Visited Phillips specifically to see the exhibit “Picasso, Painting the Blue Period”, which runs through June 12th, 2022, and was quite pleased with the experience. The Museum opened in 1921, as is known as “America’s First Museum of Modern Art”, and is located in Dupont Circle, a historic DC neighborhood. The exhibit was a much a history lesson regarding Picasso’s influences for his work as it was an opportunity to experience a terrific collection of his work during this period. Although the exhibition was the draw for the visit the Museum has a wonderful collection of modern American and European art well deserving of a visit. Prepare for a lovely experience in this beautiful old building.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Many do not know this somehow, but if you make your time reservation on the hour (e.g, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, etc), the ticket prices are donation based! I love this because it makes the collections vast contemporary work’s accessible to everyone. This is one of my favorite galleries and is one of the larger ones unaffiliated with the Smithsonian. It’s comprised of multiple structure housing permanent and rotating contemporary exhibits. There are also student and youth programs as well as a myriad of other activities hosted here. Hands down one of the best gift shops for unique and artsy gifts/mementos. It’s set in a residential setting (part of the gallery is housed in a former mansion). So the area is quiet and that means there is nearby on street parking. It is also accessible by nearby bus and DuPont metro station.

The first modern art museum, it remains a gem! Skillfully housed in Duncan Phillips' historic home and newer additions, the space is the perfect home for the art work. The permanent collection is lovely, and their special exhibitions are always well curated and thought provoking. An added bonus, the permanent collection is free on weekdays. There's a wonderful family gallery, at a child's eye level, with intriguing questions, colorful cushions and an excellent nook with great art books to read during a break. To complete your experience, both the museum shop and Cafe are delightful. I never fail to find delightful, unexpected treasures in the shop - fabulous books for all ages, luxurious pens and pencils, jewelery, and much more. Tryst, the cafe, serves their coffee with animal crackers! Fantastic all around.

I grabbed some hot apple pie at the café before exploring the art. The employees were kind. Everything was expensive if not overpriced, but this was not your average pie. It came with a scoop of ice cream that made the whole thing melt in your mouth. I attended a Phillips After 5 event with a focus on Afrobeats. They had classic artists like Matisse, Claude Monet, Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh along with powerful pieces by African artists. I was blown away by the selection and would highly recommend this place!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I have probably been here at least 50 times over the past ten years. They continue to bring light to artists who I might not think of and nearly every contemporary artists. With many options for free museums in DC this place is worth paying for! This most recent visit of mine I got the chance to experience the exhibition AN ITALIAN IMPRESSIONIST IN PARIS: GIUSEPPE DE NITTIS Which was one of the greatest artists I have never heard of. Definitely take the chance to see it while it's here.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Beautiful collection. However, our experience was ruined by a particularly loud and obnoxious docent. Not only was she extremely loud, she was also sarcastic when we asked her about a piece of art, she also said she didn't care to remember the name of a piece of artwork because she didn't like it. She also, would not leave us alone, when it was clear that we were not interested in chatting with her.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

This museum is a gem in a city filled with great museums. I love its manageable size, welcoming staff, and interesting special exhibits. The permanent collection includes an array of works by Impressionists and an incredible room devoted to Rothko. The museum's cafe serves products by Bread Furst, a beloved local bakery. Enjoy your food and beverages in the serene courtyard.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Went to check out the African Modernism in America exhibit and it did not disappoint! A very insightful and broad collection of work with a lot of historical references. Also looked at the Rothko pieces on my way out. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re in the area and looking for something to do after 4 pm when you can visit for free and donate what you want.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

So many wonderful art works to check in this collection. They have both temporary and permanent collections. The Picasso temporary collection is magnificent. Picasso Blue period art works are breathtaking, full of hidden layers and meanings. We took our kids with us. Both the teenager and the 8 year old son enjoyed a lot specifically the sculptures section.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

This is my new "favorite place on earth". The collection is fabulous, and the home/ gallery is a treat to wander. I’m a “music person” first, but I’ve been attracted to more modern art since I first saw posters in college. Seeing the original art is like hearing a symphony orchestra after knowing music only from electronic reproduction. I look forward to visiting the Phillips Collection every time I’m in Washington. It's a thrilling experience and the staff are terrific.

Hasn’t been in many years but went back for a photography exhibit. Forgot what an amazing environment this is to enjoy art. We spent several more hours than we had expected wandering the house and the many small rooms-so many diverse artists and pieces grouped in surprisingly different ways. Courtyard was lovely to enjoy a delicious lunch from the restaurant on site.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

An excellent experience, highly recommended. The staff is super friendly and welcoming, and the art is incredible. Most recently there are renovations and new installations which have closed two main floors, but the rest of the collection is so worth it. They have several events each month which fill up fast, so get tickets early.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

We went for the opening of a new exhibit but also we enjoyed wandering through the rest of the museum. The people who were stationed in each room were knowledgeable about the paintings and we learned a lot about the backstories of the paintings far beyond what was available in the app (which was also helpful) from them.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

From their website: "The Phillips Collection building comprises the original Phillips House built in 1897 and two major additions: the Goh Annex, opened in 1960 and enlarged in 1989, and the Sant Building, opened in 2006." Not only is the art very attractive, the fact that it's in what used to be a home adds interest.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

We accidentally happened upon this museum. We are so glad we did! There are some fabulous paintings in their standard home collection...Renoir, Monet, Manet, Rothko. Amazing! The aboriginal women artist collection that is here for a visit is well worth the fee. During the week, the standard parts of the museum are free, but you have to pay to see the aboriginal collection. This museum is a hidden gem!

