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The Phillips Collection

4.7
·2k reviews·Washington, United States

D.C.'s first museum of modern art, offering an intimate, personal encounter with masterpieces in a historic townhouse.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Third Thursdays, 4–8 PM

Free admission, extended hours

CrowdMedium
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The girl with the glass is the focus in the movie Amelie

The Phillips Collection

Best Time

Third Thursdays, 4–8 PM

Free admission, extended hours

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

D.C.'s first museum of modern art, offering an intimate, personal encounter with masterpieces in a historic townhouse.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"The Phillips Collection is DC's best-kept secret for modern masters!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 2,202 reviews

Type

Art museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Renoir's Luncheon of the Boating Party

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

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

Jacob Lawrence's The Migration Series

Brownstone Parlor

A powerful narrative of the Great Migration, displayed in the historic setting of the original townhouse.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Intimate Setting

The Phillips Collection offers a unique, intimate art experience in a historic townhouse setting. Unlike larger museums, you can get up close to masterpieces. Plan to spend a few hours to truly soak in the atmosphere and details of the art.

Check for Special Events

This gem often hosts temporary exhibitions and special events, like 'Third Thursdays' with free admission. Check their website for current shows and events to maximize your visit and potentially avoid crowds.

Best Times

When
Third Thursdays, 4–8 PM
Why
Free admission, extended hours
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, intimate viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

one of my favorite galleries in the whole world 🤍 #artgallery #thingstodoindc
@herinnercircle
9.8K likes • 91.8K views

🎯 Free Third Thursdays

Enjoy free admission from 4 PM to close on the third Thursday of each month. Perfect for budget travelers! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Townhouse

Don't miss the original townhouse rooms for an intimate art experience. Many masterpieces are displayed here. Reddit

How do curators decide where things go in a gallery? Go behind the scenes as Phillips curators and preparators hang works from our permanent collection, and come check it out in person at The Phillips Collection! 🎨 In order of appearance: Aimé Mpane, Maman Calcule, 2013, Acrylic and mixed media on carved wood with monofilament, The Dreier Fund for Acquisitions, 2019. Chaim Soutine, The Pheasant, ...
phillipscollection
288 likes • 6.8K views
🚨new exhibit alert🚨 “Vivian Browne: My Kind of Protest” is a colorful and thought-provoking retrospective of the artist’s work. Learn about the role of activism in her career, the impact that travel and nature had on her art, and so much more in this fabulous exhibit! It’s open at the Phillips Collection now through September 28, 2025! #dc #museum #exhibit #art #exhibit
historyonholiday
453 likes • 9.3K views

📸 Capture the Art (Respectfully)

Photography is often allowed, but check for specific exhibit restrictions. Be mindful of others' viewing experience. TikTok

🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop

Discover unique and affordable art-inspired items. A great place for souvenirs! Reddit

🎨 the painting "The Luncheon of the Boating Party", 1881, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 129,5 x 172,7cm, Washington, DC, The National Gallery, The Phillips Collection In the 1860s and 1870s the works of avant-garde painters who were ridiculed as mere "impressionists" were worth practically nothing. Artists who, unlike Édouard Manet or Paul Cézanne, did not come from wealthy families, had a particula...
callifashionstuff_
32 likes • 462 views

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! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Townhouse

Don't miss the original townhouse rooms for an intimate art experience. Many masterpieces are displayed here. Reddit

📸 Capture the Art (Respectfully)

Photography is often allowed, but check for specific exhibit restrictions. Be mindful of others' viewing experience. TikTok

🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop

Discover unique and affordable art-inspired items. A great place for souvenirs! Reddit

☕ Enjoy the Cafe

The cafe is highly recommended, especially for its divine bread. A delightful break during your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

Intimate viewing experience
Masterpiece collection
Historic townhouse setting

What People Dislike

Smaller collection size

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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'. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎨 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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