Barnes Museum Admission Goes Up But Bonus Audio Tour Added
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Barnes Foundation has decided to change its ticket package and pricing structure, by including audio guide devices for each visitor.
Beginning next month, prices will range from $18 to $22 for adult general admission - the higher price runs from 10 a.m. through midday - and the lower price kicks in 3 p.m. until closing.
The current adult general admission is $18 with audio guide devices available for $5.
Barnes Executive Director Derek Gillman says the audio devices included with each admission will help visitors learn more about Dr. Barnes and his array of masterpieces.
He adds folks will also get useful information on keeping the collection safe, "like please don't cross the black line on the floors, and don't touch the objects.'
On Friday, Barnes officials sneaked up on a group of folks about to go into the main gallery, to present the 300,000 visitor, Toni Marino of North Brunswick (photo,middle), New Jersey, with a bag of gifts that included a Barnes membership and a Masterworks Catalog.
"Well, this is wonderful. you have to come back several times because there's a lot to absorb, all at once," said Marino.
About 62,000 people visited the Barnes Foundation each year while it was located in Merion.
The Barnes will mark its first anniversary on the Parkway next month.
