The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection, located in Washington, D.C.’s historic Dupont Circle, holds the distinction of being America’s first museum of modern art. Founded in 1921 by Duncan Phillips and his mother, the museum was born from both passion and personal loss. After the deaths of his father and beloved brother, Duncan found solace in art, turning his grief into a mission to share the transformative power of creativity with the public. Originally named the Phillips Memorial Art Gallery, the museum began as an intimate display within the family’s home, featuring a carefully assembled collection that celebrated both American and European modernists.

Duncan Phillips envisioned a museum unlike the grand institutions of his time. Instead of vast, impersonal halls, he sought to create a welcoming space where visitors could encounter works of art in a domestic setting, fostering contemplation and personal connection. His innovative approach blended the art of the past with the work of contemporary artists, presenting them side by side to highlight continuity, dialogue, and evolution in artistic expression.

The collection itself reflects this philosophy. Today, it includes more than 5,000 works, ranging from 19th-century impressionists to cutting-edge contemporary voices. Masterpieces by Renoir, Cézanne, Bonnard, and van Gogh share space with groundbreaking works by Rothko, O’Keeffe, and Jacob Lawrence. The museum’s intimate galleries encourage visitors to engage with the art on a deeply personal level, staying true to Phillips’s original vision of “an experiment station” for new ideas in art and its appreciation.

Beyond its permanent collection, The Phillips Collection remains a leader in education and cultural dialogue. Through innovative exhibitions, community programs, and collaborations, it continues to expand the understanding of modern and contemporary art. More than a museum, it is a living tribute to Duncan Phillips’s belief in art as a source of healing, connection, and inspiration.