The Phillips Collection
D.C.'s first museum of modern art, offering an intimate, personal encounter with masterpieces in a historic townhouse.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Free admission, extended hours
The Phillips Collection
Best Time
Free admission, extended hours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
D.C.'s first museum of modern art, offering an intimate, personal encounter with masterpieces in a historic townhouse.
"The Phillips Collection is DC's best-kept secret for modern masters!"
🎯 Free Third Thursdays
Enjoy free admission from 4 PM to close on the third Thursday of each month. Perfect for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Townhouse
Don't miss the original townhouse rooms for an intimate art experience. Many masterpieces are displayed here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party
Main Gallery
A vibrant, detailed masterpiece offering an intimate glimpse into French leisure. Get up close!
Rothko Room
New Wing
Experience Rothko's immersive color fields as the artist intended, a truly breathtaking and contemplative space.
Jacob Lawrence's The Migration Series
Brownstone Parlor
A powerful narrative of the Great Migration, displayed in the historic setting of the original townhouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Intimate Setting
Check for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Third Thursdays
Enjoy free admission from 4 PM to close on the third Thursday of each month. Perfect for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Townhouse
Don't miss the original townhouse rooms for an intimate art experience. Many masterpieces are displayed here.
📸 Capture the Art (Respectfully)
Photography is often allowed, but check for specific exhibit restrictions. Be mindful of others' viewing experience.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Discover unique and affordable art-inspired items. A great place for souvenirs!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Third Thursdays
Enjoy free admission from 4 PM to close on the third Thursday of each month. Perfect for budget travelers!
🚶♀️ Explore the Townhouse
Don't miss the original townhouse rooms for an intimate art experience. Many masterpieces are displayed here.
📸 Capture the Art (Respectfully)
Photography is often allowed, but check for specific exhibit restrictions. Be mindful of others' viewing experience.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Discover unique and affordable art-inspired items. A great place for souvenirs!
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
The cafe is highly recommended, especially for its divine bread. A delightful break during your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Phillips Collection as a hidden gem, lauded for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional collection of modern and Impressionist masterpieces. The unique townhouse setting allows for close, personal viewing of iconic works like Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party' and the immersive Rothko Room. While some find the collection's scope limited compared to larger institutions, most agree it offers a deeply rewarding and memorable art experience.
"A very interesting modern art museum that should not be missed! It constantly organizes temporary exhibitions so check their website regularly. The permanent collection showcases masterpieces from many well-known European artists. On the Third Thursday of the month, the museum has extended hours until 8 pm, with free admission from 4 pm to close. It’s a little crowded at that time, but that does not take much from the experience."
Alexandros Tsitsos
"The Phillips Collection allows an opportunity for intimate viewing of art within their brownstone rooms, as well as stunning exhibits in the “new” wing. Everyone should seek out Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series (most of the odd panels are in display within one of the parlors of the brownstone, and the evens are in NY in the MOMA). Stop in the gift shop, too, they have affordable lovely things!"
j j
"As we ended the visit the Musee shop person said The Phillips Collection is DC’s best kept secret. If you ever admired the Frick Collection in NY for its “Old Masters”, then
The Phillips Collection should be your destination in DC for the Modern Masters! Hands down some of the most amazing Modern Art masters collection anywhere.
The experience, in two different rooms, of Paul Cezanne’s work from when he was young to when he was old and losing his sight is one only the keenest art aficionado would have identified! To experience it all these years later is breathtaking. And then you see the Rothko Room, which can literally take your breath away when you view the series.
That’s just some highlights! We saw Bonnard and Hopper and Kandinsky and Winslow, oh my! And there were Van Gogh’s that I know I would never see anywhere else, unless they were on loan to a city I was visiting!
The ongoing Essex Hemphill exhibit: Take Care of Your Blessings, is a cherry on top! The curator clearly continues to inhabit the spirit of the founder, because Hemphill’s “Spoken Word” presentation and their poetry projected on the wall were presented with the same keen sharpness of the collector’s original eye!
The mansion itself, the parts that have been maintained are as beautiful as one can imagine! Everything about this place exudes good art!!
If you come to DC and miss the Phillips Collection you will regret it! Spend a whole day in it! There’s a reason why the Frick Collection is NOT a secret! Happy viewing!!!"
