Barnes Foundation
Trip Ideas
300 N. Latches Ln., Merion, 610/667-0290,
www.barnesfoundation.org
HOURS: Fri.–Sun. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept.–June,
Wed.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. July–Aug.
COST: $10, audio guide additional $7
Eccentric art collector Albert C. Barnes never could have imagined his little art collection would cause such trouble. His legacy, the Barnes Foundation, is an awesome multibillion-dollar collection of Impressionist and Expressionist works by Cézanne, Gauguin, El Greco, Goya, Manet, Matisse, Modigliani, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh, along with impressive African sculpture and more.
Cosseted away in the suburbs since the 1920s, it has been embroiled in a lengthy battle to move the collection into a more accessible Philadelphia location. The same neighbors who hated its visitors’ traffic now screech for it to stay. It has been decided that it will move to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to join the city’s other top museums, but a date has not been set as of this printing.
Call ahead to make sure you’re going to the right place; whether it’s still in the ’burbs or conveniently in the city, all art lovers will want to make it to this world-class collection.
Currently, advanced reservations are required and can be made by phone, fax, or email. Because of its popularity and limited hours, it is recommended that you make reservations at least a month in advance for your choice date and time.
© Karrie Gavin from Moon Philadelphia, 1st Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.