More than 900 paintings by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modernist masters form the core of the Barnes Foundation, a collection assembled by Albert C. Barnes. He founded the institution in 1922 as both an art collection and an educational institution promoting the appreciation of art and horticulture. Barnes made his fortune co-developing Argyrol, an antiseptic silver compound, and sold his company just months before the stock market crash of 1929.
Besides paintings by many other leading European and American artists, the foundation's more than 4,000 objects include African art, Native American art, and antiquities from China, Egypt and Greece.
The collection was originally housed in Merion, Pennsylvania. In the 1990s, declining finances led the foundation's leaders to controversial moves, including sending artworks on a world tour and proposing to move the collection to Philadelphia. After numerous court challenges, the collection opened in a new building on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 2012. The foundation's arboretum remains in Merion.
No audio tours yet
Visited Barnes Foundation? Make the first audio tour: AI helps with the stops, scripts and narration.
We’re still gathering details for Barnes Foundation. Share what you know and help thousands of visitors discover it.
Create an indoor map
Map the galleries so guests can navigate halls, floors, and hidden gems with confidence.
Already contributing? Log in to keep building. Once you’re signed in you can also upload exhibit photos, add tours, and expand visitor tips.
Invite friends and fellow travelers to discover Barnes Foundation.
Discover other museums close to Barnes Foundation. Plan a multi-museum visit or explore the area.
Wikipedia