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Phillips Collection
Opened
in 1921, the Phillips is America’s first museum of Modern art. It is
celebrated for its collection of Impressionist works, including Renoir’s
Luncheon of the Boating Party, Van Gogh’s Entrance to the Public Gardens in Arles, and Degas’ Dancers at the Barre, among many others.-
1600 21st St, NW
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Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat; 11am–6pm Sun
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Adm
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Dis. access
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Corcoran Gallery of Art
Corcoran
exhibitions tilt toward contemporary media, especially photography. The
city’s first art museum, and one of the three oldest in the United
States, is also housed in one of America’s most significant Beaux Arts
buildings, designed by Ernest Flagg and completed in 1897 .
Corcoran Gallery of Art
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Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
The
Hirshhorn exhibits the most varied modern and contemporary art in
Washington, D.C.: its Directions gallery is known for displaying the
newest – and sometimes the most controversial – work in the city. The
lower level features a selection of items from the permanent collection,
while large temporary shows are housed on the second floor, along with
modern European sculpture. The third floor displays innovative paintings
and sculptures up to the present day.
Hirshhorn Museum
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Renwick Gallery
Many
Washingtonians name this gallery as their favorite, not least because
it is located in a gorgeous French Renaissance-style building, as well
as staging well-organized shows of American crafts. It’s also
refreshingly quiet in comparison to many other museums and galleries.
The second-floor Grand Salon, which has recently been renovated in the
style of a 19th-century picture gallery, displays paintings and
sculpture and is decorated with period furniture. Permanent and touring
exhibitions of fine craftwork fill other parts of the building .
Renwick Gallery
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Freer Gallery of Art
The
amazing Peacock Room is among the finest and most subtle examples of
interior design found anywhere in the city. Created for a London home by
James McNeill Whistler, and recreated here, the elegantly painted walls
and ceiling served as a complement to a collection of blue-and-white
porcelain. A discerning collection of works from Asia fills the spacious
display areas.-
Jefferson Drive at 12th St SW
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Open 10am– 5:30pm daily; closed Dec 25
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Free
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Dis. access
Freer Gallery of Art
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National Museum of African Art
This
harmonious building brings architectural features common in Africa to
one of the Smithsonian’s most innovative museums, built principally
underground. The wonderful permanent collection provides the best
introduction to the role of art in African culture that one could hope
to find .
Uma statue, National Museum of African Art
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Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Another
of the underground museums of the Smithsonian, the Sackler is a leading
center for the study and display of ancient and contemporary Asian art.
Its events bring Asian art and philosophies to life, and its occasional
presentations of Tibetan monks carrying out the ritual of sand painting
a mandala are always huge hits.-
1050 Independence Ave SW
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Open 10am–5:30pm daily; closed Dec 25
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Free
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Dis. access
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National Museum of Women in the Arts
This
is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to displaying the
work of women artists, from the Renaissance to the present day.
Fascinating and provocative exhibitions explore the work and social role
of female artists over the centuries, as well as that of women in
general .