The Barnes Foundation (Photo: Tom Crane)
The Barnes Foundation is often considered the greatest post-impressionist and early-modern art collection in the world, with more than 3,000 masterpieces. Opened in 2012, the Barnes’ downtown Philadelphia location replicates the previous facility’s Merion gallery on the interior. With an Ellsworth Kelly sculpture on the grounds, reflecting pools, and lush landscaping, the building was designed to be a complement to the world-famous Barnes art collection.
The Barnes houses dazzling collections of French modern and post-impressionist paintings that can now be enjoyed virtually. Participants are guided by Barnes Foundation educator Penny Hansen as she presents masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse, as well as Picasso, Seurat, Rousseau, Modigliani, Monet, Manet, and Degas. Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities, Chinese painting, African sculpture, Southwestern retablos, Native American art, and American decorative art are also viewed.
Using high-definition Deep Zoom technology developed by the Barnes, Hansen offers closeup looks at the canvases that reveal their surfaces and details in ways that bring the art and the artists to vivid life. The virtual visit also focuses on the history of the collection, including the unique approach to displaying artworks and objects in groupings created by founder Albert Barnes.
World Art History Certificate elective: Earn 1/2 credit*
Patron Information
- If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
- Unless otherwise noted, registration for online programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
- Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
- Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
- View Common FAQs about our online programs presented on Zoom.
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1/2 elective credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
