Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia

Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia (must see)

The Barnes Foundation, situated in Philadelphia, is a renowned art collection and educational institution dedicated to fostering an appreciation for art and horticulture. Founded in 1922 by Albert C. Barnes, who gained wealth from co-developing Argyrol, an antiseptic silver compound, the Barnes Foundation has a rich history. Barnes, known for his business savvy, sold A.C. Barnes Company before the 1929 stock market crash. He initially founded the Foundation in Merion, but in 2012, the collection moved to a new facility on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

Today, the Barnes Foundation is home to an extraordinary collection, encompassing over 4,000 objects. This includes a remarkable array of over 900 paintings, with an estimated value of around $25 billion. The collection is particularly noted for its extensive array of works by Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modernist masters. This includes a significant number of pieces by Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, along with a specially commissioned large mural by Henri Matisse, made explicitly for The Barnes. Beyond these, the collection is also rich in other European and American paintings, showcasing the breadth and diversity of art history.

Moreover, the Barnes Foundation's collection extends beyond these well-known Western artworks. It also houses a significant compilation of African art, antiquities from ancient civilizations such as China, Egypt, and Greece, and Native American art, reflecting a global perspective and a deep appreciation for various artistic expressions across cultures and time periods. The Foundation, thus, stands as a testament to the vision of Albert C. Barnes and continues to be a pivotal institution in the world of art and education.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Philadelphia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Barnes Foundation on Map

Sight Name: Barnes Foundation
Sight Location: Philadelphia, USA (See walking tours in Philadelphia)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia

Create Your Own Walk in Philadelphia

Creating your own self-guided walk in Philadelphia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fairmount Park Historical Houses Walking Tour

Fairmount Park Historical Houses Walking Tour

Fairmount Park, Philadelphia's oldest park, established since 1867, is also the city's largest municipal park, sprawling over 2,000 acres adjacent to the banks of the Schuylkill River. The park grew out of the Lemon Hill estate of Henry Pratt, whose land was originally owned by Robert Morris, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1972, the park was placed on the National...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour

Philadelphia Introduction Walking Tour

The sixth largest city in the United States and the largest in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia is a dynamic city heaped with old-world charm and contemporary infrastructure. Notable for its rich history, primarily as the birthplace of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Often called Philly, Philadelphia is also known as the City of Brotherly Love – a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour

Rocky Movie Sites Walking Tour

There's hardly any other character, fictional or real, as iconically Philadelphian as Rocky. Indeed, this American sports drama franchise, centered on the boxing career of Rocky Balboa, released in 1976, has become synonymous with and arguably done more for the city of Philadelphia than anyone else since Ben Franklin.

The cultural phenomenon was created by Sylvester Stallone, who wrote,...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.3 Km or 3.9 Miles
Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin's Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin's journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in Revolutionary America began when he, as a teenager, ventured from a Puritan family in Boston to Philadelphia. This city would not only become his home but also a stage for his remarkable life as a writer, printer, philosopher, postmaster, scientist, inventor, statesman, and diplomat. His life epitomizes the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Franklin Parkway Walking Tour

Franklin Parkway Walking Tour

Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a scenic boulevard running through the cultural heart of Philadelphia. Named for America's Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, this mile-long tree-lined parkway is lined with several notable sights and world-class museums.

At its heart lies Logan Circle, a charming green space centered around a picturesque fountain. This spot can provide a refreshing break on...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour

Philadelphia Old City Walking Tour

King Charles II of England, while seriously indebted to Admiral Sir William Penn, settled his debt in 1681 by granting lands in America to William Penn, the Admiral's Quaker son. A thorn in the King's side, young Penn sailed to America, where he envisioned a utopian society based on tolerance and founded Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love."

The Old City Center, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

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Philadelphia Souvenirs: 13 Unique Gift Ideas from the City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia Souvenirs: 13 Unique Gift Ideas from the City of Brotherly Love

Looking for a great gift while visiting Philadelphia? Famous for its history, arts and culture, championship sports teams, and award-winning food and drink, Philadelphia is a top-rated shopping destination. Here, you'll find an amazing selection of items to choose from - something uniquely...