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Visitors in a Pennsylvania art gallery look at a wall filled with a diverse collection of framed paintings and artwork.
Pennsylvania

A World of Art: The Barnes Foundation, Murals & More

Program No. 23179RJ
Participant Reviews
4.97
Based on 37 Reviews
SHOWING
Laura – Class of 2022 | Fort Myers, FL
The program was most enjoyable. I traveled as a single but did not feel alone. Everyone was welcoming and willing to include singles as part of larger groups. Our leader was excellent, as were the docents we had at the various museums. I also I enjoyed Philadelphia, a city I was not familiar with. Great trip for people like me, a non-artist and for artists too.
— Review left October 18, 2025
Christine – Class of 2022 | Sacramento, CA
I can't say enough about this tour. It was outstanding and the guide is top drawer! This tour has greatly enriched my life and my love of art and I feel richer for this experience. I can't say enough about how exceptional this trip was.
— Review left October 14, 2025
Eileen | Pleasanton, CA
A terrific tour in a fabulous city! Exceeded my expectations. Our tour guide Tish was passionate and knowledgable. The itinerary was expertly curated and communication was clear. My heart is full. Thank you Road Scholar!
— Review left October 12, 2025
Allison – Class of 2017 | Lake Forest, CA
This was a wonderful Art program. A good variety of different arts. The city also has a great variety of different foods including vegetarian options everywhere. Our guide, Tish was a wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly and we were in the heart of the city! I did 2 RS programs back to back in Philadelphia and highly recommend it. Plus you will have a weekend on your own in between!
— Review left May 10, 2025
Philip – Class of 2014 | Montreal, Canada
Philadelphia and vicinity is an art-lovers delight.
— Review left April 27, 2025
Bill – Class of 2015 | Mt. Pleasant, SC
This is an outstanding program in every respect. We learned a lot and enjoyed every minute.
— Review left April 26, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Deanne – Class of 2017 | Sierra Madre, CA
This was a fantastic trip to a beautiful, interesting city that I had not yet visited. The trip leader, Tish Byrne, was excellent; very knowledgable about this city, its history, architecture, cultural resources, and most especially its fantastic art museums, studios, sculpture gardens, and mural art. Her enthusiasm and her own personal knowledge of art; her attentiveness to group needs and learning; all were wonderful and fun! The group size was good and participants were very enjoyable as travel companions. I stayed some days before the trip began. Lauren Kain, local Road Scholar liaison for programs in Philadelphia, provided assistance with arranging the hotel stay and gave me great resource information to explore the city on my own before our trip began. We also had some blocks of time during this trip for independent or smaller group time in the city which added to the overall richness of this trip.
— Review left November 12, 2024
Jack – Class of 2024 | Kingwood, TX
This was an extremely enjoyable experience due in the most part to our wonderful Group Leader Tish Byrne.
— Review left October 30, 2024
Janet – Class of 2017 | Denver, CO
Program was well organized, expertly executed by one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had - Tish Byrne. She was tirelessly enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and personable. The description of the program was accurate, the accommodations very good, and as always the other participants were like-minded and physically appropriate to the program. I’d highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 21, 2024
Rita – Class of 2024 | Boulder, CA
What a great way to experience Philadelphia! Not being an artist, I was delighted at how much I learned and enjoyed about the city! The tour guide (Tish) was fantastic, and every place on our tour was an enjoyable experience. So was the food and the accommodations! I highly recommend this tour!
— Review left October 19, 2024
Patricia – Class of 2002 | Gainesville, FL
If you love all forms of art and enjoy cities, this is the program for you. Just enough of both to leave you in a good positive frame of mind and wishing to return.
— Review left June 16, 2024
Sharon – Class of 2024 | Newnan, GA
This was my first Road Scholar trip. The leader was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The trip was remarkably well organized and a great value for the money, even with the single supplement. The buses were new, clean and comfortable and the hotel was perfectly located for seeing many parts of the city. Road Scholar saved me many hours of research by sending a suggested reading list and sightseeing list for independent exploration. I will certainly choose more Road Scholar trips in the future.
— Review left June 16, 2024
Shirley – Class of 2024 | Colorado Spgs, CO
Fabulous trip. My first Road Scholar trip and I sincerely hope not my last. Very impressive.
