Once upon a time in the quaint area of Merion, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia, Albert C Barnes, a doctor who co-created Argyrol, (see definition below) became an avid art collector in 1912. Ten years later, Dr. Barnes established an educational institute focusing on fine art and arboriculture that would become the start a cherished legacy.

Fast forward past a ton of drama to today with an amassed collection of 4,000 pieces and an estimated worth of $25 billion and an open door policy that violates the last wishes of Dr. Barnes. Phew, it is quite an interesting story with a lot of twists and turns. The best way to understand and appreciate the history of Dr. Barnes’ journey is to watch the documentary “The Art of the Steal.” Definitely watch this before visiting The Barnes Foundation. Without going into all of the long details of the story, I will say that Dr. Barnes’ art collection created controversy throughout the established art world. On multiple occasions he submitted his collections to be displayed at prominent art museums around the world and was met with mass rejection. Dr. Barnes was later credited with introducing the works of the great, Henri Mattise, Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani to America. Rejection was followed by the word, “obscene,” used to describe his collections as critics tarnished his taste in art curation.

Dr. Barnes welcomed the everyday person with a passion for art and nature to attend his school and view his collections. Teachers, parents, plumbers, students and first responders were members of the Barnes Foundation. Art critics, museum executives and reporters were not permitted access to the original Barnes Foundation.

A sense of dread came over me when I found out that The Barnes Foundation was moving to the Parkway in Philadelphia. I had already watched the documentary “The Art of the Steal,” so I understood how Dr. Barnes did not want the established art world—especially Philadelphia and New York—to get their hands on the very works they rejected so long ago.

After a tough inner battle, I decided to visit The Barnes Foundation in its new home. I will say that I was relieved to know that the museum placed each and every piece in the exact location as it was in the original Barnes Foundation. As I wandered the brilliantly curated rooms, I realized that had I lived in those early days of the Barnes Foundation, I would have been invited to attend classes and enjoy the collections as an art lover. This was the only thought that could ease my guilty conscience for violating a respected man’s last wishes. I then decided to feel gratitude for Dr. Barnes creative intuition and I thanked him (silently) throughout my tour.

While standing still and studying each piece, I had the urge to pan around the room. There was a common thread or similarity throughout each room while the paintings and artifacts were from differing time periods and countries—they all spoke the same language. I have never felt that in all of my museum going years. I could almost hear the creations chatting amongst themselves.

The Barnes Foundation is a perfect example of irony at its best with a once obscene and offensive curation becoming a treasured collection. I highly recommend taking a tour of this perfectly curated collection of art.

The long made point of this entire story is to trust in your own instincts and attempt curating your own collections that speak to you and the story of your adventures. Move art around until it makes you feel like it’s alive and communicating all around you.

Argyrol is an antiseptic compound to protect newborns from contracting venereal diseases at birth.