The Phillips Collection — America's First Modern Art Museum

Located at 1608 21st St NW, Washington, D.C., The Phillips Collection is a short 5-minute walk east of Dupont Circle. Opened in October 1921, it holds the distinction of being the first museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to modern art. This pioneering institution introduced the American public to the significance of modern art, setting a precedent for future art institutions.

The museum's setting in a residential neighborhood, accessible via the Metro Red Line's Dupont Circle station, offers an intimate viewing experience distinct from the larger, free Smithsonian museums. Its unique atmosphere fosters a personal connection between visitors and the artworks, emphasizing the emotional resonance of art.

Founder Duncan Phillips and the Genesis of the Collection

The museum was founded by Duncan Phillips (1886–1966), who sought solace and a way to honor his family after the successive deaths of his brother and father in 1916–17. What began as a private display of art in two rooms of his home for friends evolved into a public institution with a significant acquisition in 1923: Pierre-Auguste Renoir's monumental painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party. This purchase marked a pivotal moment, solidifying the collection's direction and establishing its reputation.

The 1897 Georgian-Style Home and Its Expansions

The main building of The Phillips Collection is a Georgian-style mansion built in 1897, originally the Phillips family residence. Even after its conversion into a museum, it retains a domestic charm. The museum expanded three times in 1960, 1989, and 2006, with additions carefully integrated to maintain the original building's intimate feel. This architectural approach is central to the Phillips Collection's unique visitor experience.

A Collection of 6,000 Modern Masterpieces

The Phillips Collection boasts an extensive collection of approximately 6,000 works, primarily focusing on modern art from the late 19th and 20th centuries. It encompasses various movements, including Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, and Cubism, showcasing both European and American masters such as Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, Braque, Matisse, and Rothko.

Highlights: Renoir, Rothko, and Lawrence

Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party (1881) is undoubtedly the museum's most iconic work, embodying the essence of Impressionism. Another significant space is the Mark Rothko Room, featuring four of his color-field paintings with specific lighting and arrangement dictated by Rothko himself, making it the earliest dedicated Rothko space in any U.S. museum.

The collection also includes 30 odd-numbered panels from Jacob Lawrence's monumental Migration Series, depicting the Great Migration. The other 30 even-numbered panels are housed at MoMA, a notable example of collaborative acquisition in American art history.

Visitor Information and Unique Programs

The Phillips Collection is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 8:30 PM on Thursdays. It is closed on Mondays. Admission for adults is $16, and children under 18 are free. A visit of approximately 1.5 hours is recommended.

The museum also hosts "Phillips After 5" on the first Thursday of each month, an evening program featuring live music, talks, and poetry readings. This event transforms the museum into a vibrant cultural hub, offering a dynamic way to engage with art and community.