have in this collection. I've been to a number of world class museums, and while I recognized perhaps 90% of the artists displayed, most of their work at Barnes was unfamiliar to me. It was a morning of exciting discoveries! Logistics: ** Tickets range in price from $5 (teens and students) to $25. Children 12 and under are free. ** There is an outdoor lot, not all that big, attached to the building. We paid $12 to park. ** While most of the art is labeled by artist, there are no placards with background. Load your phone with their app when you enter. Direct your cell towards the painting you want to learn about and voila -- the information appears on your phone. ** The museum is easy to navigate with signs advising you the direction to proceed. ** The lobby has plenty of seating. If you want to take a break while looking, there are benches throughout the gallery. ** They say to allow three hours to go through the museum. We did it in two-and-change. read more

The Barnes Foundation - Art Museums Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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A friend of mine from New York city recommended this museum very highly. I found out that the first Sunday of each month there is free admission. You can arrange for your tickets online very easily. It is very very organized so when you arrive show the employee your QR code so that you can enter the building. What a beautiful building at my beautiful grounds! So I attended the talk by the docent. I recommend this. Sit and learn about the museum and The permanent collection as well as the current exhibitions. Also there are no little placard's that will tell you the name of the artist they did it painted it and a little story about the featured item presented. I recommend that you take advantage of using the QR code at the beginning of the exhibition room. From there you'll be able to use your cell phone without downloading anything! Your focus your cell phone on the art and the story if you desire to learn more about each artwork featured in the exhibit! I think learning a little bit about the paining makes you more attached to it. The artwork is very thoughtfully placed on the walls. You can also enjoy seeing how the couple that live furniture and other decor. The gift shop is lovely . read more

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This is a fabulous collection, and we only had time for one floor and coffee! We'll be back in the Spring. There's a huge number of paintings by Renoir, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Picasso, and even a Titian. It's an art-lover's dream, but there are some oddities. The paintings are hung with no regard for period or artist. They're hung the way that he had them in his house. There are no plaques giving information about the paintings or the artists. This, of course, is because Mr. Barnes didn't have plaques in his house. There's a huge collection of metal objects, many of which are hinges or door fittings. Some are tongs or lock plates. All are unidentified by plaques. They're on the walls, in between the paintings. There are also some wooden things and a very few pieces of furniture. There's a sampler on one table, but you can't read all of it due to a large vase placed on top. I hadn't previously realized that Renoir was so prolific. My mother told me that Mr. Barnes didn't allow any of his pieces to be loaned to other museums while he was alive. I think that I have seen only one of his Renoirs in person before. And the Van Gogh portrait of the bourgeois man. Proof of vaccination is required upon entry, checked by rather a large guard. Masks are required the entire time you're in the building (February 2022.) read more

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Recently,I saw the wonderful temporary exhibit,"From Paris to Provence French Painting"which ends on August 31,2025,but includes paintings in the Barnes Permanent Collection.It featured outstanding paintings by Pierre Renoir,Paul Cezanne,Claude Monet,Eduard Manet,Vincent Van Gogh,Georges Seurat,Chaim Soutine,Amadeo Modigliani,Giorgio di Chirico,Camille Pissarro,and Henri Matisse.Most of these works are normally on display in the permanent collection.The Barnes Collection has a plethora of paintings by Pierre Renoir and Paul Cezanne in its permanent collection. In other areas of the Barnes Collection,I relished wonderful French Paintings by Henri Rousseau,Maurice Utrillo,Honore Daumier,Jean Hugo,Toulouse-Lautrec,Jean Guiraud,Pablo Picasso,and Paul Gauguin,besides the painters whose works were on display in the temporary exhibit,""From Paris to Provence French Painting".In the permanrnt collection,paintings are arranged in clusters..This art museum emphasizes works produced by French Painters. My visit to the Barnes Foundation was very worthwhie.Admission tickets are good for 2 consecutive days.Visiting the Barnes Foundation is a priceless experience read more

Super high friction environment, getting in was much more complicated than necessary, bad customer service. The art was nice, but that's expected. The workers seem to do little but make visitors experience worse. I am thoroughly disappointed. read more

The landscape and park around the Barnes is beautiful to walk through. The museum takes about 2 hours to walk through. It's also free the first Sunday of the month read more

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A challenge for your "Awe Reflex", hundreds of Renoirs, Cezanne, Picasso and many more to delight and inspire you, and to fill you with wonder and joy. And that's after you finish gawking at and being transformed by the architecture of the building and grounds! AN AUSPICIOUS ENTRY Not able to walk straight up to enter, you must walk past a fountain, around two sides of it, along a waterway, across the moat, zigzag the entry, then cross the threshold, u-turn into a massive lobby court lit from above, through leafy metal gates and through a final portico before you reach the art. Wow. A masterpiece of Chinese, Japanese influences protects this place from evil spirits and blesses all those who enter. You are literally "zipped open" (Shinto) as you make your way to the 21 rooms packed full from floor to ceiling of gorgeous masterpieces of paint, metal, wood, cloth, and clay. RESPITE FOR THE WEARY The Annenberg "Court" (Lobby) is a long room brilliantly lit from above, and set with panels, widths different enough that you don't feel trapped (Getty, LA), but safe. Enjoy a pastry, La Colombe coffee, cookie, sandwich, beer, sparkly or fruity beverage of your choice. Whether before, after, or as a break for your "awe reflex" during your visit, the Annenberg Court is a wonderful place to pause and rest. Flanking the metal gates, tower speakers play provocative jazz, ambient, fusion to center your aural self. Long benches set in "U"s perfect for large group meets. DR. BARNES WELCOMES YOU At the final portico before entering the galleries, you are greeted by a portrait of Dr. Barnes himself. Bravo, sir! That's one eclectic and eccentric dude! BE BRAVE Three visits, and I still struggle to get past the first room after 3 hours. I finally did it today. Detached and disconnected, putting on my blinders, I forcibly walked the 21 galleries of paintings stacked floor to ceiling to try to guesstimate how many years it will take me to make it through this collection. No idea. If you are Renoir fan, you've found nirvana at the Barnes. I did. read more

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