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.
Free / Social
Mural Arts Studio at the Barnes
Wednesday, January 17 – Monday, December 31
Find out more about the five Philadelphia artists selected for residencies as part of our Let's Connect exhibition.
Talks & Tours / Members
Spotlight Tour: The Impressionists–Embracing the Modern
Saturday, September 1 – Wednesday, October 31
Learn about impressionism as a radical break with tradition, changing the way people think about art forever.
Art in Context / Understanding Materials and Techniques / The Barnes Method
The Barnes-de Mazia Certificate Program
Tuesday, September 4 – Tuesday, December 18
This special track offers an immersion in the Barnes method and an introduction to other interpretive approaches.
Horticulture
Horticulture Certificate Program
Wednesday, September 5 – Monday, May 13
Our three-year certificate program covers horticultural science, methods, and design.
The Barnes Method
Decoding Barnes's Ensembles
Saturdays, September 22 – October 27, 9 – 11am
Learn to better understand why Albert Barnes arranged his collection in such an unconventional way.
Art in Context
Picasso in the Making
Tuesdays, October 2 – October 23, 6 – 8pm
Contextualize the iconic artist’s early works and consider the role his canvases play in the Barnes collection.
Art in Context
Albert C. Barnes: A Philadelphia Story
Wednesdays, October 3 – October 24, 6 – 8pm
The life of Albert Barnes is a remarkable success story. Follow his journey from research chemist to art collector and educator.
Horticulture
Contemporary Botanical Illustration
Thursdays, October 4 – November 29, 1 – 4pm
Develop the skills to create highly detailed, expressive, and accurate botanical compositions using pencil and watercolor.
Art in Context
The Contemporary Art Market
Thursdays, October 11 – November 1, 1 – 3pm
Have you ever wondered how collectors of contemporary art choose their pieces? How gallerists decide which artists to represent?
Family / Social
Barnes Toddler Time
Thursday, October 18, 10 – 11:45am
Join us for a combination of storytime, art making, and movement activities just for kids ages 2–4 and their parents or caregivers.
Members
Member Previews for Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist
Thursday, October 18 – Saturday, October 20
As a member, see the exhibition before the public opening.
Members
Supporter Reception for Berthe Morisot:
Woman Impressionist
Thursday, October 18, 6:30 – 9pm
Supporter- and Sustainer-level members are invited to enjoy an evening preview of Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist with live music and cocktails.
Nightlife / Music / Social
Morisot: Passport to Paris
Friday, October 19
Enjoy an evening of breathtaking art, sumptuous bites, artisanal cocktails and live music at the preview party celebrating Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist.
Talks & Tours / Members
Fashion and Feminism: A Symposium Inspired by Berthe Morisot
Saturday, October 20, 1 – 5pm
Join us for lively discussion about the ways fashion has been deployed to make powerful political statements—in paintings, on the runway, and in everyday life.
Art in Context
Charles Demuth and American Modernism
Mondays, October 22 – November 12, 6 – 8pm
Charles Demuth worked to cultivate a distinctively American mode of modern art by applying avant-garde principles to the early-20th-century United States.
Understanding Materials and Techniques
Impressionist Methods
Mondays, October 22 – November 12, 6 – 8pm
Explore the materials and methods of the impressionist era through lectures accompanied by painting demonstrations.
Art in Context
African Art in the Barnes Foundation: Context and Meanings
Mondays, October 22 – November 12, 6 – 8pm
This class will discuss the traditional meanings and uses of the African sculpture collected by Albert Barnes.
Art in Context
Berthe Morisot: A Personal Reflection
Mondays, October 22 – November 12, 6 – 8pm
Painter and scholar Bill Scott examines the life, artwork, friendships, and career of impressionist painter Berthe Morisot.
Art in Context
The Body in Contemporary Art
Mondays, October 22 – November 12, 6 – 8pm
For many contemporary artists, the human body is a subject of endless fascination. This course offers an introduction to key examples of the use and representation of the body in different media, including performance art.
Art in Context
Fashion and Impressionism
Tuesdays, October 23 – November 13, 2 – 4pm
Study the theoretical, literary, and art historical aspects of Parisian fashion and its impact on the arts.
Talks & Tours
Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist Special Exhibition Tour
Wednesday, October 24 – Monday, January 14
Tour our new exhibition for a closer look at artist Berthe Morisot and her pioneering role in the impressionist movement.
Nightlife / Music / Social
Young Professionals Night: Modern Muse
Friday, October 26, 7 – 10pm
After-hours art, style, and live beats await Philadelphia's young leaders and Contemporaries members.
The Barnes Method
Inspiration and Impact: The Art of Paul Cézanne
Tuesdays, October 30 – December 4, 6 – 8pm
What was it about Cézanne’s painting that inspired many artists of the period and continues to influence painters today?
Talks & Tours / Members
Spotlight Tour:
Paul Cézanne—
His Art and Life
Thursday, November 1 – Friday, November 30
Learn about impressionism as a radical break with tradition, changing the way people think about art forever.
event
New Member Reception: Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist
Thursday, November 1, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Explore Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist and the permanent collection at this special evening reception for new members.
