Phillips Collection
1600 21st St. NW, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA, 20009
Housed in a historic manor in the heart of Washington DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood, The Phillips Collection is one of the city’s highlight art museums. Founded in 1921, it is home to a 3,000-strong permanent collection of American and European artworks, including pieces by van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, O’Keeffe, and Rothko.
The basics
The Phillips Collection may be smaller than its Smithsonian brethren, but its masterpiece-packed collection makes it one of Washington DC’s important cultural institutions. Established by art collector Duncan Phillips and his wife, the painter Marjorie Acker Phillips, it’s attracted local and visiting art lovers for more than 100 years. Highlights of its collection include renowned pieces like Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party.
To simplify your visit, pre-book timed admission tickets online before your visit. It’s also possible to view the museum's exterior during walking tours of the Dupont Circle neighborhood.
Things to know before you go
The Phillips Collection’s on-site shop includes a range of books, art-themed gifts, and other souvenirs.
The museum’s on-site cafe, Bread Furst, serves seasonal organic fare, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
All gallery spaces and public areas in the museum are wheelchair-accessible.
Download the free Bloomberg Connects app to explore the museum with a smartphone guide.
Pay-what-you-wish tickets are available for the first entry hour of every day and can be pre-booked online on a first-come, first-served basis.
Backpacks, umbrellas, and bulky items can be stored in the complimentary coat check.
How to get there
The Phillips Collection is located at 1600 21st Street, NW, in Washington DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood. It is just a few minutes from the DC Metro’s Dupont Circle station, which is served by the Red Line; numerous bus lines also serve the area. Taxi and rideshare services offer another convenient way to visit.
When to get there
The Phillips Collection is open every day except Monday, from late morning until early evening. It hosts a range of temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent collection, daily 15-minute spotlight talks, poetry readings, a Sunday concert series, family workshops, and other special events. Research its calendar in advance to see what’s on during your visit.
Washington DC’s top art museums
Washington DC has dozens of world-renowned museums, including several must-see art museums and galleries. In addition to the Phillips Collection, other highlights include the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the National Museum of African Art, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
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