THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2010
6:15 PM

Delve into one of the art world's most fascinating controversies: the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more than $25 billion. This 2009 documentary takes you behind the scenes.  

In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes formed a remarkable educational institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of Philadelphia. Now, more than fifty years after Barnes' death, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of Barnes' former students and his will, which contains strict instructions stating that the foundation should always be an educational institution, and that the paintings may never be removed. 

The Art of the Steal was a celebrated selection of the Toronto, New York, and AFI Film Festivals. 

101 minutes

Sponsored by the Fine Arts Society

Lubar Auditorium

Free with Museum admission