Let’s start by saying that I like to go to Art museums and have been to the bigger ones (National Museum of art) around D.C. I stumbled upon this museum while searching online for more museums in the area. Located near the “Spanish Steps”, this museum is sandwiched between houses in an affluent neighborhood – this means unless you have previously heard about this place, you won’t accidentally walk up to it. This also means you won’t see those huge crowd of tourists at the nearby Smithsonian and White house.
A lesser known secret of this private art collection is that tickets are free just before it closes for the day. I am not sure if this applies everyday, but I got in for free on a Saturday, 30 minutes before it closed (I entered at 4:30pm, if that matters). Nonetheless, even if I couldn’t get in for free and had to pay $12 for the adult fee, I would still think it is worth every penny spent.
The museum houses several pieces of better known paintings alongside hundreds of other arts and designed “rooms”, such as the Rothko room and the honey wax room. Quick tip here: this museum is made up of two buildings connected by a “skybridge” on the 2nd and 3rd floor – don’t miss half the collection by not crossing over to the other side! Most of the paintings here are in the modern art theme, starting from the impressionist period up till today. The biggest star is “Luncheon of the boating party” by Renoir. Don’t miss it!
Pictures are allowed (not sure about flash), bags need to be stored or carried in front, and there is an elevator, a museum shop and a cafe near the entrance. There are a lot more museum security guards here than I’m used to seeing at larger museums – that left a big impression on me. Prepared to spend about 2-3 hours if you like to take your time enjoying each piece of art. I got out in 30 minutes because that’s all the time I was given.
The Phillips Collection is located near the Spanish Steps in Washington D.C. More specifically, the address is 1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Visit their website at http://www.phillipscollection.org/ for details about admission tickets and opening hours.
A similar post written by me can be found at http://www.travbuddy.com/The-Phillips-Collection-v822182
Edited by A. Budhipramono.