Watch The Art of the Steal

"The Art of the Steal" is a 2009 documentary film that explores the controversial battle for control of the Barnes Foundation, one of the world's most important and valuable art collections. The film traces the history of the Barnes Foundation and the eccentric billionaire founder Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a self-made man with a unique vision for art education and the role of art in society.

The Barnes Foundation was established in 1922 as an educational institution dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of fine art. Barnes believed that art should be used as a tool for education and social reform, and he amassed a collection of over 9,000 works of art during his lifetime, including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso.

However, the Barnes Foundation was not without its controversies. Barnes' initial decision to house his collection in a private gallery in Merion, Pennsylvania, rather than in a museum in downtown Philadelphia, sparked debate and criticism. Many in the art world considered the collection to be too valuable to be hidden away, and argued that Barnes was denying the public access to these great works of art.

Despite these criticisms, the Barnes Foundation persisted and continued to thrive under the leadership of a small, dedicated group of individuals. However, in the early 2000s, the Barnes Foundation began to face financial difficulties and was in danger of closing its doors forever.

At this point, a group of wealthy philanthropists and politicians intervened and began to push for the Barnes Foundation to be moved to a new location in downtown Philadelphia. This decision set off a firestorm of controversy and legal battles that lasted for years.

"The Art of the Steal" explores this contentious battle from all angles, featuring interviews with key players on both sides of the issue. The film also delves into the history of the Barnes Foundation and Barnes himself, revealing the complex motivations behind his decisions and the legacy that he left behind.

Throughout the film, viewers are presented with a range of arguments for and against the relocation of the Barnes Foundation, as well as an examination of the political and financial forces at play. The documentary poses important questions about the role of art in society, the responsibilities of cultural institutions, and the power of money in the art world.

Ultimately, "The Art of the Steal" is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on one of the most controversial and high-stakes battles in the history of the art world. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply interested in the intersection of culture, politics, and money, this film is sure to keep you riveted from start to finish.

The Art of the Steal is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 75.