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The Billion Dollar Art Heist

Documentary which chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private art collection valued at more than $25bn. In 1922, Dr Albert C Barnes formed a remarkable educational institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of Philadelphia. Now, more than 50 years after Barnes's death, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, intending to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of Barnes's former students and his will, which contains strict instructions stating the foundation should always be an educational institution and that the paintings may never be removed. Will politics prevail over a man's dying wishes?

English
  • Originally Aired November 14, 2011
  • Runtime 75 minutes
  • Content Rating United States of America TV-PG
  • Network BBC Four
  • Created November 15, 2011 by
    Administrator admin
  • Modified November 15, 2011 by
    Administrator admin
Name Type Role
Don Argott Director