The Phillips Collection in Washington DC
June 8, 2009 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Home & Living
Washington DC’s Phillips Collection was one of the country’s first museum of modern art, opening in 1921 in what was the home of Duncan Phillips. From its inception with merely a few paintings, the collection has grown until it moved to a larger space and officially became a museum.
At its current location among the brownstones of Dupont Circle (1600 21st Street NW, on the corner of Q and 21st), the Phillips has two buildings full of art and a outdoor courtyard for sculpture display. The permanent collection includes works from American and European impressionists, post-impressionist, and modern artists. You’ll also see some of the great masters, including Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Klee, Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.
Current exhibits on display are: Early Moderns: A Celebration of Gifts from Gifford and Joann Phillips, running March 21-September 6, 2009, and this is not that CAFÉ, running May 7-December 2009.
The Phillips Collection has be reached via Metro’s red line Dupont Circle stop.
Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm. Thursday night offers extended evening hours, and the museum is open until 8:30 pm. On the first Thursday of the month, Phillips after 5 offers jazz performances, food and drink, gallery talks and film, running from 5 – 8:30 pm. Sunday concerts are also offered October – May.
Weekday admission to the permanent collection is by donation. Weekend admission and special exhibits are $12 for adults, $10 for student and seniors (62+). Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or at the museum.
Photo credit: daquella manera @flickr
The Phillips is a great smaller art museum in DC. Much less daunting than the National Gallery of Art. They have some great impressionists pieces and music recitals on some evenings too.