Film: The Art of the Steal
Thursday, October 5, 5:30 P.M.
Join us for Don Argott’s documentary about the controversial move of the Barnes art collection to downtown Philadelphia. The Ekphrasis book club also recently explored the topic after reading Art Held Hostage: The Battle Over the Barnes Collection.

“A gripping tale of intrigue and mystery in the art world, this film traces the history of the Barnes collection of Post-Impressionist paintings, which was worth billions and became the subject of a power struggle after the 1951 death of the owner. Dr. Albert Barnes collected 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos and many other valuable paintings. But the political wrangling over the collection eventually led to its division.” (Netflix)

Assistant Curator of Education Elisabeth Palmer will introduce the film and lead a brief discussion following. The Museum will provide complimentary popcorn, and beverages will be available for purchase.

Film: The Agony and the Ecstasy
Thursday, November 9, 5:30 P.M.
Join us for the Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison film The Agony and the Ecstasy.
“Charlton Heston stars as Renaissance artist Michelangelo, who begrudgingly paints the Sistine Chapel for imperious Pope Julius II (Rex Harrison) in this epic adaptation of Irvine Stone’s novel directed by Carol Reed. While the novel covers Michelangelo’s life from birth to death, the film focuses on the battle of wills between the perfectionist artist and the impatient Pope who commissions (and eventually commands) him to paint the famed chapel.” (Netflix)

Assistant Curator of Education Elisabeth Palmer will introduce the film and lead a brief discussion following. The Museum will provide complimentary popcorn, and beverages will be available for purchase.

How to Steal a Million
Thursday, August 17, 5:30 P.M.
Join us for the classic Audrey Hepburn Film How to Steal a Million.  Amazon.com describes it as follows, “The daughter (Audrey Hepburn) of a wealthy Frenchman (Hugh Griffith) who creates counterfeit art learns her father is in danger of being exposed as a crook. She decides to steal the family's forged Cellini sculpture from a museum before experts can examine it and enlists a society burglar (Peter O'Toole) to help her.”
Assistant Curator of Education Kaci Norman will introduce the film and lead a brief discussion following. The Museum will provide complimentary popcorn, and beverages will be available for purchase.