Barnes Foundation

300 N. Latches Ln., Merion, 610/667-0290,
www.barnesfoundation.org [1]

HOURS: Fri.–Sun. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept.–June,
Wed.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. July–Aug.

COST: $10, audio guide additional $7

Eccentric art collector Albert C. Barnes never could have imagined his little art collection would cause such trouble. His legacy, the Barnes Foundation, is an awesome multibillion-dollar collection of Impressionist and Expressionist works by Cézanne, Gauguin, El Greco, Goya, Manet, Matisse, Modigliani, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh, along with impressive African sculpture and more.

Cosseted away in the suburbs since the 1920s, it has been embroiled in a lengthy battle to move the collection into a more accessible Philadelphia [2] location. The same neighbors who hated its visitors’ traffic now screech for it to stay. It has been decided that it will move to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to join the city’s other top museums, but a date has not been set as of this printing.

Call ahead to make sure you’re going to the right place; whether it’s still in the ’burbs or conveniently in the city, all art lovers will want to make it to this world-class collection.

Currently, advanced reservations are required and can be made by phone, fax, or email. Because of its popularity and limited hours, it is recommended that you make reservations at least a month in advance for your choice date and time.