Barnes Foundation Closes Its Galleries in Lower Merion To The Public

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The doors are now closed at the Barnes Foundation in Lower Merion, ahead of the art collection's move to its new home on the Ben Franklin Parkway.

For some on Sunday, it was a first and last visit to the Barnes as Albert Barnes designed it.

Pat Hoberg was already looking forward to the next time. "This is my first time ever coming here, and I do think it was interesting to see it as he set it up. And I'm curious to see what will happen when it moves into its new location."

That new location will mimic the current layout, but afford easier access and improved lighting. The original set-up had its challenges, as Barbara Grenell discovered:

"I think it's bittersweet. I think there's a lot that you can't see, because of the way it's hung, and the way the lighting is."

An August court date could, but isn't expected to, prevent the separation of the art collection from its first home.

Reported By Molly Daly, KYW Newsradio