Nightlife / Music / Performance
First Friday! A Tribute to Grover Washington, Jr.
Friday, November 2, 6 – 9pm
The Tony Miceli Ensemble, featuring singer Tiffany Jones, brings the music of the legendary saxophonist to life at the Barnes.
Art in Context
Picasso and His Contemporaries
Saturday, November 3, 10am – 4pm
Trace key moments in Picasso's oeuvre while highlighting his impact on his contemporaries through a daylong immersion in his work.
Free / Family / Film / Social / Performance
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Art for All
Sunday, November 4, 10am – 5pm
Free art activities and entertainment for all ages, plus access to our collection and Berthe Morisot exhibition.
Talks & Tours
In Focus Gallery Talk: Ying’s Seated Girl on Porch
Monday, November 5, 2 – 2:30pm
Hear the story behind the painting from Z. Serena Qiu, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Room 19
Members
Members-Only Tour: School of Paris
Wednesday, November 7, 4 – 5pm
A docent-led exploration of works by innovative artists who were drawn to Paris in the early 20th century.
Family / Talks & Tours
Stroller Tour
Thursday, November 8, 10:30 – 11:15am
Our new Stroller Tours make visiting our galleries less stressful for families with babies.
Free
College Night at the Barnes
Friday, November 9, 7 – 9pm
Celebrate the style of the 1920s at our fourth annual college night in partnership with Campus Philly.
The Barnes Method
Works on Paper in the Barnes Foundation
Tuesdays, November 13 – December 4, 1 – 3pm
Works on paper can convey a sense of immediacy, spontaneity, and intimacy. Learn about the process used to create such works and explore their visual impact.
Members
Members-Only Tour: School of Paris
Wednesday, November 14, 4 – 5pm
A docent-led exploration of works by innovative artists who were drawn to Paris in the early 20th century.
Art in Context
African-American Culture and Music
Wednesdays, November 14 – December 5, 6 – 8pm
Explore Albert Barnes’s relationship with the African-American community, with particular focus on Dr. Barnes’s love of spirituals and his involvement in the Harlem Renaissance.
Members
Member Orientation
Friday, November 16, 10 – 11am
New members are invited to learn more about the perks of membership at the Barnes.
Talks & Tours / Members
Lecture: Anne Higonnet, Berthe Morisot and the Painting of Modern Life
Saturday, November 17, 11:30am – 12:30pm
Learn more about the life and work of impressionist painter Berthe Morisot in this lecture by Barnard College professor Anne Higonnet.
Nightlife / Music / Performance
Barnes Takeover: The Gorgeousity
Saturday, November 17, 8 – 10pm
The women behind The Gorgeousity will lead an immersive, music-filled adventure in response to the collection.
Talks & Tours
In Focus Gallery Talk: Morisot’s Self-Portrait
Monday, November 19, 2 – 2:30pm
Hear the story behind the painting from Ramey Mize, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; special exhibition gallery
Art in Context
Berthe Morisot: Woman Impressionist
Mondays, November 19 – December 10, 6 – 8pm
Explore Morisot's critical reception, her modern subject matter, and her pioneering place within the Parisian avant-garde.
Art in Context
Manet and Modern Paris
Mondays, November 26 – December 17, 6 – 8pm
This class will place Édouard Manet’s influential paintings within the context of modern Paris, the French Empire, and the city’s increasingly global reputation.
Members
Members-Only Tour: School of Paris
Wednesday, November 28, 4 – 5pm
A docent-led exploration of works by innovative artists who were drawn to Paris in the early 20th century.
Horticulture
Holiday Wreath Workshop
Saturday, December 1, 9am – 4pm
Learn simple techniques to transform elements from the Barnes Arboretum into a decorative wreath.
Free / Family / Music / Social / Performance
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: She Creates
Sunday, December 2, 10am – 5pm
Celebrate women in the arts, with performances by storytellers, musicians, dancers, and other creators. Plus, art activities for all ages!
Talks & Tours
In Focus Gallery Talk: Morisot’s The Artist’s Sister at a Window
Monday, December 3, 2 – 2:30pm
Hear the story behind the painting from Z. Serena Qiu, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; special exhibition gallery
Members
Building on the Barnes Philosophy: Experiential Learning through Dance and Art
Friday, December 7, 12 – 1pm
Explore the history of teaching at the Barnes, from the Dr. Barnes’s original vision to today's interdisciplinary program for Philadelphia students.
Nightlife / Music / Performance
First Friday! Argentine Tango
Friday, December 7, 6 – 9pm
Get ready to dance! Learn the basics of the Argentine tango and enjoy performances by world-class dancers.
Members
Conservation Discoveries
Friday, December 14, 12 – 1pm
Our senior director of conservation and chief conservator of paintings will provide exciting updates of recent conservation projects.
Talks & Tours
In Focus Gallery Talk: Histia’s Storage Jar
Monday, December 17, 2 – 2:30pm
Hear the story behind the piece from Ramey Mize, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Lower Level Lobby
