The Phillips Collection Review

The art was beautiful and very well arranged. The building is also a piece of art within itself and only a short walk from the Metro station at Dupont Circle. A must see.

Ok collection. Could use more pieces some galleries were a little light on pieces.

Love the intimate nature of this museum. Excellent temporary exhibits.

I went to see a luncheon at Renoir's boat party, but it is a good art museum featuring a lot of Paul Klee's works, various impressionist works, and museums such as Marc Roscoe.
The Washington National Gallery is great, but it's a must visit museum.

Home of the marvelous Renoir's "luncheon of the boating party". That alone is worth the visit. Their store is pretty good as well.

Unique Art experience in an old mansion with modern addition.

In a city full of free museums why would you bother to go here? Because the art and special exhibits are particularly great. The Phillips also doesn t tend to get as crowded as the art museums along the Mall. Sign up for the emails to keep your eyes peeled for discounted or free entry, as well as the fantastic nighttime events.

One of my favorite museums in Washington. You actually feel like you are in a collectors house - because you are. Really nice cozy museum with very impressive pieces of work.

Loved this collection. Few works of my favorite artists were presented in this collection including: Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Pierre Bonnard, Georgia O'Keeffe.

The Phillips museum has a wonderful collection, in a cozy, compact setting. It is cared for with love and thought by its team of volunteers and benefactors. There were many highlights for me, the odd numbered half of the Lawrence migration series, Rodin's gates of hell. I don't understand Rothko, but that's another highlight. We were lucky enough on a Saturday afternoon to walk in on an excellent trio (viloin, cello, piano) rehearsing for a preformance the next evening. Very relaxed atmosphere, excellent music. There is a ten dollar entrance fee, I would give a lot more if I could afford to. We'll definitely spend more afternoons there.

A bit tricky to navigate. Nice staff. Interesting facility

Was yelled at by a docent for taking a picture of a bench.

An eclectic and intricate museum of beautiful artwork. There are many levels with what seemed like hidden rooms of various paintings and sculptures. Street parking is sometimes scarce but metro is a short walk.

Intimate and literally homey. Friendly atmosphere and great food and coffee in the cafe!

As a Washingtons with access to so much art, history, and culture around for free it's way too easy to take it all for granted. Come to Phillips collection to break out of that! Note that if you see a special exhibition there is a fee.
It's a perfect size for a museum you can see in its entirety, without getting overwhelmed. And yet leaves you instantly wanting to come back. Cute coffee shop with a lovely, large outdoor area too could be a nice place to catch up or an inspiring environment to get some work done.

Great art museum, showing off the weirder, more political edge of art.

Intimate incredible collection of modern and contemporary art displayed in the gorgeous mansion of the collector. Cool events. Nice employees. Only a few blocks from Dupont metro (exit Q Street). Yes metro sucks but parking is difficult. Other than that it's a must see museum.

Excellent museum, they accommodate to the furthest extend.

Really enjoyed Renoir exhibit at the Phillips, especially the focus on the people that surrounded him.

Not-so hidden gem that doesn't get quite the foot traffic of museums on the Mall. Since it is not part of the Smithsonian there is a $12 admission fee. Impressive collection of 19-21st century artwork - including masterworks by Renoir. Near the Metro and many dining options nearby.

Love the intimate setting and in my opinion the Rothko room is the only way to really experience his work.

I came to see The Luncheon of the Boating Party and the Nordic exposition. The main collection is interesting. Its a solid museum but relatively small scale.

Wonderful exhibit
Exquisitely run
You get spoiled in dc not having to pay for art museums but it s worth the charge
Always glad to visit

Absolutely do not visit during a "Philips After 5" event unless you're fine drinking terrible wine elbow-to-elbow with a thousand other people who couldn't care less about the art on the walls. Luckily we decided to visit the collection More

Permanent collection has many important works. Intimate setting.

Some of tbe exhibits they have are kinda bluh... Some dont have much artistic value. Some are very special, but they often keep it in storage and not on display

Wonderful Paul Klee exhibit w/10 others. Interesting early Pollacks, Gene Davis, and William Basilotes.

Great modern art collection. It is free for the last 30 min of the day.

The first museum of modern art with modern masterpieces

The collection was somewhat small, but there were several excellent pieces, including a couple from Van Gogh and at least one Picasso. I would recommend going here ud you have the time; it is definitely worth it.