Priti Bali-Kahn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Phillips Collection is accessible via public transportation. Several Metrobus lines stop nearby, and the closest Metro stations are Dupont Circle and Farragut North. Parking in the area can be challenging, so using public transit or ride-sharing services is often recommended.
Yes, it's located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, which is a vibrant area with many shops, restaurants, and other cultural sites. It's a manageable distance from the National Mall attractions, making it a good addition to a D.C. itinerary.
While the museum itself is for viewing art, there are cafes and libraries in the surrounding Dupont Circle area that offer WiFi. The West End Neighborhood Library is nearby, though check its opening hours as they can vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary, but it's worth checking their website for the most up-to-date information. Look out for special free admission days like 'Third Thursdays'.
The museum typically has specific operating hours, often including extended evening hours on certain days. Always check the official website for the most current hours, as they can change seasonally or for special events.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular exhibition dates or during peak visiting times. This helps ensure your entry and can save you time.
Yes, The Phillips Collection offers free admission on the 'Third Thursday' of each month from 4 PM to 8 PM. This is a popular time, so expect more visitors.
Beyond the 'Third Thursday' free admission, check the museum's website for potential discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel. Group rates may also be available.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, non-flash photography is permitted in most galleries to capture the art. However, some temporary exhibitions may have restrictions, so always look for signage or ask staff.
The intimate rooms of the original townhouse, especially with masterpieces like Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party', offer unique photo opportunities. The Rothko Room, while contemplative, is also a memorable visual experience.
Typically, tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted in art museums to ensure the safety of the artworks and the comfort of other visitors. It's best to leave these at your accommodation.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The Phillips Collection boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern American and European art. Highlights include works by Renoir, Rothko, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Jacob Lawrence.
To fully appreciate the intimate setting and diverse collection, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're an art enthusiast, you could easily spend half a day exploring both the townhouse and the modern wing.
Yes, the intimate setting can be engaging for children, especially when viewing familiar artists or narrative pieces like Jacob Lawrence's 'The Migration Series'. Consider focusing on specific rooms or artworks to keep them interested.
The Phillips Collection often offers guided tours or audio guides that can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the artworks. Check their schedule upon arrival or on their website.
The 'new' wing refers to the modern addition to the historic townhouse, designed to house larger exhibitions and provide more space for contemporary installations, including the renowned Rothko Room.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Phillips Collection has a cafe that is highly recommended by visitors, particularly for its excellent bread. It's a great spot to relax and refuel during your visit.
The Dupont Circle neighborhood surrounding the museum offers a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a shorter visit, perhaps focusing on a few key rooms. The cafe's delicious bread is also a guaranteed hit!
💰 Budget Travelers
Even on regular days, the admission fee is often more accessible than larger, more commercial museums. The cafe, while not the cheapest, is noted for its quality, and the gift shop offers affordable souvenirs.
❤️ Couples and Art Lovers
Consider attending a 'Living Room Conversation' or another special event
for a more engaging cultural outing. The museum's unique townhouse setting provides a charming backdrop for a sophisticated date or a deep dive into art history.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of The Phillips Collection
This unique approach extends to how the collection is curated. Phillips believed in showing the evolution of an artist's work, a philosophy evident in the displays of Paul Cezanne's pieces, showcasing his development from his early works to those created as his sight began to fail. This narrative approach, combined with the intimate scale, makes exploring The Phillips Collection a truly special experience, often described as a 'best-kept secret' among D.C. museums.
Masterpieces and Immersive Experiences
The Rothko Room is a standout feature, designed in collaboration with the artist himself to present his large-scale color field paintings in a way that maximizes their immersive impact. Visitors often describe the experience as breathtaking and deeply moving, a testament to the power of art when displayed with such intentionality.
Beyond the Permanent Collection: Exhibitions and Events
showcasing the museum's commitment to diverse artistic voices. The museum also actively engages the community through various events. 'Third Thursdays' provide extended hours and free admission, making the collection more accessible. Additionally, events like 'Living Room Conversations' featuring artists and authors offer intimate discussions and book signings, fostering a deeper connection between the art, the creators, and the audience.
These events underscore the museum's role not just as a repository of art, but as a vibrant cultural hub. 
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