What is The Phillips Collection?

The Phillips Collection is an art museum situated in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. It is recognized for its extensive collection of American and European impressionist and modern art, housed in an intimate setting.

Where is The Phillips Collection located?

The Phillips Collection is located at 1600 21st Street NW in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. This area is known for its historic architecture and cultural institutions.

When was The Phillips Collection established?

The Phillips Collection was established in 1921. It was originally known as the Phillips Memorial Gallery.

Who founded The Phillips Collection?

The Phillips Collection was founded by art collectors Duncan Phillips and Marjorie Acker Phillips. Duncan Phillips was the grandson of James H. Laughlin, a banker and co-founder of the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company.

What was the original name of The Phillips Collection?

The original name of The Phillips Collection was the Phillips Memorial Gallery. It was renamed to reflect its broader identity as a collection rather than solely a memorial.

Who is the current director of The Phillips Collection?

Jonathan P. Binstock has been the director of The Phillips Collection since 2023. He previously served at the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester.

Which public transit station provides access to The Phillips Collection?

The Dupont Circle WMATA station provides public transit access to The Phillips Collection. WMATA refers to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which operates the city's subway system.

What is the official website for The Phillips Collection?

The official website for The Phillips Collection is www.phillipscollection.org. Websites serve as a primary source of information for museums, detailing collections, events, and visitor information.

What is the background of Duncan Phillips, one of the founders of the museum?

Duncan Phillips (1886–1966) was born in Pittsburgh and was the grandson of James H. Laughlin, a banker and co-founder of the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. His father, Duncan Clinch Phillips, was a Pittsburgh window glass millionaire and a member of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, which was associated with the Johnstown Flood.

Can you list some of the prominent artists whose works are represented in The Phillips Collection?

The collection features works by numerous prominent artists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Gustave Courbet, El Greco, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Pierre Bonnard, Paul Klee, Arthur Dove, Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, Jacob Lawrence, Augustus Vincent Tack, Georgia O'Keeffe, Karel Appel, Joan Miró, Mark Rothko, and Berenice Abbott.

What significant role did Duncan Phillips play in introducing modern art to America?

Duncan Phillips played a seminal role in introducing modern art to America. As a published art critic, he expanded the family's painting collection dramatically and championed modernism at a time when it was often criticized in the United States.

What personal tragedies led to the establishment of The Phillips Memorial Gallery?

The Phillips Memorial Gallery was established by Duncan Phillips and his mother after the sudden and untimely deaths of his brother, James Laughlin Phillips (in 1918), and his father, Duncan Clinch Phillips (in 1917). This act served as a tribute to their memory.

How did The Phillips Collection evolve from a family home to a public art museum?

Initially, Duncan Phillips exhibited his small family collection in a specially built public gallery room over the north wing of his family home. As the collection grew to exceed 600 works and public demand increased, the Phillips family moved to a new home in 1930, converting their entire 21st Street residence into an art museum.

How did Marjorie Acker Phillips contribute to the development of the collection?

Duncan Phillips married painter Marjorie Acker in 1921, and with her assistance and advice, he developed his collection as 'a museum of modern art and its sources.' Her input was crucial in shaping the museum's focus on the continuous tradition of art.

What was Duncan Phillips's philosophy regarding the collection and modern art?

Duncan Phillips believed strongly in the continuum of artists influencing their successors through the centuries, developing his collection 'as a museum of modern art and its sources.' This focus on art's continuous tradition was revolutionary when modernism was often seen as a break from the past.

Which historical artists did Phillips consider 'modern' and why?

Phillips considered El Greco the 'first impassioned expressionist,' Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin 'the first modern painter,' Francisco Goya 'the stepping stone between the Old Masters and the Great Moderns like Cézanne,' and Édouard Manet a 'significant link in a chain which began with Goya and which [led] to Gauguin and Matisse.' He saw these artists as foundational to modern artistic movements.

How did Polly Fritchey contribute to The Phillips Collection's growth?

Polly Fritchey, a hostess and wife of columnist Clayton Fritchey, played a role in the Phillips Collection's evolution from a small family museum into a public art gallery. She was one of the first trustees appointed from outside the family and helped launch its national fundraising campaign.

What is the approximate size of The Phillips Collection's permanent collection?

The Phillips Collection features a permanent collection of nearly 3,000 works by American and European impressionist and modern artists. This substantial number allows for diverse exhibitions and studies.

What types of artists are broadly represented in the collection?

