Free July at the Barnes
Free Admission for Philadelphia Residents—All Month Long
About the Event
As part of Philadelphia’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary—and in gratitude for the city and communities that have welcomed us—we’re opening our doors wide. If you are Philadelphia resident, you can visit the Barnes for free in July. Explore the collection, experience Freedom Dreams, Sky Hopinka: Red Metal Dust, and Just Us, and enjoy a wide range of programs.
What’s On
Experience Freedom Dreams
Don’t miss Freedom Dreams, an exhibition bringing together five contemporary artists working in film, video, and installation. Exploring American history, Black identity, and the power of imagination, the exhibition invites you to reflect on the past, question the present, and envision new possibilities for tomorrow.
Included with free admission, it’s a central part of the Barnes’s July experience—inviting you to see art differently.
Free July Admission Covers:
- Access to the Barnes collection, Freedom Dreams, Sky Hopinka: Red Metal Dust, and Just Us.
- Daily gallery talks and drop-in experiences.
- Free admission to select public programs.
Not included: Premium tours and ticketed specialty experiences.
How to Get Free General Admission
- Visit during open hours—free general admission for Philly residents is available by walk-up only (no reservation required).
- Show a valid Philadelphia ID.
- Receive free admission for the day.
Please note: Each visitor must present their own ID.
How to Get Free Admission to July Programs
These programs are free for all attendees—not just Philadelphia residents—with advance registration required (separate from general admission).
- First Friday (Friday, July 3)
- PECO Free First Sunday Family Day (Sunday, July 5)
- Barnes Cinema: Ja’Tovia Gary Retrospective (Saturday, July 11)
- Barnes on the Block (Sunday, July 12—registration is required for gallery access only)
- Book Talk: Black Curators Matter (Sunday, July 26)
Across the Parkway
This special offer for Philadelphia residents also includes admission to Calder Gardens, a unique, contemplative setting dedicated to the work of Alexander Calder, where art, architecture, and landscape come together in an open, ever-changing environment—inviting exploration that’s open to interpretation.
Philadelphia residents can make the most of both experiences with free PLUS tickets—your same-day ticket to the Barnes and Calder Gardens.
Go Further
Freedom Dreams
A meditation on the memories, dreams, and histories of America, featuring powerful works by contemporary moving-image artists Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline.
The Barnes Collection
See art differently. Explore paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Van Gogh, and other artists beside African sculpture, metalwork, and decorative arts.
Just Us
Original works by artists at SCI Phoenix and justice-impacted artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew.