PHILADELPHIA Pew seeks to control funds for museum

The museum would house one of the most significant private art collections.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Pew Charitable Trusts says it could be in charge of the millions of dollars it is helping to raise for the Barnes Foundation's world famous art collection.
The Pew described such a scenario in an Internal Revenue Service filing seeking a change in its tax status from private foundation to public charity.
"A large number of foundations and donors have pledged to contribute to the Barnes project, and there is a need for a charity other than the Barnes Foundation to receive, hold and administer the funding to ensure compliance with the donors' restrictions," said the document filed 11 months ago and approved in April.
The Barnes has one of the world's most significant private art collections, with 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes and several Picassos. It has been handicapped financially by zoning regulations in suburban Lower Merion -- the Barnes is limited to only 400 visitors a day, three days a week -- and by restrictions in the will of its eccentric founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes.
Wants to move collection
It is seeking court approval to move the art collection, valued at $25 billion, to a new museum in downtown Philadelphia as a way to boost attendance and increase revenue. Barnes' $10 million endowment -- required to be invested in conservative, low-yielding government securities -- was exhausted in 1999.
The Pew Foundation filing raised questions about its possible role in directing the proposed move. In the filing, Pew called itself the "logical choice" to control the $150 million for the move and endowment.
"There is no decision made about what role we are going to play, assuming a positive outcome of the court decision," Pew president Rebecca Rimel said Wednesday.
Montgomery County Orphans' Court is to hear arguments next month on the Barnes Foundation's proposed move. If it is approved, the Barnes board would decide who would administer the $150 million, Rimel said.
XOn the Net: Barnes Foundation: http://www.barnesfoundation.org; Pew Charitable Trusts: http://www.pewtrusts.com/