THE BARNES COLLECTION IN ITS NEW HOME!

Don’t miss this long awaited opportunity...after decades of controversy the Barnes Collection is in its magnificent new home  in downtown Philadelphia and Diversions has arranged for an intimate, before hours tour led by the curators of the Collection. Dr. Albert Barnes, a chemist and avid art collector, created the Barnes Foundation in 1922 to display his art and to foster education and appreciation. His is thought to be the world’s finest collection of paintings by Renoir(181), Cezanne(69), Matisse(59), Van Gogh, Picasso and other great masters (valued at more than $25 million). Now housed in a fabulous  93,000 square foot building it will continue to be displayed in the same distinctive nature as in its original home in Merion, PA. Ever since Barnes death in 1951, the fight over its future has been raging. In his will he stipulated that the collection was to remain in its original locale, far from the reach of the Philadelphia elite he despised.

 On the coach we will see the film  “The Art of the Steal” which reveals how this private collection of paintings became the envy of the Louvre, the MET and other major institutions and the prize in an ugly battle between one man’s vision and the powerful forces of commerce and politics.)

Next we will take a short ride to Longwood Gardens, where you’ll find another kind of beauty at every turn...1,077 acres with 20 outdoor and 20 indoor gardens bursting with exquisite flowers, majestic trees and opulent architecture. In 1906, Pierre S. du Pont purchased the Peirce Arboretum to save its trees and over his lifetime he developed Longwood into what it is today, a magnificent horticultural showplace. There are over 11,000 types of plants and more fountains than any other garden in the U.S. Here, you’ll have time to explore and lunch on your own. There are several dining options from formal to a Café or you might just want to picnic in the gardens. (Leave time for  the lovely Gift Shop with its large

selection of home and garden items, apparel, toys, plants & Longwood signature items!)
Simply an exquisite day!  Saturday, September 29  @ $199   Depart at 6:30 am serving a full Diversions breakfast and enjoy wine & cheese on the way home as we watch the intriguing documentary The Art of the Steal.  Arrive back  in Baltimore @ 5pm.