I was given a tour of the Phillips Collection and was very impressed. The museum had a refreshingly intimate feel compared to some of the larger galleries in DC yet, despite its size, it displayed a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles.
The Phillips Collection is my favorite Museum in the Washington area. Its architecture embraces the old and new with the best of both, and its exhibitions are always beautiful and relevant. The family events and children's programs have been a great resorce for our family.
The Phillips Collection has ensured that as the years pass and the institution matures (and, sadly, recently loses its founder), it stays fresh and relevant and accessible to not just the expert art viewer, but also to students of all ages. The welcoming atmosphere and excellent learning opportunities ensure that this is an institution of both intellectual relevance and community connection. I have visited artists' exhibitions that I would have ignored if I did not know that I would be able to gain both context and appreciation because the show was at the Phillips
during my visit, the positive experience started with the courteous staff at the admission and entrance area. After entering, I found the collection to be well annotated and nicely organized. I especially appreciated knowing that many pieces were displayed in the home of the original collectors. Overall, this was a great experience.
My husband and I love the Phillips. It is not as overwhelming as other DC museums and every visit is a quiet, intimate experience. The shows are always of interest to us. We last saw the Christo exhibit and very much look forward to the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit which has gotten great reviews. Even if you don't go in to see a specific show, you can always admire the famous Renoir Luncheon at the Boating Party. The location, near Dupont Circle, is in a favorite part of the city.
I first visited the Phillips Collection in the 50's as a high school student from New York City. We entered the front door, and I was immediately overwhelmed by the feeling that I was in someone's home. Of course I was, and had I been lucky I could have met Mr. Phillips who might have given us a tour! In the late 80's we moved to Washington, and it has been a great joy to be more and more involved with this extraordinary museum. It still has the same feeling of intimacy even though the gallery spaces have been expanded. Everything possible has been done to keep the conversations between works alive and well and to allow visitors the pleasure of quiet contemplation. In addition, I have come to realize how far into the community the Phillips reaches - even across the country - with exceptional education programs that have won many national awards. To have young people inspired by art just as major artists like Richard Diebenkorn have been would have warmed Duncan Phillips's heart. My wish is that as many people as possible will come to enjoy this reamarkable institution.
The Phillips is a wonderful place to linger.......in fact, that is just what Duncan Phillips wanted you to do. I had a background in art but learned to look at art in a fresh new way at this museum. It is an intimate museum: the original museum and a new modern extension. It is cozy, a perfect place to talk about what the artist was trying to say. Duncan Phillips said the paintings were having a "conversation" with each other. It is so much fun to discuss with a friend what the paintings are saying.......you have to come to this museum and try to see art the Duncan Phillips' way. The new wing displays the D.C. school children's' art. When you visit the Phillips be sure you visit the children's art display. The Phillips does an outstanding job of getting out into its community. When most schools have eliminated art from their budget, the Phillips shows the nation how to keep art in their curriculum. Their education department is one of the best in the nation. They have created learning kits which use the Phillips latest exhibits to teach reading, writing, science, math and social studies through art. They teach teachers too. You can see the student's work on-line. The Phillips is successfully meeting its obligation to give back to the community it is in. I consider the Phillips my "home away from home." I hope you will too!
The Phillips Collection is a remarkable nonprofit. They have a very strong mission which they stick to through thick and thin and this seems to have enabled them to cultivate a rich base of stakeholders. The stakeholders have then allowed the Phillips Collection to carry on with their existing programs and even grow through one of the worst economic times in American history. I feel that their success as a nonprofit is worthy of study and emulation.
The Phillips Collection is a Washington DC treasure. In a town that is loaded with museums and galleries that attract tourists from around the globe, it is difficult to stand out, but the Phillips Collection does so with ease. The works in the permanent collection are some of the greatest and most moving pieces available for viewing in the US. Add to that the various installations and "touring" pieces that come through and you've got a real gem. There are regular events that include artist lectures, open discussions, musical performances, and more. The Phillips Collection truly does provide an interactive experience for both the general public and for artistic community. It serves us all generously, and we in Washington DC are very proud to have the Phillips Collection here.
The Phillips Collection is in a beautiful part of D.C. with tree-lined streets. However, the collection outshines the surrounding landscape. The museum is small enough to cover it in its entirety and yet still enjoy the excellent artwork. The staff was pleasant and helpful, although at times it felt like Big Brother in the galleries. Overall, a great experience and I’d highly recommend any art lovers to time some time away from the Smithsonian to enjoy this gem.
I have had several good experiences at the Phillips Collection, including at several openings for special exhibitions. It has always been enjoyable and the staff has been very knowledgeable and engaging.
I had the pleasure of becoming a member of the Phillips on Friday, February 19th. I love the intimacy and energy of this museum, from the front desk to the cafe to the museum assistants at the special exhibits, everyone is courteous and knowledgeable. Best of all, I've been an O'Keeffe fan since childhood, so was thrilled to see the O'Keeffe exhibit. It touched me deeply to be privy to her life with Stieglitz through their intimate letters and photos.