Barnes Foundation
Museum Notable Philadelphia art collection and educational foundation
Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation displays a private collection of Impressionist and Modern paintings-Cézanne, Matisse, Renoir-arranged per Dr. Albert Barnes’ strict hanging scheme; visitors study works closely and attend rotating exhibitions and talks.
The Barnes Foundation is an art institution best known for its collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early modern paintings together with decorative arts and antiquities. It was established by Albert C. Barnes and his foundation to educate the public through the study of art.
The collection emphasizes works by artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso and is arranged according to Barnes’s specific display principles rather than conventional chronological or national ordering. Galleries are arranged to encourage study and connoisseurship.
The Foundation was originally housed in Merion, Pennsylvania, and in 2012 the collection and educational programmes moved to a new building on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway designed to showcase the original displays while accommodating larger visitor numbers. The institution continues to run education programmes and tours focused on the collection.
Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Barnes Foundation sits among the city’s cultural institutions and is reachable by public transport and car from central Philadelphia.
- Founding and relocation: Founded by collector and physician Albert C. Barnes in the early 20th century and reinstalled on Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 2012 in a purpose-built building.
How to Get to Barnes Foundation #
The Barnes sits on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, a short walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. From 30th Street Station, take a taxi or SEPTA bus; subway and trolley connections are also available to nearby stops.
Tips for Visiting Barnes Foundation #
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance (weekends and new exhibitions sell out).
- Reserve the guided highlights tour - the Foundation's collection is arranged with a precise, personal logic and guides explain the intended sightlines.
- Allow time to appreciate the galleries at the Barnes - the installation is part of the experience, not just the paintings.
Best Time to Visit Barnes Foundation #
Weekdays outside school holidays are best to avoid crowds; book timed tickets in advance year-round.
Weather & Climate near Barnes Foundation #
Barnes Foundation's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1128 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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