— Review left May 13, 2024
Elaine – Class of 2024 | Hickory, NC
My experience of Art, Murals and more in Philadelphia was a most wonderful tour! The tour director, Tish Byrne, was fabulous! She was with us all day long, ensured all transportation to be on time, planned every detail of where to go and when, found great places to eat meals, connected with each person on the trip in a genuinely personable way, kept us engaged and informed as we drove through the city while going to the museums or mural tour, and so much more. The most memorable part of our trip was the way Tish shared information in such a positive, caring and generous way. I’m sure she touched every person’s life for the better. I’m very thankful I could fulfill a lifelong dream of touring Brandywine River Museum of Art, and experience other fascinating art museums, as well as learn what a special city Philadelphia is. Thank you, Road Scholar, for giving me a most memorable experience I’ll always remember with joy!
— Review left April 29, 2024
Marjorie – Class of 1996 | Cockeysville, MD
Wonderful small group of friendly and interesting participants. Instructors and museums were first rate and varied. Highly recommend.
— Review left April 21, 2024
Susan – Class of 2022 | Sun City, AZ
This Philadelphia Art adventure totally exceeded my expectations. Great variety of sites and educational experiences. All guides were well informed, warm and friendly. Highly recommend this trip!
— Review left October 3, 2023
Dorothy – Class of 2001 | Windsor, CO
So many paintings - so little time. A beautiful trip for art and history lovers. Dorothy Sullivan
— Review left September 27, 2023
Rosemarie – Class of 2023 | Virginia Beach, VA
The Philadelphia art program was interesting, informative, and fun. We had excellent docents and Road Scholar guides.
— Review left September 25, 2023
Susan – Class of 2017 | Jupiter, FL
Wonderful trip. So much to see you would benefit from staying an extra day or two. The Barnes and Phillie Art Museum are worthy of a full day visit
— Review left August 30, 2023
Michael – Class of 2016 | Pratt, KS
The Philadelphia Art History program is one of the best Road Scholar programs in which I have participated. Exceptional museums with academically qualified presenters were the daily experience for this program. Our group leader, Tish Byrne, did an excellent job coordinating our group, as well as keeping us continually informed. Finally, the accommodations were excellent and the meal experiences also good. If you have an interest in art history, you must include this program in your agenda.
— Review left June 26, 2023
Jewely – Class of 2015 | Portland, OR
Terrific program with a wide variety of art styles, experiences and venues. Memorable and enjoyable
— Review left June 12, 2023
George – Class of 2015 | Albuqerque, NM
downtown philadelphia as gotten better since the time I was an undergraduate at the university of Pennsylvania. The murals really add to the overall experience. Both the Barnes and the Barnes arboretum were experiences that have to be seen to be fully appreciated ( the arboretum is small but the asst director who gave us the tour was very enthusiastic and had great stories about the place)!
— Review left May 23, 2023
Karen – Class of 2019 | Canton, MA
I highly recommend this art tour! My husband and I loved all the places we visited, and we had interesting guides at most of them. We befriended a couple of different people who had come alone, and we had a great time chatting and laughing and relaxing. Someday I'd actually like to do this tour again!
— Review left May 14, 2023
Joanna – Class of 2004 | Chelmsford, MA
If you ever have a chance to take a program led by Trish Byrne, SIGN UP
— Review left May 12, 2023
Frances – Class of 2015 | Cary, NC
This was a wonderful week of exposure to the world of art and architecture that Philadelphia has to offer: the Rodin Museum, PMA, murals and the mural art of Isaiah Zager, the Barnes Foundation, the Masonic Lodge, Macy's with the world's largest playing organ and a huge eagle sculpture, the Comcast building with its continuous entertaining slide shows - and side trips to the Brandywine Museum in Chadd's Ford, and the Grounds of Sculpture in Trenton, NJ. Our guide Tish Byrne was superlative - the most knowledgeable guide I've had on RS trips - and our group meals were excellent. A special treat was lunch at the enormous food court in the Reading Railroad Terminal Building with way too many food selections to choose from (you have to see it to believe it!). One rainy day downtown was a bit too strenuous for some of us (almost 5 miles of walking, standing, and climbing stairs), but that was the exception. Future trips will probably correct this day's itinerary and require only moderate activity.
