Take a Class
Why take an online class at the Barnes?
- Our online classes are conducted live, which means you can engage with your instructor and with fellow students.
- We use state-of-the-art technology that allows you to zoom in closely and see details that can’t be experienced in person—down to the individual brushstroke.
- Topics change continually and are taught by experts from all over the world.
- Can’t attend a live session? Online classes are recorded for access later. Learn more about Barnes classes.
Research Notes:
March 2022
New theories and recent discoveries from the Barnes Foundation's curators, scholars, conservators, and archivists.
Research Notes:
March 2023
New theories and recent discoveries from the Barnes’s curators, scholars, conservators, and archivists.
Research Notes:
December 2022
New theories and recent discoveries from the Barnes’s curators, scholars, conservators, and archivists.
Art Education Classes
Study art history and art appreciation at the Barnes with a full array of online and on-site classes.
Give the Gift of the Barnes: Tickets, Classes, and More
Give the gift of the Barnes to family, friends, and colleagues.
Highlights Tour
This one-hour tour is perfect for first-time visitors. Explore highlights of the collection and learn the history of the Barnes.
Private Collection Tours
Explore highlights of the collection and learn the history of the Barnes. This tour is a private one-hour experience for you and up to seven guests.
Online Art History Classes:
Enroll Today
The Barnes has been an innovator in art education for 100 years. For a limited time, sign up to receive 10% off your first class.
Discover the Barnes Print Shop
Shop for artwork reproductions to bring favorite paintings from the Barnes collection home.
June Spotlight Tour: Self-Taught Artists in the Collection
Examine works by Pippin, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and other artists with little or no art school training.
The Russian Avant-Garde
Explore the origins of abstract art in Europe through avant-garde painting, architecture, sculpture, photography, and film. Instructor: Joseph Tokumasu Field
A Contemporary Approach to Old Master Techniques
Study new approaches to traditional painting methods with artist and instructor Jonathan Pinkett.
Member Orientation
New members are invited to learn more about the perks of membership at the Barnes.
Members-Only Evening Tour: Self-Taught Artists in the Collection
This exclusive after-hours tour focuses on artists who made their mark with little or no art school training.
ARTZ @ The Museum
This program provides free access to the Barnes for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Global Traditions in the Barnes
Take a closer look at the collection’s West African sculpture, Native American pottery, Mediterranean antiquities, and more. Instructor: Kaelin Jewell
Member Previews: William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision
As a member, see our latest exhibition before the public opening.
Members-Only Gallery Talk: “Manet’s Laundry: Hung Out to Dry”
Each month, members of our Adult Education team present exclusive talks to members. Today, assistant curator Corrinne Chong discusses Manet’s Laundry.
Members-Only Online Tour: Self-Taught Artists in the Collection
This exclusive virtual tour focuses on artists who made their mark with little or no art school training.
Exhibition Tour: William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision
Dive deeper into the life and works of the self-taught American sculptor with a docent-led tour.
Private Exhibition Tour: William Edmondson: A Monumental Vision
Explore the life and work of the self-taught sculptor in a private docent-led tour.
July Spotlight Tour: Self-Taught Artists in the Collection
Examine works by Pippin, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and other artists with little or no art school training.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Inspired Creations
Performances by Theatre in the X, plus storytelling, art making, and fun family activities.
First Friday! Solomon Temple
Tonight, Philly singer-songwriter Solomon Temple performs a distinctive blend of gospel, jazz, and soul.
Being Present with Art: The Retreat
Explore the theory and practice of integrating art and MBSR meditation in this one-day workshop. Instructor: Roksana Filipowska
Introduction to Color Theory
Learn basic color theory by studying works by Seurat, Cézanne, and other artists in the Barnes collection and watching demonstrations led by a practicing artist. Instructor: Michael Williamson
Barnes on the Block
Join us for a block party, with live art, food trucks, a beer garden, and music.
Art and Restorative Justice
Learn how art can play a role in justice reform—in raising awareness of mass incarceration, providing paths toward reentry, and more. Instructor: William Perthes
August Spotlight Tour: Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde
Take a closer look at the work of Van Gogh and his radical contemporaries.
First Friday! Black Buttafly
This August we're collaborating with BlackStar Film Festival to bring you music by Philly artist Black Buttafly.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day: Rhythm and Beat
Join us for a celebration of music, with Steve Weiss Mallet Festival and art for the whole family.
Nevertheless, She Persisted: Women, Art, and the Long 19th Century
View the social, political, and artistic movements of the 19th century through a feminist lens. Instructor: Caterina Y. Pierre
Learning to See
In a world filled with conceptual art and installations, why do paintings continue to hold our interest? Instructor: Kaelin Jewell
Wringing Water from Stone: Edmondson on His Own Terms
Dig deeper into the work of sculptor William Edmondson, focusing on his artistic voice and his place within Black culture. Instructor: TK Smith
September Spotlight Tour: Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde
Take a closer look at the work of Van Gogh and his radical contemporaries.
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.
Gift a Barnes Class
Give the gift of lifelong learning with art history classes taught by Barnes experts.