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: Leroy Johnson
Mixed-media artist Leroy Johnson is our current artist-in-residence.
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.
August Spotlight Tour: Wondrous and Strange
This August, enter the mysterious and dreamlike worlds of some of the most imaginative artists in the Barnes collection.
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!
Screenings: I Do Not Know What It Is I Am Like
As part of this summer’s special exhibition on Bill Viola, we’re holding free weekly screenings of the artist’s 1986 feature-length work.
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.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: African-Caribbean Roots
Learn about the music and art of Philly’s African-Caribbean communities.
September Spotlight Tour: Pissarro and Friends
This month, learn about Camille Pissarro’s relationships with fellow impressionists and his enduring influence.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Bill Viola’s Pneuma
Hear the story behind the work from Barnes Art Team member Ann Moss. Free with admission; Roberts Gallery
Decoding Barnes’s Ensembles
Get a better understanding of why Albert Barnes arranged his collection in such an unconventional way.
Collection Concentration: Dawn of Modernism
This class explores the meaning of “modernism” and examines the relationship between painting, literature, and other media from the modern era.
Seurat’s Models: The Artist’s Studio as Metaphor
Look closely at Seurat’s innovative technique, his engagement with optical theory, and his dialogue with the history of art.
The Elements of Art
Learn basic aesthetic principles and discover art’s communicative power by studying directly in the Barnes galleries.
Demystifying Old Master Materials and Techniques
Through careful looking and in-class exercises, learn how the old masters layered materials to create luminous color and illusionistic precision.
Looking at African American Art
Explore the rich history of African American art from the early 20th century to the present. This class provides a wider context for our upcoming 30 Americans exhibition.
First Friday! Odean Pope: Sounds of the Circle
The Philly saxophone legend honors the enduring jazz legacy of the city with his original compositions.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Braun’s Cupboard
Hear the story behind the object from Robin Craren, collections research coordinator at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 18
Medievalisms in Modern Art
Some of the most prominent artists collected by Dr. Barnes adapted medieval forms to interpret and shape modernity. How has their work affected our understanding of the past?
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.
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?
Stroller Tour
Our Stroller Tours make visiting our galleries less stressful for families with babies.
Lecture: Cindy Kang on Pierre Bonnard
Barnes associate curator Cindy Kang will discuss the artist’s practice of working in multiple media.
Jean-Luc Godard: Four Chapters of Genius
This course surveys the career of one of the great geniuses of cinema, from his groundbreaking French New Wave films to his contemporary work in digital media.
New Member Reception
Explore the Barnes collection at this special evening reception for new 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 Orientation
New members are invited to learn more about the perks of membership at the Barnes.
The Mysteries of Iron
Learn how the extraordinary metalwork in the Barnes collection was created and used, and see how it is preserved today.
Blurred Lines: Intersections of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture
This one-day workshop looks at modern artists and architects who have pushed the limits of traditional painting, sculpture, and architecture.
In Focus Gallery Talk:
de Chirico’s The Mysterious Swan
Hear the story behind the painting from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Room 23
Young Professionals Night: Orange Crush
After-hours art, style, and music await Philadelphia's young leaders and Contemporaries members.
First Friday! Tribute to Nina Simone
The Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble pays homage to the timely lyrics and fiery compositions of Nina Simone, the High Priestess of Soul.
In Focus Gallery Talk: Metalworks
Learn about the metalworks in the Main Gallery from Amy Gillette, research associate at the Barnes. Free with admission; Main Gallery
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.
Barnes Jawn(t)
A Barnes Jawn(t) is an improvised tour of the Barnes collection with a fascinating Philly personality as your guide.
Lecture: Anne Monahan on Horace Pippin
Scholar Anne Monahan views the self-taught painter’s meteoric rise through a segregated art world.
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.
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.
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.
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 doctoral 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.
Artist Conversation: Hank Willis Thomas and Deborah Willis
A lively 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.
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.
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.
Artist Conversation: William Pope.L with Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw
Performance artist William Pope.L joins 30 Americans curator Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw in conversation.
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