The folks at the Barnes Foundation and Calder Gardens understand that free admission can make a great arts experience even better.
So, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, both organizations have announced free admission for Philadelphia residents for all of July. The initiative, organizers explained, is designed to engage and honor Philadelphians during a landmark moment in the city’s history.
“With the momentous occasion of the country’s Semiquincentennial nearly upon us, the Barnes and Calder Gardens wanted to do something special for Philadelphia residents,” Thom Collins, the executive director and president of the Barnes Foundation said in a statement.
Free admission to the Barnes includes access to its galleries and featured exhibitions from “Freedom Dreams,” an immersive film installation co-curated by founder the BlackStar Film Festival Maori Karmael Holmes and the Barnes’ deputy director of community engagement James Claiborne, and “Red Metal Dust” a collection of photographs featuring calming landscapes by Native American artist Sky Hopinka.
Visitors to Calder Gardens will be able to walk through a rotating installation of works by early 20th century Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder. They can also discover Calder’s impact on the arts through two short films: Cirque Calder on Film, a new film directed by Vic Brooks and the 1961 documentary on Calder’s life titled Le Cirque Calder.
Getting in for free is easy. Visitors only have to a valid proof they live in Philadelphia, like a driver’s license. Have a whole day for museum exploration? Ask for a free PLUS ticket, a same-day ticket to both institutions. Reservations aren’t required.
In addition, the Barnes and Calder will offer free tickets to everyone — not just residents — for the following programs. Advanced registration is required.
Barnes Foundation
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First Friday, July 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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PECO Free First Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Barnes Cinema Ja’Tovia Gary Retrospective, Saturday, July 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Gary is one of the artists whose film is featured in “Freedom Dreams.”)
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Barnes on the Block, Sunday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Book Talk: Black Curators Matter with Kellie Jones, Sunday July 26, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Calder Gardens
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A daily film screening of Pictures in Motion: Celebrating Cirque Calder June 11 — Aug. 3)
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Moon Alignment series, a meditative wellness program, Monday, July 27 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.