Freedom Dreams
April 12 – August 9, 2026
A meditation on the memories, dreams, and histories of America, featuring moving-image artists Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline.
Arthur Jafa. Love is the Message, The Message is Death, 2016. Detail of video still. Courtesy of the artist, Gladstone, Sprüth Magers, and Sadie Coles HQ, London. © Arthur Jafa
Adults $30; seniors $28 (tickets good for 2 days); students $5; members free
About the Exhibition
As Philadelphia and the nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Freedom Dreams brings together powerful works by artists in film, video, and installation that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the memories, dreams, and histories of Black Americans.
The exhibition features works by Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline, all exploring history, archives, and cultural memory. Freedom Dreams highlights the fluid boundary between past, present, and future and encourages viewers to reflect on how Americans of color have shaped identities and created spaces of resistance, joy, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The exhibition is co-curated by Maori Karmael Holmes, Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of BlackStar Projects, and James Claiborne, Fleischner Family Deputy Director for Community Engagement at the Barnes.
Arthur Jafa. Love is the Message, The Message is Death, 2016. Video still. Courtesy of the artist, Gladstone, Sprüth Magers, and Sadie Coles HQ, London. © Arthur Jafa
Related Programs
Member Previews
Thursday–Saturday, April 9–11, 10am – 5pm
Free
Members are invited to view Freedom Dreams before the exhibition’s public opening.
Curators in Conversation
Sunday, April 12, 1pm
Join co-curators James Claiborne and Maori Karmael Holmes for an engaging talk about the works and artists in Freedom Dreams and the exhibition’s key themes, including liberation, archives, and artistic and cultural lineage.
Young Professionals Night
Friday, April 24, 7 –11pm
Feel the pulse of Philadelphia’s creative energy as emerging artists, tastemakers, and young professionals gather for an evening of art, music, and connection. Explore Freedom Dreams and the collection, spark new conversations with fellow art lovers, or lose yourself on the dance floor—#BarnesYP is your gateway to the city’s most dynamic cultural scene.
First Friday
May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7; 6 – 9pm
Enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and light fare at our monthly First Friday mixer, featuring performances by dynamic artists including vocalist Farah Siraj and singer-songwriter Elle Morris.
PECO Free First Sunday Family Day
May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2; 10am – 5pm
On the first Sunday of every month, the Barnes partners with PECO to offer a free day of family fun. Enjoy art activities, storytime, and featured performances along with free access to the galleries and Freedom Dreams.
Barnes Cinema: Time by Garrett Bradley
Saturday, May 9, 1 – 4pm
Our three-part film series, curated by Maori Karmael Holmes, features additional works by the Freedom Dreams artists and includes talks on the exhibition’s themes. It begins with Time, Garrett Bradley’s Academy Award–nominated documentary about Sibil Fox Richardson’s decades-long fight to free her husband, serving a 60-year sentence for robbery.
Exhibition Seminar: Freedom Dreams
Saturday, May 30, 11am – 1pm
Led by co-curators James Claiborne and Maori Karmael Holmes, this interactive seminar offers a guided exploration of Freedom Dreams through shared readings, film excerpts, and discussion. Includes admission to the exhibition beginning at 10am.
Barnes Cinema: Arthur Jafa Retrospective
Saturday, June 13, 1 – 4pm
Our Freedom Dreams film series continues with a selection of works by artist Arthur Jafa, including short film, documentary, and music video.
Barnes Cinema: Ja’Tovia Gary Retrospective
Saturday, July 11, 1 – 4pm
Our Freedom Dreams film series concludes with a selection of works directed by Ja’Tovia Gary, spanning portraiture, meditation, and experimental documentary.
Sponsors
Freedom Dreams at the Barnes is sponsored by:
Meaningful support is provided by Margaret C. Hallenbeck, Margaret Harris and Phil Straus, Mark Haskins and Rebecca Craik, Arthur M. Kaplan and R. Duane Perry, Jennifer Rice and Michael Forman, and an anonymous donor.
Ongoing funding for exhibitions comes from the Christine and Michael Angelakis Exhibition Fund, Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Exhibition Fund, Lois and Julian Brodsky Exhibition Fund, Elaine W. Camarda and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Exhibition Fund, Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Christine and George Henisee Exhibition Fund, Aileen and Brian Roberts Exhibition Fund, and Tom and Margaret Lehr Whitford Exhibition Fund.
In addition, funding for all exhibitions comes from contributors to the Barnes Foundation Exhibition Fund:
Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz, Joan Carter and John Aglialoro, Julia and David Fleischner, Victoria McNeil Le Vine, Leigh and John Middleton, Jeanette and Joe Neubauer, and Aileen and Brian Roberts
John Alchin and Hal Marryatt, Lois and Julian Brodsky, N. Judith Broudy, Emily and Michael Cavanagh, Marianne N. Dean, Eugene and Michelle Dubay, Penelope P. Harris, Jones & Wajahat Family, Lisa D. Kabnick and John H. McFadden, Victor F. Keen and Jeanne Ruddy, Marguerite Lenfest, Maribeth and Steven Lerner, Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation, Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan, Cathy and Henry Nassau, The Park Family, Wendy and Mark Rayfield, Anne and Bruce Robinson, Adele K. Schaeffer, Katie and Tony Schaeffer, Donna and Jerry Slipakoff, Dr. and Mrs. Eugene E. Stark, Joan F. Thalheimer, Bruce and Robbi Toll, van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Kirsten White, and Randi Zemsky and Bob Lane.