The museum is noted for its broad representation of both impressionist and modern paintings, showcasing works by European masters and American artists. Impressionism is an art movement characterized by small, thin, visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities, ordinary subject matter, inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience, and unusual visual angles.

What is the architectural style of the main building housing The Phillips Collection?

The Phillips Collection is housed in founder Duncan Phillips’ 1897 Georgian Revival home. This architectural style is characterized by its symmetry, proportion, and classical details, often seen in grand residences.

What is considered the museum's best-known work, and when was it acquired?

Pierre-Auguste Renoir's impressionist painting, *Luncheon of the Boating Party* (1880–81), is the museum’s best-known work. Phillips purchased this iconic painting in 1923.

How did Duncan Phillips arrange his galleries, and what was unique about his approach?

From the 1920s to the 1960s, Phillips arranged his galleries in non-chronological and non-traditional installations. He aimed to reflect the relationships he perceived between various artistic expressions, presenting visual connections as dialogues on the museum's walls.

Which American artists did Phillips juxtapose with European artists in his installations?

Phillips juxtaposed works by American artists such as Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, Maurice Prendergast, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, and Albert Pinkham Ryder with canvases by European artists like Pierre Bonnard, Peter Ilsted, and Édouard Vuillard.

What specific works by Vincent van Gogh and El Greco were exhibited together by Phillips?

Phillips exhibited works by Vincent van Gogh with El Greco’s *The Repentant St. Peter* (circa 1600–05). This pairing highlighted Phillips's vision of bringing together 'congenial spirits among the artists' across different eras.

Which artists were particularly favored by Phillips, leading to multiple acquisitions of their works?

Phillips particularly favored artists such as Pierre Bonnard, Georges Braque, Paul Klee, and Mark Rothko, acquiring multiple works by each. For example, he acquired 17 paintings by Bonnard due to his expressive use of color.

How many paintings by Pierre Bonnard are in the collection, and why was Phillips drawn to his work?

The collection includes 17 paintings by Pierre Bonnard. Phillips was particularly drawn to Bonnard's expressive use of color, which resonated deeply with his artistic sensibilities.

How many paintings by Georges Braque are in the collection, and what is a notable example?

Cubist pioneer Georges Braque is represented by 13 paintings in the collection. A notable example is the monumental still-life *The Round Table* (1929).

How many works by Paul Klee are in the collection, and what are some examples?

The collection has an equal number of works by Paul Klee as by Braque, including pieces such as *Arab Song* (1932) and *Picture Album* (1937). Klee was a Swiss-German artist known for his unique style that blended Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism.

How many pieces by Mark Rothko are in the collection?

The Phillips Collection holds seven pieces by the abstract expressionist artist Mark Rothko. Rothko is famous for his large-scale color field paintings.

What is the significance of the Rothko Room at The Phillips Collection?

The Rothko Room is significant as the first public space dedicated solely to the artist's work, designed by Phillips in collaboration with Rothko himself. This installation adheres to Rothko's preference for exhibiting his large, luminous paintings in a small, intimate space to create an immersive experience of color and sensation.

Why was Phillips initially attracted to Rothko's work?

Phillips was initially attracted to Rothko's work because he perceived the artist's use of color as similar to that of Pierre Bonnard, an artist Phillips greatly admired for his expressive color palettes.

How did Phillips support promising but unknown artists?

Phillips supported promising but unknown artists by purchasing their works, which provided them with the financial means to continue painting. He also formed close bonds with and subsidized several artists, particularly Arthur Dove and John Marin, and consistently bought works for what he termed his 'encouragement collection.'

What is the Wolfgang Laib Wax Room, and when was it opened?

The Wolfgang Laib Wax Room is a second permanent installation at the museum, opened in 2013, featuring a room covered in about 500 pounds of wax by artist Wolfgang Laib. The piece, measuring 6 feet by 7 feet and illuminated by a single bare bulb, is often interpreted as evocative of nature but can also appear harsh and enigmatic.

What inspired Wolfgang Laib to create his site-specific wax installation at the museum?

Wolfgang Laib became interested in creating his site-specific wax installation after visiting the museum's Rothko Room. This suggests that the unique, immersive experience of the Rothko Room influenced his decision to create a similar, sensory-focused space.

What is the historical significance of the main building of The Phillips Collection?

The main building of The Phillips Collection is a Georgian Revival house dating to 1897, originally Duncan Phillips's family home. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Duncan Phillips House and now forms the southern section of the museum building.

What is the name of the north section of the museum building?

