Chaim Soutine. Woman in Blue (detail), c. 1919. The Barnes Foundation, BF886
Weekdays: $39; Weekends: $49; members free
About the Tour
In April 1923, Dr. Albert Barnes introduced his collection of modern European art to Philadelphia audiences with an exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The response was swift and harsh. Critics dismissed the work, sparking a public clash between Dr. Barnes and the city’s press.
A century later, many of those same paintings and sculptures are considered masterpieces and remain on view in the Barnes galleries.
On this tour, you’ll revisit the works that provoked such strong reactions over 100 years ago. What did critics see—or fail to see? And whose side would you have been on in 1923? Consider how taste, context, and time shape the way art is received, and what it means for something to be called “radical.”
In the context of the nation’s 250th anniversary, this story invites a broader look at how American audiences have defined, challenged, and changed cultural values over time.
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.