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.
Mural Arts Studio at the Barnes: Jonathan D. Pinkett
Painter Jonathan D. Pinkett is our current artist-in-residence.
Horticulture Certificate Program
Our three-year certificate program covers horticultural science, methods, and design.
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.
Special Exhibition Tour: From Today, Painting Is Dead
Learn about the innovative photographic processes being developed in the mid-19th century and the creative artists making their mark with the new medium.
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!
April Spotlight Tour: The Americans
This April, find out more about the artists who brought modernism to America and Dr. Barnes’s relationship with them.
The Battle Between Line and Color
Trace the long-running debate on the relationship between line and color through close looking at paintings in the Barnes collection.
Lecture: Makeda Best on the Origins of Social Reform Photography in America
Explore the early days of photography in the US with Makeda Best, a curator at Harvard Art Museums.
Gogh, Mom!
Happy Mother’s Day! Take your mom on a tour this May and we’ll treat her with a special gift.
May Spotlight Tour: Renoir and His Women
This May, discover the influence the women in Renoir’s life had on his career.
Member Appreciation Days
On Fridays in May, members get even more! Free talks and tours, plus extra discounts!
Member Appreciation Days: Conservation Talk with Barbara Buckley
Exciting updates on conservation projects, including an in-depth look at the ongoing study and treatment of Paul Cézanne’s The Large Bathers.
First Friday!
Dan Blacksberg’s Freilachs Music
Trombonist Dan Blacksberg's band plays old-world klezmer with a contemporary sound. Featuring trumpeter Susan Watts.
5th Annual Violette de Mazia Lecture and Reception, in Memory of Richard J. Wattenmaker
Presentations from a biographer, a former student, an archivist, and a historian will shed light on Ms. de Mazia's life and legacy.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Creative Creatures
Be inspired by magical creatures, creative stories, and talented young musicians from Philadelphia.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Rousseau’s Scouts Attacked by a Tiger
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; Room 14
Stroller Tour
Our new Stroller Tours make visiting our galleries less stressful for families with babies.
New Member Reception: From Today, Painting Is Dead
Explore From Today, Painting Is Dead: Early Photography in Britain and France and the permanent collection at this special evening reception for new members.
Young Professionals Night: Spot On
After-hours art, style, and music await Philadelphia's young leaders and Contemporaries members.
Barnes Toddler Time
Join us for a combination of storytime, art making, and movement activities just for kids ages 2–4 and their parents or caregivers.
Member Appreciation Days: Art Team Talks
Members of the Barnes Art Team present their exciting new research into the collection.
Barnes Takeover: “P is for Picture-Theatre”
Local artists take over the Barnes. Will this performance change the way you see the collection?
In Focus Gallery Talk: Scabello Side Chair
Hear the story behind the object from Z. Serena Qiu, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Room 8
Member Orientation
New members are invited to learn more about the perks of membership at the Barnes.
Artist Bash: Bring It
Our seventh Artist Bash features artists who incorporate the audience into their projects and performances.
Lecture: Mary Morton on Corot’s Figures
Curator Mary Morton shares why master landscape painter Camille Corot deserves attention for his figure paintings as well.
June Spotlight Tour: Modigliani and Soutine
This June, learn about the friendship that grew between these modern artists while working in Paris.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Summer Solstice
Celebrate summer's arrival with floral crafts! Plus, global music by Philly's Drum Like a Lady.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Van Gogh’s Still Life
Hear the story behind the object from Ramey Mize, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Room 2
Homegrown Concerns:
American Modernism c. 1900–1950
This one-day workshop explores key artists from one of the most prolific moments in American history, including Alfred Stieglitz, Jacob Lawrence, and Edward Hopper.
First Friday! The Music of Marvin Gaye
The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble brings the songs of Marvin Gaye to life with its inventive arrangements.
Barnes Takeover:
Cookie Diorio
Local artists take over the Barnes. Will this performance change the way you see the collection?
In Focus Gallery Talk: Matisse’s Three Sisters with an African Sculpture
Hear the story behind the object from Z. Serena Qiu, a doctoral candidate in the history of art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free with admission; Room 19
Decoding Barnes’s Ensembles
Learn to better understand why Albert Barnes arranged his collection in such an unconventional way in this one-day workshop.
Member Previews for I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like
As a member, see the exhibition before the public opening.
The Living Still Life
In this one-day workshop, learn how the once-humble still life became an important genre in contemporary art.
Understanding Color in Painting
Explore the history and use of color in paintings from the Barnes collection.
Drawing with Scissors
Explore the unique cut-paper method developed by Henri Matisse and discover your inner artist with a hands-on lesson.
Bill Viola in Context
A look at the artist’s innovative contributions to video, sound, and installation art as well as the provocative themes that inspire his creations.
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.