Henri Matisse using a bamboo stick to sketch The Dance in his studio in Nice, 1931. Unidentified photographer. Photograph Collection, Barnes Foundation Archives, Philadelphia
Weekdays: $39; Weekends: $49; members free
About the Tour
Each month, Spotlight Tours focus on a different artist or theme, allowing for a deeper dive into specific areas of the collection.
Albert Barnes amassed an astonishing 59 works by Henri Matisse, several of which are watershed paintings in the history of modern art. These include The Joy of Life (Le bonheur de vivre), a fauve bombshell painted in 1906, and The Dance, the monumental mural that Dr. Barnes requested from the artist during his visit to the Barnes Foundation in 1930. This commission, and Matisse’s extraordinary creative efforts to fulfill it, marked a turning point in the artist’s career. Learn more about this pivotal moment while exploring works from across our Matisse collection.
Includes access to the collection before and after the tour.
Go Further
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 Tour: Favorite Artists
Choose your favorite artists in the collection for a private one-hour experience for up to ten guests.
Private Collection Tour
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 nine guests.