Group: Barnes' Parkway Opening Day Announcement Was 'Political Theater'

In case you missed it, Philly.com reported on Thursday's press conference on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where it was announced that the Barnes Foundation's new museum will open May 19. 

The report quoted officials as saying the opening "will be followed by 10 days of special visits to the new building and gardens, concluding with 60 hours of free, round-the-clock open access to the public on Memorial Day weekend, May 26 to 28."

In response to the announcement, the Merion-based group Friends of the Barnes issued a statement.

"A lawsuit  pending in Montgomery County Orphan's Court that challenges the dismantling of the Barnes Foundation in Merion is inspiring more political theater by the Barnes Foundation administration," it read. 

The Friends of the Barnes accused Barnes Executive Director Derek Gillman of presenting "as a done deal—the move of the Barnes Foundation to downtown Philadelphia—something that is currently in litigation."

The new $150 million Parkway museum was designed by New York-based Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. Situated between 20th and 21st Streets, it will also be home to the foundation's "well-known educational program," as Philly.com termed it.

"The original Merion facility, designed by Paul Crét, will remain the home of the foundation's aboretum and related programs. The foundation's archives and conservation work also will be there. The art galleries in Merion closed on July 3 in preparation for the move to Philadelphia."

There was no word on when the 12-acre Merion arboretum, now closed for security reasons due to the scheduled move of the art works, will re-open.

The Barnes also debuted a new website on Thursday. The section labeled "Our Campuses" lists Philadelphia, Merion and . 

Meanwhile, if you'd like to take a digital tour down Memory Lane in Merion, the of four of the galleries, including the main hall.