For first-time visitors to Philadelphia, this practical guide to the Barnes Foundation explains opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there by public transport, on-site and nearby parking, accessibility, and how to plan your visit efficiently.
- Skip the queues – book your Barnes Foundation ticket now.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to confirm opening hours and ticket prices.
A brief overview and history of the Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation was founded in 1922 by Dr. Albert C. Barnes as an educational institution to cultivate appreciation for fine art, horticulture, and design. Its collection is displayed in ensembles, pairing Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings with decorative arts and non-Western works. This is a very unusual approach for American art museums.
Since 2012, the Barnes Foundation has been located at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia. The modern building integrates galleries with gardens and public spaces, allowing visitors to enjoy art, architecture, and nature together.
How to get there: public transportation, bike, car
- Public transport: SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 33, 38, 48, 49 stop within a block of the Barnes. The PHLASH shuttle also stops nearby.
- By bike: Bike racks available; Indego bike share stations nearby.
- By car: On-site parking lot (60 spaces) on Pennsylvania Avenue between 20th and 21st Streets; nearby garages can be reserved via apps.
Opening hours and ticket prices
- Opening hours: Thursday–Monday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm; Members 10:00–11:00 am. Closed Tuesday–Wednesday.
- Ticket prices (checked and verified in October 2026):
- Adults: US$30
- Seniors: US$28
- College students: US$5
- Youth (13–18): US$5
- Children 12 and under: Free
5 great things to do in Philadelphia
- 🥖 Taste the best of Philly on a food tour – including historic Reading Market.
- 🏛️ Get to know Philadelphia’s heritage sites – on a guided walking tour.
- 🍻 Go on a pub crawl – but learn the history between beers.
- 🎨 Let a guide show you Philadelphia’s best murals and street art – including Magic Gardens.
- 🌙 Discover Philly’s dark side – on an adults-only night tour.
You can also visit for free with the Go City Philadelphia Pass.
Why book the Go City Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass?
- 🎟️ 30+ Top Attractions: Gain entry to Philadelphia’s best sites, including the Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo, and the Museum of the American Revolution.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save up to 50% on admission costs compared to purchasing individual tickets at each attraction gate.
- 🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus tour, providing a convenient way to navigate between historic landmarks like Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- 📱 Instant Digital Pass: No need to wait for physical tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone for quick and easy entry.
- ⏱️ See It All at Your Pace: Choose a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass and visit as many attractions as you like, giving you total control over your Philly itinerary.
Parking: on-site and nearby options
On-site lot: 60 spaces on Pennsylvania Avenue, with rates of $12 for 4 hours, and $2 per extra hour.
Nearby garages: rates starting from US$10–15 for a few hours, depending on location and time. Street parking also possible; check signs.
Accessibility and terrain
- Fully accessible building with elevators to all floors.
- Manual wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Disabled parking on Pennsylvania Avenue lot with designated spots for placard holders.
Best times to visit and how long to allow
Weekday mornings soon after opening and late afternoons are the quietest times. Weekends are busier. Allow 1.5–2.5 hours to see the permanent collection and one special exhibition; more time if using guided tours or dining on site.
FAQ: practical visitor questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are the paths wheelchair-friendly? | Yes. The building is accessible, all floors have elevator access; galleries may be tight but standard manual wheelchairs are accommodated. |
| Is there accessible parking near the entrance? | Yes. The on-site lot has designated disabled spots; drivers must display a state handicap placard or license plate. |
| Do I need to book tickets in advance? | It is strongly recommended, especially for weekends or special exhibitions, though tickets are sold on arrival. Members have separate access hours. |
| When are the quietest hours or days to visit? | Thursday or Friday mornings and late afternoons on weekdays tend to be quieter. Avoid weekend midday. |
| Are cafés or restaurants on-site? | Yes. The Barnes has a Garden Restaurant and Reflections Café open during museum hours. |
| Can I bring my own food? | Outside food is not allowed inside galleries; eat in café spaces or designated areas. |
| Is photography allowed? | Non-flash photography is allowed unless otherwise posted; no tripods or selfie sticks. Note-taking and sketching are allowed with graphite pencils in many areas. |
| How long do people typically spend there? | Plan 1.5–2.5 hours for the permanent collection and one special exhibition; add time for dining or guided tours. |
Things to do near the Barnes Foundation
- Rodin Museum – Just across Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this museum houses one of the largest collections of Auguste Rodin’s work outside Paris, including The Thinker and a sculpture garden.
- The Franklin Institute – This science museum has interactive exhibits on technology, space and the human body, including its famous walk-through giant heart.
- Academy of Natural Sciences – This natural history museum features dinosaur skeletons, wildlife dioramas, fossils and exhibits on biodiversity.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – At the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, this major art museum has collections spanning centuries, along with the famous Rocky Steps outside.
- Calder Gardens – This nearby museum and garden explores the work of sculptor Alexander Calder through artworks displayed in a landscaped setting.
Alternative attractions
- Penn Museum – The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology explores ancient civilisations through collections from Egypt, Mesopotamia and other parts of the world.
- The Frick Pittsburgh – This museum in Pittsburgh combines historic domestic interiors with European and American paintings, decorative arts and landscaped grounds.
- Brandywine Museum of Art – In Chadds Ford, this museum is known for its collection of American art, particularly works by Andrew Wyeth and other members of the Wyeth family.
- Carnegie Museum of Art – In Pittsburgh, this museum has a broad collection of fine art, including contemporary works, photography, decorative arts and paintings by major European and American artists.
This guide provides all the practical information you need for a well-planned visit to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Price and time information was checked in October 2026, however it is subject to change in future.
More Philadelphia travel
Other Philadelphia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Review of the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Philadelphia.
- Review of the very weird Mutter Museum in Philadelphia.
- Review of the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
- How Philadelphia’s historic attractions provide an introduction to America’s past.
- Learning how Australia’s highest mountain got its name at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial.
