Watch PCN Tours - The Barnes Foundation

PCN Tours - The Barnes Foundation takes the audience on a journey through the history and art collection of one of the most unique and controversial museums in America. The Barnes Foundation is located in Philadelphia, and it houses a vast and impressive collection of art that includes paintings, sculptures, and other works created by some of the greatest artists of all time.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide who takes us through the rich history of this museum. She starts by delving into the life and vision of Dr. Albert Barnes, a successful chemist and art collector, who had a unique approach to how his collection was displayed. Unlike many museums of his time, Barnes did not believe in labeling artworks, instead he preferred to just let visitors engage with the art without any contextual information.

The guide then takes us on a visual tour of some of the most notable pieces in the collection starting with works by Cezanne, Matisse, and Renoir. The paintings are arranged in groupings that encourage viewers to engage with the relationships between the artwork. For instance, a painting of a portrait and a painting of an eggplant may be grouped together, and the viewer must determine what the connection might be.

In addition to paintings, the Barnes Foundation boasts an extensive collection of furniture, metalwork, textiles, and other decorative arts from around the world. The guide explores various rooms and corridors of the museum that are decorated with beautifully arranged displays of these objects.

One of the highlights of the tour is a walk through the museum's central court, which contains a stunning garden designed by landscape architect Laurie Olin. The garden provides a peaceful and serene respite from the hustle and bustle of central Philadelphia.

The tour also touches on the controversy surrounding the foundation and its collection. The Barnes Foundation was originally located in Merion, Pennsylvania, but there were many attempts to move it to Philadelphia. Barnes himself stipulated in his will that his collection could not be moved, but after his death, the foundation found itself embroiled in lawsuits that ultimately resulted in a move to Philadelphia in 2012. The tour touches on these issues and how the current leadership of the foundation is working to maintain Barnes' original intentions while also making the museum more accessible to the public.

Overall, PCN Tours - The Barnes Foundation is a fascinating and engaging look at one of America's most unique museums. The guide is knowledgeable and passionate, and the visuals are stunning. Whether you are an art lover or just a curious viewer, this tour is sure to leave an impression. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Philadelphia or who is interested in art history.

PCN Tours - The Barnes Foundation is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute.