Tag Archives: Renoir

The Phillips Collection: Have Cocktails with Renoir

phillips1

For a more cultured look at the city, take a trip to popular Dupont Circle to America’s first museum of modern art, the Phillips Collection. Opened in 1921 and housed in the former home of the collection’s founder, Duncan Phillips, the Phillips Collection combines the charm of an intimate, private art institution with awe-inspiring works found typically at larger, government-run galleries (think stumbling upon Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” while having tea with a friend). 

With priceless modern and impressionist works from both American and European artists, the Phillips Collection houses an impressive permanent collection with several works from Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keefe, Renoir and van Gogh. The museum also includes works from contemporary, living artists to add to its diverse exhibits. Despite its size, the Phillips Collection seems to always be rotating new special exhibits to accentuate their impressive permanent collection.

Insider Tip: Visit the gallery on the first Thursday of every month for their entertaining, “Phillips After 5” event from 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM. With live jazz, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as well as gallery lectures and films, this artisanal party attracts young, cultured patrons from around the city looking to enjoy the gallery in a more social atmosphere!

*Note: The Phillips Collection is closed on Mondays and holidays.

2. Renoir Pays a Visit to the Philly Museum of Art July 1-31

renoir exhibitThe Musée d’Orsay is collaborating with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to bring the work of painting superstar Pierre Renoir to Philly for a limited time.  While he’s best known for his works, Le Moulin de la Galette and Luncheon of the Boating Party, the consensus of the art world is that his most innovative time was near the end of his life. Pretty impressive, considering he was one of the originators of the impressionist movement.  This exhibit features these later works and the way Renoir used color in a way that influenced artists for generations to come, and the exhibit will feature several artists, such as Picasso, who were notably influenced by Renoir’s later years.