Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia PA

This is not the largest art museum nor would I necessarily suggest this as a destination for those visiting the city for just a day.

However, this art museum is truly unique and absolutely worth a visit. At first glance, the art rooms seem small and overstuffed with paintings. However, it becomes apparent that the paintings are deliberately placed among furniture, crafts, and metalwork. The paintings are not sorted into eras or art styles like other museums but instead based on motifs, patterns, ideas, and themes. The connection between each item in a column of works becomes its own discovery cycle that makes you think about the composition of each painting.

There is a large collection of Renoir and Cezanne paintings here, among others by Van Gogh, Picasso, and more. The furniture and metalwork pieces also make this more than just a museum of portraiture or landscapes but one of arts and crafts. The tight spaces do make it easy for crowds to form, but the museum tries to keep the number of people in each area under control. While there may not be many rooms in this gallery, each room is as densely lined with paintings as one could imagine, yet everything just fits together and feels right.

You need a smartphone to get the full contextual experience for each painting as there are no plaques or signs, but I have to say, while the smartphone photo context feature took some getting used to, I left wishing that most museums had done that. They even sent me the photos I viewed at the end so I knew what I saw - what a cool idea!

My favorite museum experience by far. The Barnes is unique because it lets you, the visitor and viewer interact with the art as you please. It is up to your own personal perspective, creating a evocative experience. Unlike a traditional museum there are no plaques or descriptions of the art. The only signage is a tiny, almost microscopic plaque of the artist’s name at the bottom of the frame. The Barnes is an immersive treasure trove of Impressionist art that forces you to think outside the box. Must see if you are in Philly.

There's no denying that this is the best collection of art from some of the most famous artists but the rooms are a maze and it's difficult to remember which ones youve been in and even more difficult finding your way out. The rooms are tiny and VERY crowded and especially in the time of Covid it makes it very uncomfortable and difficult to enjoy the art. Many paintings are crammed into tiny rooms some as high as 10ft up the wall so you have to crane your neck up to see them. There are tons of young people snapping photos with their cell phones so if you are looking for a calm peaceful experience forget it! And I suggest buying tix in advance, I got there before opening and there was already a line and only one ticket booth so it took about 15 min to get in.

Definitely a hidden gem in Philadelphia! It's a pretty impressive collection of mostly Renoir and Cezanne art.

Beyond words. Go when you I’ve time to go through twice. Go once and look at everything up close. Some of the most amazing art pieces in the world just inches away. Then go through again and stand on the opposite side of the room. Take in the motifs. The vignettes. The layout and unusually pairings.

Our favorite museum ever.

What a wonderful, charming, and magical exhibition (if you're an expressionist lover), the best in Philly.

True to the Foundation requirements, the Barnes artwork is presented in a replica of the Barnes Mansion, within a modern edifice. Great experience.

The QR code starts a cool app that lets you point your phone camera at any painting and immediately see its details.

The Impressionism and post-impressionisms lovers dream! This museum was amazing, not only was the collection incredible, but how it was curated was really enjoyable. It felt like I was just walking around somebody’s house. A house that’s filled with billions of dollars worth of art. It really humanized things, and it was special to see different pieces together in one space, highlighting the differences and similarities amongst artists and movements.

I truly loved this experience and would absolutely come back to visit again.

I loved Barnes' exhuberant pleasure in these paintings and standing his ground when, I understand, polite Philadelphia was mocking of the modernism. He kept changing the paintings around (the only way to see them afresh after you've been living with them for a while) ; he found quirky iron pieces that he placed on the wall besides them; and put wonderful sculpture (some African, some clssic ones of saints) against vibrant Moroccan rugs. Brilliant!

One of my favourite museums in Philadelphia (Okay, maybe it is my favourite). Lovely art, and the architecture is unimaginable.

We found this charming little museum when we were looking for a restaurant. Turns out we didn't need to purchase tickets to go to the restaurants, but we didn't know it beforehand, so we ended up exploring it! It was an amazing collection, highlighting Renoir and Cezane's work. Staff can help you find the website with a fun tool where you point to the painting, and they give you a description. As someone who has to read everything written in a museum, this helped me focus on my favorite pieces. The garden and restaurant are also great! Highly recommend.
Tickets were 25 per adult. Kids up to 12 are free. Significant college student and senior discounts ($5).

Best museum. Great lectures on Barnes history and art philosophy. Superb impressionists collection. Wonderful
Music and family events on first Sunday’s. Very nice restaurant and outdoor seating. One of Philly’sv best assets.

Attended a jazz show here. Very nice venue for watching a jazz concert. I walk through the yard gallery too as well. Nice pictures.

We enjoyed our time here. It is a great place to just relax and enjoy the art, furniture, and metalwork.