What is the Barnes Foundation?

The Barnes Foundation is a unique educational institution dedicated to appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. The Foundation fulfills its educational mission through public access to its collections of art and plants and through related programs. Its legendary art collection includes some of the world's finest examples of post-impressionist and early modern works, along with African and other non-western art, decorative arts, and more. The living collections include a historic 12-acre arboretum and a 10,000-specimen herbarium.

Where is the Barnes Foundation?

The Barnes Foundation has three locations:

• The Barnes Philadelphia is home to the art collection, and is located at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130;
• The Barnes Merion is home to the Arboretum and horticulture program, and is located at 300 North Latch’s Lane, Merion, PA 19066;
• The Barnes Ker-Feal is an estate in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and is currently not open to the public.

 
When will Barnes Philadelphia open?

The Barnes Philadelphia will open on May 19, 2012.

When will tickets go on sale for the Barnes Philadelphia?

Tickets are now available here.

When will Barnes Merion open?

The Barnes Merion will open for classes in the fall of 2012.

When will the Barnes Ker-Feal open?

There are currently no plans to open Ker-Feal to the public.

Will the Barnes Foundation present special exhibitions?

One of the most significant features of the Foundation's Philadephia facility is a 5,000-square-foot gallery for special exhibitions. These will reflect the original focus of the Barnes collections and will include shows of contemporary and non-western art.

 
How will the light and viewing experience be addressed in the new building?

A state-of-the-art lighting system, combining artificial and natural light, will show the art collection to best advantage, revealing subtleties of color, texture, and form to visitors. A rooftop “light box” will filter out harmful UV rays from natural light and will be illuminated in at night, becoming a familiar beacon on the Parkway.

Will the Barnes Foundation Philadelphia be environmentally-friendly?

The Barnes Foundation is seeking LEED Platinum Certification, the recognized standard for ensuring “green” construction and continued sustainability. The project will feature a high-performance envelope, and efficient energy conservation practices will be used throughout the design. A green roof and abundant permeable surfaces will allow for rain and grey water re-use, and the incorporation of reclaimed Pennsylvania wood and local materials during construction will enhance the sustainability of the building. If LEED Platinum Certification is awarded, this project will be the first cultural institution in the Delaware Valley to achieve such certification.

The landscape, designed by Olin, also helps us achieve our sustainability goals. There will be approximately one hundred more trees on the site than exist now, as well as gardens and plantings surrounding the building. Irrigation will be provided by the capture and storage of rainwater. Impermeable surfaces have been reduced to a minimum and underground storm water retention basins will be installed.

The building’s operations have been overhauled to include mandatory recycling, promotion of reduced paper consumption, use of biodegradable materials and products that conform to LEED standards.