Phillips Collection

1600 21st St. NW
202/387-2151
www.phillipscollection.org [1]

HOURS: Tues.-Wed. and Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Thurs. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

COST: Tues.-Fri. donation, Sat.-Sun. $10 adults,
$8 over age 62 and students, free under age 18

At its entryway, the Phillips’s space resembles nearly any other art museum, with stark walls and pinpoint lighting illuminating the masterpieces. Through this pristine hardwood and plaster facade, however, are tight hallways and opulent chambers, the 1897 Greek Revival townhome of collectors Duncan and Marjorie Phillips, which contains many of the museum’s treasures.

The manor home, with rooms of half-timbered walls and wood paneling, original furnishings, and unique fireplaces, is nearly as notable as the artwork that adorns its walls—paintings by Whistler, Chase, Homer, Hopper, Weber, and Eakins.

The Phillips Collection is considered the nation’s first museum devoted to modern art; its newer space holds the museum’s most famous piece, Renoir’s Luncheon of the Boating Party, as well as the renowned Rothko Room, a linear space showcasing three of Mark Rothko’s saturated works of color. The artist is said to have loved the room’s chapel-like design.

The Phillips After 5 event, held the first Thursday of each month, features after-hours browsing, food, drink, and live jazz.