Barnes Foundation Review

Best impressionist and post impressionist museum, a treasure

Allow plenty of time to fully enjoy and appreciate the masterpieces here. We splurged for the docent tour and it was extremely helpful and well done.

On my list of place to visit on next visit to Philadelphia. Have been to the old Barnes Museum and Gardens but not this new place.

An impressive crucible.... If you like paintings, please go!
I recommend it

The first Sunday of every month is free. It is clean and stylish and not very big. There are also Korean folk paintings

Gorgeous museum. The building s architecture is breathtaking.

Gorgeous collection of incredibly significant works of 2 and 3D art arranged truly thoughtfully in each room. The space is beautiful and the staff is always kind.

Positives: Beautiful, paintings, most noteable everywhere. Really cool, conversational security people, specifically Officer C. Thompson.

Negatives: The admission prices and the attitude of the staff. A ticket in will set you back $25. If you are going to run "private" tours for an extra charge through the middle of a museum ($20 extra) run by loud docents, Barnes Museum, you may not want to have them wearing signs that say "Ask me. I'm a docent." I hung about listening to one such tour guide thinking nothing of it, how was I to know this tour was "private." All of a sudden, the guide told me in a rude voice that this was a private tour and that I needed to pay.

Very special collection of early 20th century art. Displayed in an intimate setting with excellent curation. Even some art historians on staff to answer specific questions about the artwork. Well worth the price of admission and the experience of a multi-billion private collection set up the same way as the original owner is exciting.

To see such a collection of the masters in one place is breathtaking

Extraordinary collection with many impressionist works, great temporary exhibitions.

Great museum A must. And I was lucky enough to see an extra exhiiquion about the Renoir, father and son. The impressionist painter and the great film director

Stunningly modern building with dramatic reflecting pools at entrance and into entrance alcove--like walking across water.
Helpful volunteers to answer questions everywhere.
No puff or down jackets--must be checked along with usual bags, etc.
The black lines in front of every wall/painting is rigorously enforced by intrusive security guards in every room. So much that its a joke--see t shirts in gift shop.
Small rooms that replicate the original setting in Barnes' home with a vengeance.
Strange odor throughout for a modern building. Could this be from the paintings?
So many Renoir's that you would willing believe they're in the thousands.
Many other famous "impressionists" and this is what sets this museum apart from all others: the sheer volume of impressionist paintings.
As is so true of impressionists you will find more nudes than the Greeks ever did in statues, it seems. Did women wear clothes back then or what?
Sometimes the juxtaposition of paintings is immediately clear. Other times it needs some thought.
Both the in room cards that detail what you'll find in the room (the paintings are not identified) as well as the audio guides make a world of a difference in appreciating what you're seeing--context, context, context.
The steel and iron hardware on the same walls as the paintings disappear after a while. Barnes collected the hardware. Eccentric to display both collections on the same walls to my way of thinking.
While it changes, the temporary exhibits or shows are usually well worth taking in. Gift shop in basement is definitely above average in scope and while heavily related to the collection is still done very tastefully.
Starbucks across the street (diagonally NE of front of Barnes) and Whole Foods directly across the street are nice places to sit and talk about what you've seen. Rodin Museum on the West side of the Barnes is worth seeing though comparatively small.

Excellent art collection and you can scan the artwork with your smart phone to get detailed information.

I had a great time on my first visit to the Barnes foundation everything was amazing I loved it. The ART IS BEAUTIFUL.The best part was the great opinions on what other peoples thoughts of the art. There was a guard I believe her name was Shakira, her insight and great personality made my experience amazing she helped out so much We were done looking through the galleries but decided to come back in after eating. Her amazing service made me won t to learn more on the art. She was very polite when asking me and my group to take photography sitting down and watch for the brown line. BUT THE DOWNSIDE!!!i just want to add......don t expect anyone at the big doors to tell you that the people with the orange lanyards are available for any questions. They just stood there huddled together and talked with each other instead of being approachable to us visitors.They just need to be separated...A couple of them where on their phone I don t think it was professional at all. At the beginning of coming in they don t make it clear ONLY TAKE PHOTOS SITTING ON A BENCH.Do not dare to take a photo not sitting down or one of the some security guards will hunt you down and scold you immediately but I think their not having good communication and then other guards are just so sweeti wish I asked all the ones that help us names but only asked that one. I really appreciate the help from the guard. I mentioned and the group I was with enjoy her great insight on the art. She was more helpful then the other people. It s weird that the guards help more then the people that are there to help!! But everything was amazing I will be visiting the BARNES FOUNDATION AGAIN!!!! I want to know more about this great museum!! Thank you Barnes. Hope you read this.