The north section of the museum building is called the Goh Annex. This addition was renovated and reconceived in 1989.

When was a modernist wing added to the building, and when was it renovated?

A modernist wing was added to the building in 1960. This addition was later renovated and reconceived in 1989.

Who funded the renovation of the modernist wing, now known as the Goh Annex?

The renovation of the modernist wing, which became the Goh Annex, was aided by a $1.5 million gift from Japanese businessman Yasuhiro Goh and his wife, Hiroko Goh.

What was the purpose of the major building project completed in April 2006?

The major building project completed in April 2006 aimed to accommodate the museum's ever-growing collection of art, audiences, and activities. The expansion was designed to preserve the intimate scale and residential quality of the museum while adding necessary space.

What is the name of the new spaces incorporated in the 2006 expansion?

The new spaces incorporated in the 2006 expansion are known as the Sant Building. This addition significantly increased the museum's capacity for exhibitions and public programs.

Who was the architect for the Sant Building?

The architect for the new Sant Building, part of the 2006 expansion, was Arthur Cotton Moore. Architects are professionals who design buildings and other structures.

What kind of collaborations are part of the partnership with the University of Maryland?

Key collaborations of the partnership with the University of Maryland include developing a new arts curriculum, extended studies courses, postdoctoral fellowships, a biennial book prize, and various programming and events. These initiatives aim to transform scholarship and innovation in the arts.

What is the name of the current café at The Phillips Collection and what does it offer?

Bread Furst is the current café at The Phillips Collection. It is an artisanal bakery founded by Mark Furstenberg, offering wines, empanadas, and other culinary creations by his team of chefs.

What educational services does The Phillips Collection offer?

The Phillips Collection offers a range of educational services, including an active schedule of lectures, gallery talks, classes, parent/child workshops, and teacher training programs. It also collaborates with District of Columbia Public Schools and other institutions.

What is the 'Art Links to Literacy' initiative?

Art Links to Literacy is an initiative by The Phillips Collection that combines programs for underserved students at District of Columbia Public Schools and their parents and caregivers with professional development for their teachers. This program aims to integrate art education with literacy development.

What is 'Phillips After 5'?

Phillips After 5 is a monthly program held on the first Thursday of every month from 5 to 8:30 pm, combining live jazz, gallery talks, modern art, and a cash bar. It offers a social and cultural evening experience at the museum.

What are 'Sunday Concerts' at The Phillips Collection?

Sunday Concerts, founded in 1941, offer classical chamber music in the intimate setting of the museum's oak-paneled Music Room. These concerts, held from October through May, have featured renowned ensembles and soloists like Glenn Gould and Jessye Norman, as well as talented young musicians.

What are 'Centennial music commissions'?

Centennial music commissions are creative dialogues between music and visual art, where composers create responses to works in the collection. These audiovisual artworks are made available for reproduction on the Phillips Collection website, fostering interdisciplinary artistic engagement.

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About The Phillips Collection

A Pioneering Institution

Established in 1921 as the Phillips Memorial Gallery, The Phillips Collection stands as America's first museum dedicated to modern art. Located in the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C., it was founded by the visionary art collectors Duncan Phillips and his wife, Marjorie Acker Phillips. Duncan Phillips, grandson of the prominent banker James H. Laughlin, embarked on this ambitious endeavor following the profound losses of his brother and father, transforming a personal tragedy into a public cultural legacy.

Evolution from Private to Public

Initially housed within a specially constructed gallery in the family's residence, the collection rapidly expanded under Duncan Phillips's discerning eye. By 1930, the burgeoning collection, which had grown to over 600 works, necessitated the family's relocation, allowing the entire 21st Street home to be converted into a dedicated art museum. This pivotal transition was further supported by figures like Polly Fritchey, who played a crucial role in its evolution into a public art gallery and in launching its national fundraising efforts.

Duncan Phillips's Vision

As a published art critic, Duncan Phillips possessed a revolutionary perspective on art. He meticulously developed the collection as "a museum of modern art and its sources," championing the idea of a continuous artistic tradition where artists across centuries influence their successors. This philosophy challenged the prevailing American skepticism towards modernism, which was often perceived as a radical break from the past. Phillips's curatorial approach highlighted profound connections, such as calling El Greco the "first impassioned expressionist" and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin "the first modern painter."

