The Phillips Collection
America's first modern-art museum, an intimate Dupont Circle townhouse with Renoir's 'Boating Party'.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you are traveling as a couple.
Why
- 01
A welcome antidote to the giant free museums — small, intimate rooms where you can stand alone with Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party'.
Our read - 02
The honest catch: it's ticketed (unlike the Smithsonians), and its compact size means it's a focused hour, not a half-day.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Even on a tight schedule, The Phillips Collection earns the hours.
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, The Phillips Collection works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, The Phillips Collection works.
You care about the visual experience
For beauty & photography, The Phillips Collection delivers.
Think twice if
You are traveling with kids
With kids, give The Phillips Collection a miss.
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — The Phillips Collection isn't cheap for what it is.
You want the trip to feel easy
For relaxation, The Phillips Collection is hit or miss.
Plan it well
- Cost
- ~$20 adult (weekends)
- Timing
- Weekday for the quietest rooms
- Booking
- Ticketed, around $20 adult on weekends
- Allow
- 1–1.5 hrs
- Accessibility
- Accessible, with elevators between the townhouse floors