The Phillips Collection, Washington DC

The first modern art museum, it remains a gem! Skillfully housed in Duncan Phillips' historic home and newer additions, the space is the perfect home for the art work. The permanent collection is lovely, and their special exhibitions are always well curated and thought provoking. An added bonus, the permanent collection is free on weekdays. There's a wonderful family gallery, at a child's eye level, with intriguing questions, colorful cushions and an excellent nook with great art books to read during a break. To complete your experience, both the museum shop and Cafe are delightful. I never fail to find delightful, unexpected treasures in the shop - fabulous books for all ages, luxurious pens and pencils, jewelery, and much more. Tryst, the cafe, serves their coffee with animal crackers! Fantastic all around.

Intimate incredible collection of modern and contemporary art displayed in the gorgeous mansion of the collector. Cool events. Nice employees. Only a few blocks from Dupont metro (exit Q Street). Yes metro sucks but parking is difficult. Other than that it's a must see museum.