Nice little museum. I have been several times and have enjoyed it. Was disappointed by the front desk/security staff during our last visit. They require you to leave bags and umbrellas up front and were not at all sympathetic or helpful when an item of ours was stolen. Beware
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

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.

This museum has a number of wonderful paintings. I went to see Jacob Lawrence's "Migration Series". Only 4 stars because there are a number of ridiculous modernist works and an admission fee. So much competition from free museums in DC.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Jazz lovers! Do not miss the Frank Stewart Nexus exhibit and his silhouettes, shadows, motion, and bursts of color. Loved the 1st Thursday jazz night. Year-round, this lovely intimate townhouse at Dupont Circle has impressionists and modern art and a terrific cafe by Bread Furst. So much to love here!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

So beautiful lovely collection and amazing staff. I came alone and all the staff were so helpful with taking pictures. I could sit for a bit and see all the art work. When I went there was a Picasso from the blue period on display. Some Monets and Renior was also visible. The Matiss held in the older wing is so vibrant.
Visited on
Weekday

Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” is probably the museum’s gem. Other wonderful artists’ works are there too! Enjoy those from Bonnard, Klee, Jacob Lawerence & more. The temporary exhibits are normally great.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

What a lovely boutique art collection. Very nice experience away from the madness of the Smithsonian buildings. Dupont is a really nice area to explore and stroll. This is a must see collection.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

This is a great museum but buy tickets before you go! Tickets sell out fast and they only let you see the first floor if you don’t have one. You have to wear your mask and stay socially distanced, but it’s still a nice experience. Still lots of great artwork and a very nice museum gift shop. Highly recommend!

The museum is in dire need of renovation, with its aging infrastructure and inadequate lighting casting a shadow over its fantastic artwork. The brilliance of the exhibits is dimmed by the decay that's become apparent, highlighting the urgent necessity for restoration and improved conservation efforts.

Great small museum with a collection of mostly modern art but also some impressionist and post impressionist. There are two buildings, an older mansion and a modern building. The mansion is a beautiful ornate building but the second floor is closed right now for a new installation. Nice gift shop, too.

Lovely collection of various "classic" and contemporary work. Be sure to speak to the greeters and docents. They have such great knowledge of the pieces. I learned so much about the artwork, history, and artisans.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This showcase of the permanent collection embraces works by 69 artists who do not limit themselves to paint on canvas. An unbelievable collection that I’ll never forget. ☮️❤️‍
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
$16–20

This museum is underappreciated by many washingtonians because I like the Smithsonian museums. It does charge an admission. You can be sure that it's well worth the price, as both its permanent collection and visiting shows are all first rate.
Visited on
Weekday

Absolutely excellent museum. Mainly paintings & photography. Well chosen pieces, displayed well. Small enough museum that you can see everything but more than enough content to justify the entrance fee. Very good shop & cafe as well. Highly recommended. More

I only just discovered the Phillips Collection. It's a treasure. And I attended the After 5 party last month and it was a ton of fun. Great music and a party atmosphere with all that beautiful art to keep the vibe alive.
Visited on
Weekday

Love visiting this museum. The displays of the collection change regularly, so it never feels stale. If you're local to the area, I highly recommend membership.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Intimate and inviting museum space offering a diverse collection of modern artworks from around the globe including many well known masterworks. Friendly gallery monitors and spaced entrance times make for a very pleasant visit. The museum

I'm a member at The Phillips Collection. I always enjoy their exhibitions. As part of their permanent collection, they have Renoirs, Luncheon of the Boating Party and paintings from Jacob Lawrence "Migration Series". They also have a few

Nice private art mesuem! It has a representative collection and the curator(s) did a good job. There are several masterpieces that you would not want to miss. The building itself is also worth checking out, especially the music room.

That’s a very nice place! There is a lot of to see ! Highly recommended for everyone to see original paintings.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Amazing collection in an intimate setting. Much more enjoyable than crowded museums.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Best art museum in DC, hands down. Excellent cafe and gift shop too. All of their collection not on current display, thrown up in a warehouse somewhere, would probably be the second best art museum in DC.

First-time visit and an excellent all-around experience!! The grandeur of the ornate architecture there is palatial like you're actually in 19th century Europe! Absolutely, a beautiful, rich venue! More

Cute museum with an eclectic mix of modern art and contemporary photography.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

I really enjoyed the Museum. All of the artwork was interesting. I especially liked the exhibits Seeing Differently..., the Jacob Lawrence exhibits, Inside Outside... and Ghosts by Marley Dawson.

The collection is quite varied and a great way to relax and enjoy the art. Located in a cool little neighborhood off of Dupont Circle. Scientology center across the street.....lol.

Amazing museum. Permanent collection with Renoir, Picasso, Bradley, Matisse, Rodin, Van Gogh, Ellsworth Kelly, Calder, Rothko. Saw special exhibition of Jacob Lawrence. Great!

Very nice art gallery. The collection is impressive and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The cafe served me one of the best meatloaf sandwiches I've ever had. More

Small and cozy museum with some nice modern paintings but a lot of contemporary art so bot great if not a fan. Nice cafe and cute museum shop with high quality gifts.

An extremely beautiful and inspirational art gallery. Loved to see all of the art there, ranging from small time amateur artists to hugely famous classic paintings.

The Philips Collection is a beautiful art museum. Every month there is a party from 5:00 to 8:30 paid ticket to enter or become a member. It's wonderful!!! More

A wonderful venue for viewing some really fantastic art pieces! The ambience was lovely too.
Visited…
More

Beautiful collection, friendly and knowledgeable staff! Was delighted to see Alma Thomas represented! More

Excellent anf varied collection with a highlight being the large Renoir. Great little gift shop as well

Beautiful modern collection, has pieces ranging from Monet, Picasso, and O'Keefe