On May 19, 2012, the Barnes unveiled its new Philadelphia home. In rooms reflective of the intimate layout and unique character of the original Merion galleries, the renowned art collection is now accessible to the public as never before.
Jerry Saltz seems to have the years of struggle to bring this new institution to fruition in these initial words, “After a half-century of misguided intentions, a will interpreted every which way, deteriorating infrastructure, neighbors wanting it gone then wanting it back again, and outrage over the thought that art should ever be viewed under any rules but its owner’s, one of the greatest and Frenchest and most oddly displayed collections of post-Impressionism and early Modernism is back on view.” (http://nymag.com/arts/art/features/barnes-collection-2012-5/)
As part of the PBS ARTS SUMMER FESTIVAL, public television viewers get an exclusive look at the renowned Barnes Collection — more than 3,000 magnificent works by the most famous names in art, including Picasso, Cezanne, Renoir, Matisse and many others. (This movie was shown at the July 28th F.A.T. Village Art Walk. Miami Art Exchange will show the movie again watch for our announcement.)
Produced by WHYY in Philadelphia, THE BARNES COLLECTION is a one-hour film that tells the story of the late Dr. Albert C. Barnes and his remarkable rise from Philadelphia’s working class to the top of the modern art world, tracing how Barnes’ passion for art led him to amass a collection of treasures that became both extraordinary and controversial. Each artwork illuminates a corner of Barnes’ story; his revealing personal letters — read by Emmy -nominated actor and Philadelphia native David Morse (“House,” The Green Mile, “St. Elsewhere”), who also narrates — guide viewers through his legacy.
The movie does not deal with the years of controversy, but focuses on the new museum and the mission of Mr. Barnes and his desired display of art and objects.
Saltz ends by saying, “Soon the dust will settle, the feuds will fade, and art will do what it does. Till then, remember this: Owners of art are temporary caretakers. Their wishes are not to be sacrosanct in perpetuity. The move of this singular jewel in the crown to a more accessible location, into a far better-equipped, much more flexible building, allows this monumental testament to art’s possibilities to shine forth more magnanimously and generously than ever before. When art wins, everyone wins. Even Albert Barnes.” The facility is beautiful and that in itself allows this fabulous collection to be seen by more eyes. I will certainly go on my next visit to Philadelphia.
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