Barnes Museum Move -Dead or Alive?- - Page 6 - PhillyBlog

lhalldena · #51 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarketStEl

lhalldena: When did the incident you describe take place? Before or after the death of Violette de Mazia?

It was her passing that set in motion the chain of events that has led us to this point.

It wasn't very long ago at all... I think it was the summer of 2005.

MayfairMeat · #52 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeInBH

East Chestnut - I agree that the Barnes functions much better as an Isabella Stewart Gardner type museum than it would on the Parkway. The context is what makes it special. A world-class art collection can be found in any world-class city, but the unusual layout, limited attendance, and out-of-the-way location make the Barnes a treasured destination.

Back in the mid-90's, I was knocking on doors and interviewing the Latches Lane neighbors. I agree that they made the Barnes in Lower Merion impossible with their unreasonable demands. It is a shame.

The people in Lower Merion treat the Barnes as a set of fancy embroidered guest towels.

They are nice to look at, but please don't use them.

When the Barnes announced that they were ditching Lower Merion for the city... they freaked. Now a big empty house will sit and rot and who knows what will move in there.

I think it's just desserts, frankly. As much as the collection was important to its original owner who established it and my mixed-feelings about violating his wishes since he made them abundantly clear... I would want to believe he would have changed his mind too and leave the suburbs if he had to deal with the insolent neighbors around the Barnes Museum that live there today.

We can only hope Janie Blackwell gets hit by a car while dedicating yet another public assistance building to her late husband's name and then the opposition to the YSC will be gone and this project can move forward.

brooklyncat · #53 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 03:33 PM

MarketStEl, that is a very interesting recap of events. I had heard some of that but it is a good clarification.

I have also heard that the reason Dr.Barnes had given the control to Lincoln in the first place was as an intentional FU to his racist neighbors...so I guess you reap what you sow. He sounds like an unpleasant man, and perhaps that is what lhalldena experienced on her visit.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but at this point my understanding is that JB can no longer hold up the demolition of the YSC or the Barnes...her recalcitrance only means that they don't know what they are doing with the young offenders that were previously housed there, and worst case scenarioi they will wind up in the general prision population...a terrible outcome for them, but not in the end affecting the Barnes move. Is this right?

jnherman · #54 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 04:25 PM

anyone can see the collection. go to the website and reserve a ticket.

i've done so many times and it is an amazing experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by OVP_Biker

Conversely, what good is a collection no one can see? While I agree it's better in its current setting, it's also pretty worthless. Though I live less than 10 minutes away, I've never been there. Anytime I have the free time, they've exceeded their niggardly attendance limitations with school trips or tours, and I'm SOL. The whole "the Barnes belongs...." crowd pisses me off to no end. If they wanted it there, the should have acted like it. And the few token concessions they made (and then,only after the court okayed the move) are far too little, far too late.

Voodoo · #55 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EastChestnut

When the Barnes announced that they were ditching Lower Merion for the city... they freaked. Now a big empty house will sit and rot and who knows what will move in there.

Lower Merion neighbors know exactly what will move in there. St. Joseph's University has expressed interest in the property. The neighbors could control traffic at the Barnes. They will have no such control over St. Joe's.

MarketStEl · #56 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voodoo

Lower Merion neighbors know exactly what will move in there. St. Joseph's University has expressed interest in the property. The neighbors could control traffic at the Barnes. They will have no such control over St. Joe's.

"Be careful what you wish for. You might get it."

zur · #57 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 05:06 PM

Barnes Dorm 2010

Voodoo · #58 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zur

Barnes Dorm 2010

DOH! Stupid poetic justice.

MayfairMeat · #59 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zur

Barnes Dorm 2010

I'd buy that for a $1.

MayfairMeat · #60 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Voodoo

Lower Merion neighbors know exactly what will move in there. St. Joseph's University has expressed interest in the property. The neighbors could control traffic at the Barnes. They will have no such control over St. Joe's.

I would love to see St. Joe's demolish the Barnes and put in a huge parking garage and dorms.

That would be SWEET.