The Enduring Collection

Masters of Impressionism and Modernism

The Phillips Collection boasts a permanent collection of nearly 3,000 works, encompassing both American and European Impressionist and modern artists. Its holdings feature an impressive array of luminaries, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Gustave Courbet, El Greco, Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Pierre Bonnard, and Paul Klee. A cornerstone of the museum's renown is Renoir's iconic Impressionist painting, Luncheon of the Boating Party (1880–81), acquired by Phillips in 1923.

Curatorial Dialogues

From the 1920s through the 1960s, Phillips pioneered a distinctive installation style, arranging galleries in non-chronological and non-traditional ways. This approach fostered visual dialogues on the museum's walls, connecting past and present, classical form and romantic expression. He juxtaposed American artists like Winslow Homer, Thomas Eakins, and Georgia O'Keeffe with European masters such as Bonnard, Ilsted, and Vuillard, creating a rich tapestry of artistic conversation that continues to guide the museum's presentation today.

Dedicated Artist Rooms

The collection is particularly celebrated for its significant groupings of works by artists Phillips deeply admired. Notable examples include 17 paintings by Pierre Bonnard, whose expressive use of color captivated Phillips, and 13 works by Cubist pioneer Georges Braque, including the monumental still-life The Round Table (1929). The museum also houses 13 pieces by Paul Klee, such as Arab Song (1932), and seven works by abstract expressionist Mark Rothko.

The Rothko Room holds a special place, being the first public space entirely dedicated to the artist's work. Designed in direct collaboration with Rothko himself, it reflects his preference for exhibiting his large, luminous paintings in an intimate setting, allowing visitors to be enveloped by color and sensation. Phillips was initially drawn to Rothko's art due to perceived similarities in color usage with Bonnard's work.

The "Encouragement Collection"

Duncan Phillips was a fervent patron of emerging talent, acquiring works by many artists who had yet to achieve widespread recognition. This "encouragement collection" provided vital support, enabling artists such as John Marin, Georgia O'Keeffe, Arthur Dove, Nicolas de Staël, Milton Avery, Betty Lane, and Augustus Vincent Tack to continue their creative pursuits. Phillips formed close relationships with and often subsidized these artists, fostering a community that valued artistic innovation and development.

In 2013, the museum unveiled its second permanent installation, a unique wax room by artist Wolfgang Laib. This site-specific piece, measuring 6 by 7 feet and illuminated by a single bare bulb, utilizes approximately 500 pounds of wax. Laib's interest in creating this enigmatic work was sparked by his visit to the museum's Rothko Room, demonstrating the enduring influence of Phillips's curatorial legacy on contemporary artistic expression.

Architectural Evolution

The Historic Duncan Phillips House

The Phillips Collection is uniquely situated within the historic Duncan Phillips House, a distinguished Georgian Revival residence dating back to 1897. This original structure, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, forms the southern portion of the museum complex. From its inception, Duncan Phillips envisioned his home as a dynamic space for art, continually adapting it to accommodate his expanding collection and public engagement.

Modern Additions and Renovations

As the collection grew, the building underwent significant transformations. In 1960, a modernist wing was added, and this addition was further reconceived and renovated in 1989, becoming known as the Goh Annex, thanks to a generous gift from Japanese businessman Yasuhiro Goh and his wife, Hiroko Goh. This evolution reflects a commitment to preserving the intimate, residential character of the museum while integrating contemporary architectural elements.

The Sant Building Expansion (2006)

A major expansion project completed in April 2006 introduced the Sant Building, adding 30,000 square feet of space, with 65 percent located below ground to maintain the neighborhood's aesthetic. Designed by architect Arthur Cotton Moore, this expansion incorporated larger galleries for post-1950s works, a 180-seat auditorium, an outdoor courtyard, and new retail and café facilities. Distinctive features include a winding white interior staircase and an external sculptural stone relief of a bird, a subtle homage to Georges Braque's painting Bird from the collection.

Engagement & Innovation

Educational Outreach

From its earliest days, The Phillips Collection has prioritized educational initiatives. Today, it offers a robust schedule of lectures, gallery talks, classes, and workshops for various age groups, including parent/child programs and teacher training. Through initiatives like "Art Links to Literacy," the museum extends its reach to underserved students in District of Columbia Public Schools, their parents, and caregivers, providing professional development for educators and fostering a love for art through hands-on projects and interactive resources.