— Review left October 14, 2022
Susan – Class of 2011 | Dayton, OH
This program offers insight into the wonderful world of art in Philadelphia. It gives a unique perspective on the city itself.
— Review left October 11, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Ursula – Class of 2016 | Matthews, NC
I really enjoyed my "A World of Art" Philadelphia trip. The program was well structured between tiering but wonderful museum visits and other rewarding activities such as seeing the murals and the two relaxing bus trips to the Brandywine River Museum and the Grounds for Sculpture. Tish Byrne was an excellent guide as she was very knowledgeable not only about art but especially about her city Philadelphia. She coped expertly and calmly with the non appearance of the guide to the PAFA by securing instead a tour of the nearby Masonic Temple. It is among the most beautiful in the world. On my three previous trips I always had a Group Leader and an Instructor who worked together. On this trip however Tish had to fulfill both roles as Elizabeth Anderson (Instructor) only appeared once to guide us through the PMA. Thus Tish had to fulfill both roles. She lead our group of 23 often on foot while pointing out special murals or landmarks. I was concerned that on several occasions some senior Road Scholars had trouble keeping up with our group and were lagging behind. This trip is not only a marvelous feast for the eyes but also offers many gastronomic delights. Philly is a town for Foodies as proven by our visit and lunch at Reading Terminal Market and the two very good restaurants chosen by Road Scholars for our dinners. Bon appetit!
— Review left October 11, 2022
Mary – Class of 2009 | Waco, TX
This is a must do trip for all art lovers. The Barnes Foundation collection has been on my bucket list for many years, and it did not disappoint in its new home near the Rodin Museum. Not only did we get a docent led tour of collection highlights, but there is a classroom with books on various aspects of the Barnes along with a staff educator giving short ppts on Mr. Barnes and Picasso and two pieces of his in the collection. I felt like I was getting private art history and interpretation seminars. Well done! All the docent led tours were led by very knowledgeable persons at each of our art destinations, from the outdoor Grounds for Sculptor to the MFA. Seeing the many sculptures and the murals throughout the city was fabulous, and group leader Tish Bryne knew just where to direct the bus drivers we had, pointing out murals and architectural features each time we were on the vehicles.
— Review left September 14, 2022
Janet I – Class of 2001 | Orland Park, IL
This program is overflowing with art, art history, hidden Philly art and other surprises!! One of the best art history programs I've attended with Road Scholar. I give it a 10, you can dance to it(American Bandstand, Philly).
— Review left June 16, 2022
Janice – Class of 2014 | Brighton, MI
A wonderful program for both artists and art appreciators. Tish Byrnes is an excellent organized leader with extensive background in the arts. Her enthusiasm for art and architecture is infectious. She seizes every opportunity to share her wonderful city for those anxious to learn. Free time provides opportunity to visit historical locations.
— Review left June 11, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Polly – Class of 2016 | Wausau, WI
Fabulous trip.
— Review left June 9, 2022
Linda – Class of 1997 | Bradenton, FL
If you are “Wowed” by original art of master artists, archaeological treasures and the preservation of public spaces with art and architecture, this program is for you. You are immersed from Day 1 until you leave.
— Review left May 28, 2022
Teresa – Class of 2006 | Incline Village, NV
Didn't realize that Philadelphia had such a great variety of art. All was interesting, and our guide was well versed in the artists.
— Review left May 20, 2022
Susan – Class of 2021 | Naples, FL
This guide was amazing. Knew the city, was an artist herself and very active in Philadelphia’s art scene!!
— Review left May 14, 2022
Andrea – Class of 2011 | Port Hueneme, CA
Our guide and our instructors had been in the forefront of the art community in Philadelphia, and this made the tour amazing. When you chose a trip based on your interest, it pays off: like minds enjoying and seeing what they love. Thank you!
— Review left October 16, 2021
Elizabeth – Class of 2021 | Boulder, CO
This trip is a scrumptious art feast and also a good introduction to the lovely city of Philadelphia.
— Review left October 16, 2021
Myron – Class of 2019 | Lawrence, KS
I think that people with only limited knowledge of art, such as myself, can benefit from this adventure. It was so enlightening and stirred the imagination.
— Review left October 1, 2021