Great variety of artists and impressive rotating exhibits. Philips After 5 is an event on the third Thursday of every month. Live music, activities, and light snacks for $12. Bar available!

Impressive museum in an intimate setting, a must-see for any fans of modern art.

Smaller than the big museums on the mall, but an excellently curated collection from the first modern art museum. Wonderful museum store with a great book selection. Loved the special exhibit of Aboriginal women artists. Cafe and restroom available inside museum. No food or drink allowed in the museum. Stay 2 feet from the art or get fussed at by one of the numerous docents.

So great....my art vocabulary and understanding is in its infancy... But i learned a lot, Glad I went!!!

The Boating Party never fails to inspire and bring beauty to life!

Museum is quick to finish, around 1 hour. However, the quality of the collection is fantastic.

The Philips Collection is one of the premiere modern and contemporary art museum in the United States. Located on 21st Street near Dupont Circle, this is a must-see attraction for art fans, particularly those with interest in late 19th and 20th century art genres.

Entry to view the main collection is by donation but there is a fee for viewing exhibitions ($12 per adults). Opening hours are 10am to 5pm (Tues - Sat) with extended hours to 8.30pm on Thursday, 12pm to 7pm (Sun). The museum is closed on Mondays.

The museum is based upon the collection of Duncan and Marjorie Acker Philipps and was founded in 1921 as the first museum of Modern Art in America. Here you can view works by household names when it comes to Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art. Renoir, Cezanne, Degas, Van Gogh, Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Whistler, Calder, O'Keeffe, Rothko amongst others are represented within the Philips Collection.

In addition to the excellent collection of art, the property itself is delightful if you enjoy architecture and historic buildings. This is a Georgian Revival style house constructed in the late 19th century. It is recognised on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. The Music Room in particular is worth spending time to view. The wooden panel carvings above and around the fireplace is particularly impressive.

In the end, The Philips Collection is a very good collection. We very much enjoyed our recent visit and would happily return during future trips to D.C. Best to allow 1-2 hours to view the full permanent collection and to enjoy exhibitions being held during the time of your visit.

Note: The Philips Collection has a very good website. Here you can get a preview of the collection highlights as well as current and future exhibitions that are to be held.

Great collection in an intimate space. I especially love the Rothko room.

I traveled over 10,000 miles from the other side of the planet mainly to come back to visit this collection again.
If all it had were Rothko and Mondrian, it would still be an excellent collection. The fact that it has more makes it even better.

One of the earliest contemporary art museums in the States!

A lovely museum. A wonderful collection in a comfortable environment. Plus they have a great library.

Great special exhibit on immigration, emigration, refugees. Fabulous experience. Also the music room is beautiful.

Lovely permanent collection and comprehensive rotating exhibits.

For me, this is how about art museum should be. Quiet, dignified, non touristy, museum with an impeccable collection

The Phillips is always a great place to visit. The exhibition, "The Warmth of Other Suns" is one every American should see.

Under renovation, but enjoyed the museum and especially the jazz ensembles that played for the museum walk

Really wonderful exhibition. Visiting from Missouri and walking thru the area was a great experience.

Beautiful space. Beautiful art. Lovely outdoor area for coffee or lunch. A gem.

This is America's first modern art museum and it holds quite an impressive permanent collection, including a number of Renoirs, Rothkos, and a couple Mondrians. It doesn't 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.

Absolutely amazing! Great permanent collection and the visiting exhibition was quite substantial. Everything is well maintained and clean. The gift shop is fun but doesn't pertain to the current collection much, unfortunately. The "garden" is quite small, but is pretty. It's not the most "accessible" place and the chair lift is quite loud/scary to be honest. The staff is competent.
They have an activity room for kids and family bathrooms.

We went here to see Van Gogh repetitions and while that was very impressive, the permanent collection here is not my style of art. It's definitely a place you need to see in DC, but not more than once, in my opinion.

Ah, to be able to see art in a relaxed, calm, setting. No rush, no crowds, just art. The employees are excellent with tour advice and information on the art. We went on a rainy day, and, while I love the Smithsonian exhibits, over the holidays it is a madhouse! I want to be able to see the art, sit on a bench, contemplate, and relax--the Phillips Collection is perfect! Don't be put off by the "modern art" title--there is plenty of traditional art in addition to the modern display. Go, enjoy, and relax!!!

