The Phillips Collection

1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA

Address:	1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
Phone:	+1 202-387-2151
Site:	phillipscollection.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–8:30PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Lon Hodowal

Ok, Im not the CEO of Lockheed Martin, a board member of Wells Fargo, or an AT&T exec. We just have a family membership to The Phillips Collection, so I dont really expect a red carpet when we arrive. Nevertheless, I do hope to be greeted buy the ticket people with a hello, perhaps, or just a glance in my direction. Instead, after a few minutes in line at TPC, I was next. I walked up to the counter to get our tickets; no look up from the clerk. She mumbled just a minute, and walked away. I moved over to the next clerk, and asked for two tickets. She did look up. "I only do membership." She lifted the desk sign toward my face. MEMBERSHIP, it read. "But I am a member," I said, incredulous. We left...we left an art museum for god sakes! . The conversation outside went like this: "I was just looking for a nice Sunday afternoon, a la The Boating Party. What did we do to deserve this?" "Well you know honey, we only have the family membership." "Maybe they all had unfortunate dates last night." "What are the chances all three had dates if they behave like that?" "Maybe their leave requests for a long beach weekend were canceled." "Dont let it bother you, honey, they are probably just wronged, underemployed young people with art history degrees and large student loan balances." "Ill write a letter....." You get the point: No civility, No manners. No eye contact. Rude. My advice....., no sense going to an exhibit of Ellsworth Kelly expecting to be transported, instead getting your balloon pricked. No need going to see some Braque still life masterpieces only to leave furious before getting through the turnstyle. Unless you are in the financial position to be a corporate sponsor (who I assume they treat better), or an old rich guy on his deathbed with a lot of money and no heirs to leave it to, I say give your money to a friendlier organization. Pocket the gate fee and spend it on a couple of beers after a show at the National Portrait Gallery or the National Museum of American Art. "Dont crumple your Phillips Collection membership card, honey. Lets go to the National Gallery and try to salvage the afternoon. Breathe..."

Austin Graff

The Phillips Collection is one of about a dozen museums in Washington, DC that requires a paid ticket. At $12 for an adult ticket, its worth your money. The Phillips Collection is the first modern art museum in the USA and that a lot is worth $12. Its located in the heart of Embassy Row in Dupont Circle so if you Metro to the museum, youll enjoy a short walk surrounded by mansions, embassies, and historic row houses. Once you get to one of the greatest buildings of them all, youve arrived at The Phillips Collection. Once you get your ticket, youll walk into a room that introduced the history of the museum. Just past the museum store, youll go up a beautiful winding staircase (there are elevators too) to the second and third floors filled with Renoir, Rothko, and reading nooks. They recommend you spend more than just a few seconds soaking in the art to really appreciate it and pick up on details often hidden by a first glance. Once youve had your fill of indoor art, venture to the back to see a beautifully painted mural in the alley behind the museum. If youre looking for off the National Mall museums, add The Phillips Collection to the list!

Neil Hendrick

This is one of the great small museums in DC. It is a private museum, displaying a private art collection, but it is free to the public during the week. It is worth it to pay entrance if you visit on the weekend, and any day you have to pay to see special exhibits, which can be fantastic. This collection has an amazing selection of very recognizable and famous paintings by a variety of artists, not limited to one niche or genre. Among my favorite pieces are paintings by Cezanne, Pissarro, Rothko, Mondiran, and Miro. You have to see the piece called "Wax Room" by Wolfgang Laib in person. If you live in DC, this is a great museum to be a member of, there are frequent member only events, and you can bring your out of town guests in for free. The cafe is a great place to take a break and get a coffee or even lunch, on a nice day the patio is a wonderful spot to relax. Last but not least, youll find something for everyone in the gift shop.

Sam Bartley

This is Americas first modern art museum and it holds quite an impressive permanent collection, including a number of Renoirs, Rothkos, and a couple Mondrians. It doesnt just have early 20th century modern works, but also showcases more contemporary artists as well. At present, the Phillips Collection is hosting two special exhibits. The first features George Condo and the second features Markus Lupertz in collaboration with the Hirshorn. Both collections dominate the first and third floors. My only complaint is that presently the museum is renovating the original building, which I felt was better suited for its permanent collection, and due to the decrease in space, has cut the number of permanent pieces on display. It is also more crowded due to the smaller space. Overall, it is a good, small, art museum with a fair collection and is certainly worth visiting.

Zach Hardy

A lesser known gem in the city- cant believe Ive never been here before. Much smaller and more intimate than the massive NGA and the Smithsonian galleries (of course those are all still some of the best art museums one can visit imo and I love them dearly). Some really great pieces- some lovely works by Renoir, Cezanne, some lesser known American impressionists, and perhaps my favorite part of the museum- the Rothko room. Oh yeah and a really odd but fascinating room coated entirely in beeswax. You do have to pay to get in to this museum but its easily worth it. I actually went ahead and splurged on a membership- just $48 dollars with an educators discount- and I am sure I will go the minimum of 4 times to get my moneys worth!

Morgane Renoir

Amazing collection. It is well worth the entrance fee. They have amazing exhibits, and their special exhibits are usually very impressive. One of their most famous pieces is Renoirs "Luncheon of the Boating Party", but they have some amazing Picasso and Degas. All of the art is Post-Impressionism and modern. If you live in DC, it is well worth the membership, which is reciprocated at many other museums in the States. The Philips after 5 event, is always a must. Its the first Thursday of the month. And they usually have drinks, food, and live music, as well as different little shows and different curators speaking. Its a great way to unwind after a day at work.

Casey Nordell

Excellent hidden gem in dupont circle. If you like the national art gallery, youll love this intimate gallerys collection. Dont miss the boating party painting... a true wonder. The permanent collection is "free" to see (donations accepted) on weekdays, $12 on weekends, and there are sometimes special visiting exhibits on the 3rd floor that cost money. While I was there, the special exhibit was not policed very well (I was able to [accidentally] enter without paying) and also not worth paying money for, IMHO. However, their permanent collection is completely worth a visit, especially at no cost. Dont miss this is you like Renoir, Van Gogh, etc.