The Art of the Steal

The Art of the Steal chronicles the controversial relocation of the Barnes Foundation’s art collection from Merion, Pennsylvania to Philadelphia. This move, which took place in 2012, was the culmination of a decades-long struggle over the fate of one of the world’s most valuable private art collections.

Albert C. Barnes, a self-made millionaire and art collector, established the Barnes Foundation in 1922 with a specific vision. He intended it to be an educational institution rather than a public museum, and he meticulously arranged his collection of post-Impressionist and early Modern art in a unique manner. Barnes’ will stipulated that the collection should remain in its original location and configuration after his death.

The documentary presents the complex series of events that unfolded after Barnes’ death in 1951. It details how various parties, including Philadelphia politicians, art world figures, and charitable foundations, became involved in efforts to move the collection. The film argues that these efforts were driven by a desire to turn the Barnes collection into a major tourist attraction for Philadelphia, despite Barnes’ explicit wishes.

Throughout the documentary, the legal battles over the interpretation of Barnes’ will are highlighted. The film presents the perspective that the eventual move of the collection to Philadelphia represented a violation of Barnes’ intentions and a triumph of commercial and political interests over the wishes of the deceased.