Free tickets for Barnes' first 10 days going fast

Free tickets for the first 10 days of the Barnes Foundation gallery on Benjamin Franklin Parkway are still available, a foundation spokeswoman said Tuesday, but "they are going very fast."

The greatest chance of securing tickets are at night over Memorial Day weekend, May 26 through May 28, but there is "still availability" every day throughout the gallery's opening 10 days, she said.

The building, between 20th and 21st Streets, will be dedicated on May 18; free admissions follow from May 19 through May 28. Barnes members already have snapped up most of the tickets available for the first several days.

The inaugural week culminates with an offering of round-the-clock free admission to the renowned collection from noon Saturday, May 26 through 6 p.m. Monday, May 28.

The weekend features entertainment and various special programs.

The Barnes collection of Renoirs, Cezannes, Van Goghs and other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works will be contained within a 93,000-square-foot building designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects.

Officials noted that although the new facility enables relaxation of previous restrictions on public visitation, admissions will nevertheless be capped at about 150 per hour.

Once the opening festivities are over, regular admissions will be Wednesday through Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday hours will be extended until 10 p.m. The gallery will be closed Tuesdays.

Tickets will be $18. Membership packages, which include free admission to the galleries, begin at $90.

Tickets are required for all opening events and are available online at http://barnesfoundation.org or by calling 866-849-7056.