The Phillips Collection - America's first museum of modern art

Founded in 1921 by collector Duncan Phillips, The Phillips Collection is widely recognized as the first museum of modern art in the United States. It originated in the Phillips family home and has expanded into adjacent buildings while maintaining a focus on modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, and works on paper. The museum is known for its intimate galleries and the distinctive presentation of works by artists such as Renoir, Rothko, and O'Keeffe. Its founding purpose and continual operation in Washington make it a singular institution in American museum history.