The Barnes Foundation Controversy

Introduction

The Barnes Foundation is an art museum located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The foundation was established in 1922 by Albert C. Barnes, an American businessman, and art collector. The Barnes Foundation is known for its impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modernist paintings, including works by Renoir, Cezanne, and Matisse. However, the foundation has been the center of controversy for many years.

The Controversy

The Barnes Foundation has been the subject of controversy for many years, with critics claiming that the foundation's management has mishandled its finances and violated Barnes' wishes. The controversy began in 1993 when the foundation's board of directors announced that they would move the collection from its original location in Merion, Pennsylvania, to a new location in Philadelphia.

The Merion Location

The Barnes Foundation was originally located in Merion, Pennsylvania, in a building designed by Paul Cret. Barnes specifically chose this location because he wanted the collection to be seen in the context of his educational program, which emphasized the importance of art as a means of education. The Merion location was also designed to replicate the intimate setting of Barnes' home, where he originally displayed the collection.

The Move to Philadelphia

In 1993, the Barnes Foundation's board of directors announced that they would move the collection to a new location in Philadelphia. The decision was made in part because the foundation was facing financial difficulties, and the board believed that the move would increase funding opportunities. However, critics argued that the move was a violation of Barnes' wishes and that it would destroy the intimate setting of the collection.

The New Location

The new location of the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia is a larger, more modern building designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. The new building includes additional exhibition space and public areas, but critics argue that it does not replicate the intimate setting of the Merion location. The move to Philadelphia has also been criticized for violating Barnes' wishes, as he specifically stated in his will that the collection should remain in Merion.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding the Barnes Foundation has been ongoing for many years, with no clear resolution in sight. Critics argue that the foundation's management has mishandled its finances and violated Barnes' wishes, while supporters argue that the move to Philadelphia was necessary to ensure the survival of the foundation. Regardless of the outcome, the Barnes Foundation remains an important institution in the world of art, with an impressive collection that continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world.