It is amazing! The most beautiful house I've ever seen. I could stay there for hours, just staring at the walls crowded with Renoir's paintings. Make sure you have at least 2 hours to visit the whole museum. But, if you can, stay there a little longer. Take your time, walk slowly from room to room, sit for a while and just enjoy it.

Great way to enjoy an escape into art for 3 hrs, lots of Renoir, some Van Gogh, great collection, renaissance period art.

An incredible collection and display of impressionist art.

Great Exhibit at the Barnes Foundation. Thoroughly enjoyed 30 Americans. I ran into one of the Art Team members (Tamara) giving one of a number of great and informative short lectures in the galleries. The whole experience was wonderful and it was nice having the art team in the galleries to answer questions. Would highly recommend visiting the Barnes Foundation if you are in the area!

It wasn't very friendly to those with disabilities. My mother wanted to go here for so long and finally felt well enough to come. But she is wheelchair bound and also needs to use the bathroom frequently. When we got there we had to wait 20 minutes or so to get in to the exhibit area, then ten minutes after we finally got in she needed to use the bathroom. There is no bathroom in the exhibit area so we had to go out and down to the basement for a bathroom. Then when we finally came back up we were told we would have to wait in the very long line again. My mom was so discouraged and worn out that we had to leave. Very disappointing

We purchased tickets in advance and still had to wait 1.5 hour to enter. The staff is rude with an attitude more suited to prison guards

It is hard to believe that so much amazing art is all in one place. You really get a sense of artists like Renoir, Cezanne and Picasso's early works. It is quite spectacular to that close to famous works of art.
That being said the price can be a little prohibiting so look for discounts or save for special occasions. A real gem in Philly.

The 30 Americans installation has been my absolute favorite so far. Some of my favorite artists in one of the best museums I ve ever visited. Love everything about it.

Fine art is not my thing. Paintings on 4 walls in 39 different rooms was a bit much for me. I did learn that the European artists bit off the African artists... not surprised. I did capture this photo from the famous painter...what's his name that cut his ear off...???

One of the greatest collections of art in the world. Dr. Barnes' collection is one of a kind including the way it was displayed in his home now all transported to downtown Philly. A must see!

Wonderful museum with huge collection of impressionist paintings as well as early renaissance art in downtown Philadelphia

The only museum I've visited like this. We love seeing all of inside and outside.

Incredible art and setup. Worth going to repeatedly. The only downside is that it's not in the original location.

Fantastic museum for all kinds of art lovers. A little crowded... but the arrangement and breadth of the art work is absolutely breathtaking (a lot of impressionist, post-imp. and modern art) Great stop to make for a day trip in the Philly area!

Absolute best art museum you can see everything in in just a matter of hours and still come back over and over again to drool over the incredible collection. Very inspiring.

Amazing collection of art and a beautiful building. Admission is pricey and reservations are recommended. A must for art-lovers.

A lot of collection and nice buildingdestruction. Good to go without small children..

Totally eclectic collection from an investor collector who got it all right when the 1929 stock market crashed. So many masters of art all in one location. Renoir, gaugin van gogh seurat and many many more!

Went for PECO family first Sunday's! Had a great time with my family. There is plenty of art but I don't think it's for young children.

What a magnificent museum and a great experience. Everyone was friendly, professional and knowledgeable with the artwork and entire layout. If you follow the rules and have great appreciation for art, you need to come and enjoy this establishment. You will not be disappointed with the friendly staff and surroundings. Also, be a proud sponsor and sign u for the membership. You will enjoy and truly share the experience with so many others.

Wow what a gem. A highlight of Philadelphia for sure. The collection is expansive and diverse and the setting makes it truly unique. Dude was a boss no question I attached a portrait of him as evidence.

Central location and easy enough to get an appointment

Great collection of impressionist art in a spectacular setting. Plus you can park right there. A big deal in Philadelphia.

Too much to take in one visit. Picture placement leaves a lot to be desired.

Very nice and beautiful museum, incredible Renoir and Cessane pictures additional to other many artists as Picasso, VanGoc, Matisse, as say by our dother they don't have more Renoir because other collections arrive before Mr Barnes, high recommended you visit it on Philadelphia

Loved the time spent in all the rooms. Wish I had known where the restaurant was at lunchtime. Amazing experience of a private art collection. Recommend the gift shop.

