Take a Class
We're now offering a greater number of art classes, at a lower cost. We also have need-based scholarships to help make art accessible for everyone.
The Barnes-de Mazia Certificate Program
This special track offers an immersion in the Barnes method and an introduction to other interpretive approaches.
Horticulture Certificate Program
Our three-year certificate program covers horticultural science, methods, and design.
Research Notes
New theories and recent discoveries from the Barnes Foundation's curators, scholars, conservators, and archivists.
Highlights Tour
This one-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors. Explore highlights of the collection and learn the history of the Barnes.
Premier Tour
This 90-minute docent-led tour takes place while the Barnes is closed to the public.
Personalized Docent Tour
A private one-hour tour for you and up to five guests during regular hours.
Afternoons with
the Art Team
Join us for casual pop-up talks in the galleries led by our Art Team. Each talk focuses on a specific work of art—it’s a great way to explore the collection and learn something new!
October Spotlight Tour: Picasso and Matisse, Friends and Rivals
This October, learn about the complex relationship between these influential painters.
The Decisions Artists Make
Explore how the creative choices made by artists communicate their vision and affect the viewer’s experience.
Introduction to Contemporary Art: Critical Explorations
What makes art “contemporary”? How do we decide what’s “good” in the art of our time? The answers to these questions are complex—much like contemporary art itself.
Barnes Toddler Time
Join us for a combination of storytime, art making, and movement activities just for kids up to age 5 and their parents or caregivers.
Inside the Mind of Matisse: The Artist’s Tour
Using examples from the collection, we will explore the art and objects that mattered to Matisse at the different phases of his career in this one-day workshop.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Seated Female Figure of the Sãdo’o Society
Hear the story behind the work from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 21
Van Gogh
Delve into the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, one of the greatest—and most mythologized—painters of the modern era.
Rhythm in Chinese Art
This course explores how Chinese artists have expressed rhythm in sculpture, painting, calligraphy, and ceramics.
Member Previews for 30 Americans
As a member, see the exhibition before the public opening.
2019 Barnes Art Ball
Join us this fall for a celebration of Henri Matisse’s 150th birthday and a preview of the contemporary art exhibition 30 Americans.
A Jewish Perspective: Pissarro, Modigliani, Soutine & Pascin
These four painters were central to the avant-garde scene in early 20th-century Paris. How did their faith influence their outlook and their artwork?
30 Americans: Black Art Across Time, Space, and Practice
Inspired by our fall exhibition, this class explores the dynamic intersection of race, identity, and sexual politics in the work of several influential black artists featured in the show.
Supporter Reception for 30 Americans
Supporter- and Sustainer-level members are invited to enjoy an evening preview of 30 Americans with live music and cocktails.
Exhibition Tour: 30 Americans
Learn more about the artists and artworks in 30 Americans.
November Spotlight Tour: South of France—Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Matisse
Learn about the importance of the region to favorite artists in the Barnes collection this November.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Xaviera Simmons’s One Day and Back Then
Jon Isabelle Lynch, a PhD candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania, for a closer look at the photograph. Free with admission; Roberts Gallery
First Friday! World Premiere: “Frederick Douglass Jazz Works”
Ruth Naomi Floyd and her gifted ensemble bring the words of Frederick Douglass to life.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Kaleidoscope
A free day of colorful art, moving performance, and cultural voices.
Conversation: Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw and David Driskell
Find out more about creating, collecting, and curating contemporary African American art with 30 Americans curator Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw and scholar and artist David Driskell.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Matisse’s Moorish Woman
Hear the story behind the painting from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 19
Member Orientation
New members are invited to learn more about the perks of membership at the Barnes.
College Night: Planet Rock
Explore art and break it down to old-school hip-hop at this free party for college students.
African Art in the Barnes Foundation: Context and Meanings
Learn the traditional meanings and uses of the African sculpture collected by Dr. Barnes while considering the impact of colonialism and imperialism.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Kerry James Marshall’s Vignette #10
Hear the story behind the painting in 30 Americans from Jill Vaum, a PhD candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Roberts Gallery
Exploring Pictorial Space: From Giotto to Cézanne
Find out how Giotto and Cézanne opened up new ways of thinking about three-dimensional space in art.
Inspiration and Impact: The Art of Paul Cézanne
What was it about Cézanne’s work that inspired early modernists like Monet and Bonnard and continues to influence painters today?
Painting with Pissarro: The Journey into Modernism
Learn about Pissarro’s relationships with his contemporaries and his central role in the development of modern art.
Stroller Tour
Our Stroller Tours make visiting our galleries less stressful for families with babies.
Artist Conversation: Hank Willis Thomas and Deborah Willis
A conversation between two influential artists who are also mother and son, moderated by scholar Li Sumpter.
Artist Bash: Activated Peoples
Tonight, we feature artists who perform as they create, activating their histories, identities, and passions.
In Focus Gallery Talk: de Chirico’s Alexandros
Hear the story behind the painting from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 18
The Ancient World: Treasures from Egypt, Greece, and Rome
This class takes an in-depth look at the major artistic and architectural moments of the ancient world.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Winter Soulstice
Make festive arts and crafts and see soulful performances from the Philadelphia Jazz Project.
December Spotlight Tour: Cézanne—The Man and His Art
This December, we’re looking closer at the life, work, and influence of the “father of modern art.”
Panel Discussion: Philadelphia Jazz Stories
Learn about the new comic book inspired by the history of Philly jazz with its authors and illustrators.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Gozzoli’s Madonna and Child with Angels
Hear the story behind the painting from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 19
Lecture: “Sitting Pretty: Renoir’s Women and the Art of Self-Adornment”
This lively talk focuses on the intimate, modern scenes created by Renoir and his contemporaries.
First Friday! Elevate the Spirit
Tenor Allen Pinkney, Jr., lends his voice to a dazzling variety of music, exploring its power to heal and elevate the human spirit.
Member Morning
Members are invited to join Barnes staff for a chat about membership at the Foundation and benefits, followed by a docent tour of the collection.
Behind the Scenes: Special Exhibitions
Associate curator Cindy Kang provides an inside look at the special exhibition process at the Barnes.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence
Hear the story behind the painting from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 2
In Focus Gallery Talk: John Bankston’s Man’s Country I
Hear the story behind the painting in 30 Americans from Tamir Williams, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Roberts Gallery
Artist Conversation: William Pope.L with Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw
Performance artist William Pope.L joins 30 Americans curator Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw in conversation.