Dynamic Public Programs

The museum hosts a diverse array of public programs designed to engage and inspire:

Phillips After 5: A monthly event featuring live jazz, gallery talks, and a cash bar, held on the first Thursday of each month.
Sunday Concerts: Established in 1941, these concerts present classical chamber music in the intimate Music Room from October through May, showcasing renowned soloists and ensembles.
Centennial Music Commissions: Innovative audiovisual artworks that create dialogues between music and visual art, available for reproduction on the museum's website.
Artwalks: Monthly curator- or guest-led tours offering insights into artists' lives and works.

Digital and Wellness Initiatives

Embracing modern technology and holistic well-being, The Phillips Collection offers:

360-Degree Tours: Virtual tours of exhibitions and installations, complete with full-screen images, descriptive texts, and audio guides, providing global access to the collection.
Meditation: A free, weekly 30-minute online wellness program led by a local yoga teacher, designed to promote mindfulness and stress reduction, particularly relevant in contemporary culture.
Interactive Events: Past multimedia evenings like "Art Is _____" (2009) invited visitors to collaboratively redefine art using text messages projected onto a wall, reflecting Duncan Phillips's spirit of engagement.

Academic Partnerships

In 2015, The Phillips Collection forged a significant partnership with the University of Maryland, establishing "The University of Maryland Center for Art and Knowledge at The Phillips Collection." This collaboration expands the former Center for the Study of Modern Art, located in the museum's carriage house, into a nexus for academic work, scholarly exchange, and innovative interdisciplinary projects. Key initiatives include developing new arts curricula, postdoctoral fellowships, a biennial book prize, and a range of joint programming and events.

Distinguished Leadership

Guiding the Vision

The Phillips Collection has been shaped by a succession of dedicated directors, each contributing to its growth and prominence. Following founder Duncan Phillips's passing in 1966, his wife, Marjorie Acker Phillips, assumed directorship, continuing the family's legacy. Their son, Laughlin Phillips, took the helm in 1972, initiating a multi-year program to fortify the museum's physical and financial foundations, expand its facilities, professionalize its staff, and enhance public accessibility.

Modern Era Directors

Subsequent directors have further propelled the institution's standing:

Charles S. Moffett (1992–1998): A renowned author and curator, Moffett oversaw ambitious exhibitions, including the memorable "Impressionists on the Seine" in 1996.
Jay Gates (1998–2008): Under his leadership, The Phillips Collection expanded its presence both locally and internationally.
Dorothy M. Kosinski (2008–2023): Previously a curator at the Dallas Museum of Art, Kosinski served as director until becoming director emerita in 2023.
Jonathan P. Binstock (2023–present): Formerly of the Memorial Art Gallery at the University of Rochester, Binstock assumed the directorship in 2023, continuing the museum's tradition of dynamic leadership.

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References

History Retrieved January 4, 2011

The Phillips Retrieved January 4, 2011

Chronology: Exhibition Catalogue, Nicolas de StaÃ«l, paintings 1950â1955, Mitchell-Innes & Nash, NYC. 1997 p.98

Board of Trustee Records The Phillips Collection

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Phillips Collection Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional art historical research, curatorial expertise, or museum management consultation. Always refer to official museum publications and consult with qualified professionals for specific academic or institutional needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Phillips Collection: A Sanctuary of Modern Art and Its Enduring Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About The Phillips Collection ℹ️

🏛️ A Pioneering Institution

📜 Evolution from Private to Public

💡 Duncan Phillips's Vision

The Enduring Collection 🖼️

🎨 Masters of Impressionism and Modernism

🔗 Curatorial Dialogues

🌟 Dedicated Artist Rooms

🌱 The "Encouragement Collection"

Architectural Evolution 🏗️

🏡 The Historic Duncan Phillips House

✨ Modern Additions and Renovations

🏛️ The Sant Building Expansion (2006)

Engagement & Innovation 💡

🎓 Educational Outreach

🎶 Dynamic Public Programs

🌐 Digital and Wellness Initiatives

🤝 Academic Partnerships

Distinguished Leadership 👤

🧭 Guiding the Vision

📈 Modern Era Directors

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About The Phillips Collection

A Pioneering Institution

Evolution from Private to Public

Duncan Phillips's Vision

The Enduring Collection

Masters of Impressionism and Modernism

Curatorial Dialogues

Dedicated Artist Rooms

The "Encouragement Collection"

Architectural Evolution

The Historic Duncan Phillips House

Modern Additions and Renovations

The Sant Building Expansion (2006)

Engagement & Innovation

Educational Outreach

Dynamic Public Programs

Digital and Wellness Initiatives

Academic Partnerships

Distinguished Leadership

Guiding the Vision

Modern Era Directors

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice