Address
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19130
Phone Number
(215) 278 - 7200
Date Visited
03/05/2015
Website
Barnes Foundation
Description
The Barnes Foundation is located on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There is a secure parking lot with 5 handicapped spaces next to the museum. The charge when we visited was $15.00 for four hours. There are other parking lots close by. It is an easy walk from the parking lot to the main entrance.Double doors with a handicapped assist push button are at the main entrance. All public areas in the museum are wheelchair accessible. All galleries are easily accessed, with benches in each.
The balcony on the upper level is a bit tight for a wheelchair. Elevators and stairs take visitors to all levels.
Multi-stall, handicapped accessible restrooms are located on the main and lower levels.
Food services include a restaurant on the main level and a coffee bar on the lower level.
There is a gift shop on the lower level.
- Surface of lot: paved
Distance to venue: close
Doors: double doors, handicapped-assist push button
Number of floors: 3
Elevators: 2
Ramps: none
Steps and staircases: staircase to all floors
Width of aisles: wide galleries have ample space
Places to sit: benches in all galleries and lobby
Location of restrooms: lower level and lobby
Type of restroom: multi-stall, handicapped accessible
Ease of entry and exit: good
Available food services: restuarant on main level, coffee bar on lower level
Friendliness of staff: pleasant and helpful
Notes: Just a note: all coats and large handbags must be checked on lower level.
The extensive art of Albert C. Barnes, includes paintings, African sculpture, Native American ceramics, jewelry and textiles. There is also Pennsylvania German furniture, antiquities from the Mediterranean region and Asia, and wrought iron objects from Europe and the United States. All of these genres are displayed together on the walls and in the galleries according to Dr. Barnes’ specifications. His goal was to use his art to educate his factory workers, wanting to enrich their lives.
As we viewed the massive display (now worth more than $25 billion), including the largest collection of Renoirs in the world, as well as Picassos, Matisses, Monets, Modiglianis and others, we found it impressive that one man had had such vision.
There are rotating exhibits on the main floor that are not a part of the Barnes Collection. On the day of our visit we found an installation by Yinka Shonibare MBE entitled “Magic Ladders.” It was there because it “addressed themes of education, opportunity, and scientific and cultural discovery, ideals embraced by Albert C. Barnes.” (brochure)
Being a new facility, mobility is easy. The galleries are easily accessible. Benches in each gallery allow easy viewing.
We highly recommend that you procure tickets before your visit since this is a very popular venue that limits the number of visitors each day. Be aware that all tickets have an arrival time. If you arrive earlier than the time on your ticket, you can see the visiting exhibit in the lobby, have some coffee, and/or watch several videos about the Barnes.
As always we at Destination Accessible advise you to check a venue’s website, www.barnesfoundation.org, when planning a visit to “know before you go.”
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