The Phillips Collection

What it is

The Phillips Collection is the United States' first museum of modern art, located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded by Duncan Phillips in 1921, the museum occupies the founder's former residence, a Georgian Revival house, alongside a modern wing. The institution holds a distinguished collection of Impressionist, modern, and contemporary works. Its intimate setting distinguishes it from larger national museums in the city. The museum's coordinate location is approximately 30 metres from the unique production point of interest. Wikipedia resolved entity Q578485 identifies this cultural institution.

Checked 2026-08-26

What's inside

The collection encompasses paintings, sculptures, and works on paper spanning the nineteenth century to contemporary practice. Notable holdings include works by Renoir, Rothko, Bonnard, Vuillard, Cézanne, Degas, and van Gogh. The Rothko Room presents a dedicated installation of the artist's color-field paintings. The museum also displays American modernists and maintains active acquisition and exhibition programs. Temporary exhibitions rotate through gallery spaces. The original Phillips family house retains domestic character, creating distinctive viewing environments. Visitors encounter both permanent collection installations and changing presentations in expanded galleries.

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How long to spend

Visitors typically allocate between ninety minutes and three hours for a comprehensive visit, depending on engagement level with individual works and temporary exhibitions. The compact scale relative to encyclopedic museums permits meaningful exploration without excessive fatigue. Those with focused interests in particular artists or periods may complete shorter visits. Art enthusiasts seeking thorough examination of each gallery may prefer extended durations. The combination of historic house rooms and modern galleries encourages variable pacing. Weekday mornings generally offer quieter conditions for unhurried viewing. Visitors should assess personal stamina and interest depth when planning duration.

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Season and crowds

Operator-confirmed hours are Not recorded pending review. Visitors should consult the museum's official website or contact staff directly before planning attendance. Seasonal tourist patterns in Washington, D.C. typically concentrate visitation during spring cherry blossom period and summer months, potentially affecting crowd levels. Dupont Circle location provides accessibility year-round. Weekday visits may offer reduced congestion compared to weekends. Weather considerations apply to travel to the neighborhood rather than interior conditions. Advance verification of operational status remains essential, particularly for holiday periods or special circumstances when institutional schedules may diverge from standard expectations.

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Tickets

Operator-confirmed prices are Not recorded pending review. The museum has historically maintained admission policies including free entry periods and suggested contribution structures, though current specifics require direct verification. Visitors should consult official museum communications for accurate pricing, membership options, and any available concessions or complimentary access programs. Special exhibition surcharges may apply independently of general admission. Online advance booking possibilities and walk-in availability should be confirmed through authoritative channels. Group rates, educational discounts, and reciprocal arrangements with other institutions necessitate current inquiry. Budget planning should incorporate potential variable costs.

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Getting there

The Phillips Collection occupies a Dupont Circle location in Washington, D.C.'s Northwest quadrant. The Dupont Circle Metro station on the Red Line provides rail access within walking distance. Multiple bus routes serve the surrounding corridor. Street parking exists under metered and residential restriction systems, with limited availability during peak periods. Bicycle infrastructure includes nearby lanes and rack facilities. The museum's urban setting permits pedestrian approaches from surrounding neighborhoods and accommodations. Visitors arriving from National Mall museums should anticipate northward travel. Wayfinding signage and digital mapping services assist navigation to the specific entrance location on the identified street.

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What to watch out for

The historic house portion contains original architectural features requiring careful movement through narrower spaces and staircases. Visitors with mobility considerations should verify accessibility provisions in advance. Climate control maintains preservation standards that may feel cooler than exterior conditions. Bag size restrictions and security screening apply at entry. Popular works may attract congregated viewers, temporarily obstructing sightlines. The intimate domestic setting demands heightened awareness of proximity to artworks and furniture. Photography policies vary by gallery and exhibition; visitors must observe posted restrictions. Children require supervision given the residential character and art proximity. Personal belongings should be secured to prevent accidental contact.

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Photography

Photography policies at The Phillips Collection are governed by specific institutional regulations that visitors must observe. Flash photography is typically prohibited to protect light-sensitive artworks. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks generally face restrictions due to spatial constraints and visitor safety. Copyright considerations may limit reproduction of certain works. Special exhibitions occasionally impose additional or distinct photographic restrictions. Visitors should consult posted signage and staff guidance upon arrival. Personal non-commercial photography may be permitted in designated areas under stated conditions. Respect for fellow viewers and artwork protection supersede documentation desires. When uncertain, visitors should seek clarification from museum personnel rather than assume permissibility.

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Where it is

• 1 hr 30 min

  2 min walk

  Larz Anderson House

  • High · Heritage site
  • Museum
• 1 hr 30 min

  6 min walk

  National Museum of American Jewish Military History

  • Notable
  • Museum
• 1 hr 30 min

  6 min walk

  Heurich House Museum

  • High
  • Museum

External links

• View on Wikidata