Great experience, Awesome collection! Read history of the place beforehand. The arrangement of masterpieces is kinda strange from the first sight. I was looking for particular paintings, they was in strange places, not convenient to analyze. but after realizing that there was idea of such arrangement, it became clear. But still it is a little disappointing. And overcrowded. People with audio sets are walking like zombies. And freezing in front of some paintings.

Pretty grounds and plentiful curated exhibits of the best artists.

Great museum, two floors arranged in a couple dozen rooms. There are no plaques on the walls but there are guide books to the art in each room. Arranged more akin to the original space than traditional art museum, so this means only limited number of visitors in the museum at a time. Buy tickets and prepare for a bit of a wait. There is a coffee shop, gift shop, and restaurant as well. Docked a star due to how the art was pulled from the original Barnes! See: Art of The Steal

Soooo different experience in art and exhibition. Don't leave Philly before visiting it.

This small museum has a fantastic collection of artwork, although I wasn't a huge fan of their method of displaying them. Too many pieces were displayed high up on the walls and were difficult to see.

Expensive! Why residents of phila have to pay full price?

Spectacular art collection, a must see if you are in Philadelphia!

Can only vouch for the public spaces as I did not go into the galleries. Such well designed spaces and a real pleasure to be in.

Wonderful place to visit for those interested in Arts... We can take pictures... But can't touch... You need to pay for entry unless you are a member in Barnes Museum

Renoir Renoir and Renoir.
And Cezanne, etc.
But absolutely unmissable, one of the most beautiful impressionist museums in the world, true happiness

Beautiful museum, nicely layed out. Live music at the restaurant was on point, food and service was good. Would visit again.

Amazing collection especially from a private collector. It is on the same level as The Fiske Collection in New York. A must see art museum!

Visited this Art Gallery as a part of an Art trip to Philadelphia. Wonderful museum and a true discovery for the lovers of Impressionist Art! The art is displayed in small intimate rooms as was intended by Barnes himself. The museum carries a lot of works of Renoir, Matisse and other famous artists. If you are in Philadelphia, do not miss out on this experience!

Amazingly rude staff to numerous guests. The exhibits that you see are not worth $25. There is much more at the Museum of Art. Would never go back here.

Frank Kollman, watch the movie, "Art of the Steal" (2009), then you'll realize the setup and experience you had at the gallery in Philly has nothing to do with Mr. Barnes at all. He wished his collection to remain on Latchs Lane. After he died, his trust was mismanaged and those folks who took his collection and moved it to its current location are responsible for your crappy experience. Blame them, NOT Mr. Barnes. Thanks.

Cool place, not just for the collection. First Fridays and Artist Bash, where they feature local talent, like Black Pearl Orchestra and many more. Many of these evenings have been truly memorable!

I am a frequent visitor to The Barnes Museum because I have a lower level membership. However the staff seems to run hot or cold especially in food service areas. The coffee bar is a particular example. The counter servers there are not helpful ;very brisk /rude even.not a particularly good experience if this was your first time at the Barnes ..I really was put off as were the people in front of me by the service....talking to each other and definitely it wasn't work related ...felt like we were not acknowledged,no thank you and unappreciated ....next time we will go elsewhere for our $2.50 can of soda ...and our close to $7.00 sandwich.. no thanks

With the renovations and the Garden restaurant in the basement I would say for an almost $70 meal for three it could've used a vast Improvement. The soup was cold, the server was very hesitant to give us extra bread. Also portions are extremely small.

Saturday's are way too crowded.. others day it's a more pleasurable visit. the staff in the gallery areas are professionals..I understand the need to keep people in the lines..no issues there...

It is an interesting museum, but the reason why the paintings are distributed in such an arbitrary way through the halls is not well explained.
Attention, the entrance fee is very high: $ 30 and do not accept any academic card that proves that you are a teacher, student, etc.

This is a great museum with great masterpieces. A must to visit in the city!

The Barnes Foundation has an excellent and varied collection. The are works by major, well known artists as well as lesser known ones. The set up of the rooms and art work allows for an easy flow thru the museum by visitors. The staff are professional, informative and helpful.

Great serious art collection with all the classics we all love: Renoir, Cezanne, Monet, Manet... large list and all rooms are incredibles.

Beautiful collection. A bit heavy concentration of Renoir but there're plenty of Monet and Cezanne and others to enjoy.

Good complementary option for a visit to the Museum of Art.

It s one of the best impressionist art museums in the world. Really worth visiting.

The artwork is priceless. One of the best collections of impressionist art.