The Barnes collection is one of, if not the most important art collection in all of the world. It is located in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania but will soon be moved to Philadelphia — a decision that may not seem like a big deal to common folk but has turned the art world upside down.

“The Art of the Steal” takes viewers through the years of Dr. Barnes rule over his collection and his battles with politicians, art critics and wealthy onlookers. His idea was to keep his collection where it was and exactly how it was for the rest of time.

Unfortunately, when Dr. Barnes died the collection was put in the hands of others who had different ideas. They wanted to loan it, sell it and eventually move it — everything Barnes precisely said he didn’t want to happen to his collection. One would think that his wishes would have to remain the same seeing that his will says so, but with $25 million worth of art on the line and powerful people behind the scenes, legal documents don’t seem to be all that important.

“The Art of the Steal” is clearly making a point to stress their belief that the Barnes collection was stolen by the city of Philadelphia — and they make a pretty good point at that. It brings you through the years of the collection changing hands, other people’s ideas being thrown around, Barnes’ ideals being torn apart and the battle becoming a political juggernaut. If you like art, you’ll be enthralled. And if you like political thrillers, you’ll be entertained. The film manages to take the two things that many find boring and create a solid informative piece.