Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Relocation of the Barnes Foundation

Inside a gallery at the Barnes Foundation. Photo: JH, New York Social Diary.


The Barnes Foundation has a renowned private collection of French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings by such artists as Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse, among others. It is now located in Merion, Pennsylvania, at the former estate of its founder, Dr. Albert Barnes.


The collection, worth more than $25 billion, will relocate in 2012 from Merion to downtown Philadelphia. Dr. Barnes had planned to keep the collection in its original location; however, the Foundation is not in the financial position to stay in Merion.


The relocation has been quite controversial. Opponents say that Dr. Barnes’ will contains instructions stating that the Foundation should always be an educational institution, and that the paintings may never be removed. The proponents for relocation have financial interests and also state that moving the collection will give more people the opportunity to see the collection (scroll down to where it says, "Two weekends ago..." to read from this link).


A documentary, “The Art of the Steal,” chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation. The Collectors of GMOA will present the documentary at Ciné on Thursday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m. The event will include dinner catered by The National in addition to the film. Cost is $60 per Collector and $65 for the general public. Call 706.542.0437 for more information or click here.

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