The Sleeping Gypsy (detail) by Henri Rousseau, 1897
Known for his lush jungle scenes and imaginative compositions, Henri Rousseau was a self-taught artist whose work defied convention and captivated generations of Modernists. Art historian Ursula Wolfman takes you into his vibrant world at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia with the special exhibition “Henri Rousseau: A Painter’s Secrets.”
Featuring more than 40 paintings, drawings, and archival materials, the exhibition uncovers how Rousseau used illustrated books, photographs, and visits to zoos and botanical gardens to craft his dreamlike imagery. The show is the result of a landmark research project focused on the 18 Rousseau works in the Barnes collection and was co-organized with the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, which houses the collection of art dealer Paul Guillaume. Guillaume sold many Rousseau paintings to Dr. Albert Barnes and kept others for himself: The exhibition reunites these works for the first time in more than 100 years.
Following the exhibition tour, enjoy time to explore the permanent collection—home to over 3,000 works, including pieces by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso—arranged as Barnes intended. Artworks are shown in conversation with African sculptures, Native American jewelry, Greek antiquities, and decorative arts.
A private lunch at the museum is included.
Know Before You Go
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Tour participants meet at and leave by bus from the Holiday Inn Capitol, 550 C St. SW (corner of 6th and C Sts. SW) with a pickup stop at the I-495 Exit 27 commuter parking lot at about 7:55 a.m.
General Information
- Registration for this tour will end by 2 p.m. ET on Friday, December 12, 2025.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