It's a must go place if you like paintings from impressionism on. A huge collection from Manet till Pollock and Rothko.

Very impressive collection tucked away from the crowd. Recommend about an hour to see the museum, excluding any special exhibits. The Woodrow Wilson House is just up the block and also worth a visit if you're in the area.

My personal favorite art museum in Washington, DC, and one of the finest in the world. The collection is splendid, the special exhibitions are always revelatory, and the staff is friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. Nice cafe and gift shop as well. Do NOT miss the Rothko Room: There is nothing like it in any other museum to my knowledge and taking in the four Rothko masterworks mounted there is a powerful and profoundly moving experience.

Small art collection. Nice roomy cafe. Quiet. Reflective. One magnificent Renoir to soak in. Events.

A small museum, pleasant to visit, a little off the beaten track, which has the advantage of offering free access to its permanent collections, from Tuesday to Friday. From the "contemporary" art of the early 20th century (when the collection was opened) and also a little more recent. And a special mention for the serenity of the four Rothko paintings in the "Rothko room"

I visited The Phillips Collection today. I appreciate that the museum has an endowment, or some sort of income that enables curators to continue to purchase art and have special exhibits. However, I was primarily there for the permanent collection, as I have a special affinity for early-to-mid 20th century modern art.

I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED that the Rothko room, which was one of my main motivators to see the museum, was surrounded by The Warmth of Other Suns, a temporary, only-for-pay exhibit. It wasn't financially possible for me to pay to see the exhibit, and that's not mostly what I wanted to see anyway.

One docent quietly told me that I should just walk into the Mark Rothko room, and if anyone questioned my presence, proclaim that it IS part of the permanent collection and that I should be allowed to see it. And that's what I did, along with my oldest daughter. However, it shouldn't feel clandestine to visit what should be open for visitors to the permanent collection!! What is more: I was HORRIFIED that there was a piece from TWoOS in the Rothko room, and further horrified by the audio file that looped, loudly and relentlessly!!! SO WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS. That room is supposed to be a "chapel"; a place of repose and contemplation. I can't tell you how tremendously disappointed I was in my highly-anticipated experience of the Rothko room.

Here I am, traveling from Arizona, in the DC area for two weeks, and I have told people far and wide that likely my most anticipated experience was the Rothko room at The Phillips Collection. And now I will tell and re-tell the story of how poorly the museum is set up, how awkward it makes it -- intentionally, I feel -- for free visitors, and what a deflating, disappointing, dissonant experience it ended up being.

I have been to countless museums that have a for-pay or extra-pay area for special exhibits. However, I've never been in a museum where the special exhibit is so integrated into the passageways of what should be public, and then we feel like we have to walk with eyes downcast, moving quickly, to access what we should be able to access. I don't know who planned that, but it is a truly horrible arrangement.

One of my favorite museums in the Washington DC area. The cafe serves excellent coffee and food. The museum itself is worth the ~$10 entry fee. Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party' is obviously the highlight but there are other interesting works as well. A highly recommended place for sure.

The location is very close to Dupont Circle. The museum is very easy to navigate, it has a nice gift shop and cafe for snacking. The staff were friendly and helpful.

A must see, if ever in DC. Creativity and mindfulness begins every piece.

Wonderful historical art collection in an elegant setting. Knowledgeable, friendly staffers. Worth the visit and wish to return.

If you're visiting Washington, this is an easy museum to see. It's much smaller than the museums on the National Mall, but very kid friendly and accessible. It's a significant private collection and its most famous piece is Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party (Google it: if you're considering visiting an art museum at all, it'll probably be familiar to you). There are lots of friendly staff to talk with about the collection. There's a cafe, but there are lots of places to eat and drink in the surrounding Dupont Circle neighborhood. Visitors should be aware that, unlike the Smithsonian museums, this is a private institution and there's an admission charge.

A favorite haunt, this is the nations first modern art museum. Today I slipped in for the 30 minutes before close. I sat before four Rothko beauties, lingered on an Ansel Adams winter photo, peered from various corners on a landscape viewed from the painters window, and was startled to find a series on the great migration north. And there is so much more, thoughtfully hung. The cafe was hosting a private party and the gift shop had some lovely things, including some Kandinsky esque carpets and woven pillows.