The Barnes Foundation: art history and appreciation courses

Photo credit: © 2020 Barnes Foundation. All rights reserved.

One of the big success stories of the last 12 months has been the online classes offered by the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Although like many museums and galleries around the world, the Barnes had to close its doors twice last year, its team launched a YouTube series, sending out “daily servings of art” during closure. Talks on objects as different as a Punu mask from Gabon to Lucas Cranach’s the Elder’s Portrait of Frederick the Wise, Duke of Saxony reflect the wide range of the collection which also includes a number of spectacular Impressionist and Post Impressionist works such as Picasso’s Acrobat and Young Harlequin and Vincent van Gogh’s The Postman. The gallery’s Deputy director for Education and Public programs, Dr. Martha Lucy, also moved her adult education classes online. The feedback has been extremely positive and generated hundreds of thousands of dollars since last March, helping the institution’s research and conservation programmes. Prices start at $220; members $198
(4 classes). Needs-based scholarships are available.