My Favorite The Phillips Collection 🎨✨

Let's turn the clocks forward to 1960—TPC undertook its first major expansion since 1923, which is the predecessor of the building we see today, "The Goh Annex," originally called "The Annex." 🏛️🕰️ Unlike the original mansion, it was designed in the contemporary international style popular at the time. The two buildings were connected by a glass skybridge on the second floor 🌉✨. This new structure not only provided more space but also became the museum’s main entrance. Despite the different architectural styles, it retained the feeling of "viewing art in a home"—low ceilings, cozy room-like galleries, and even a decorative fireplace and mantel to the left of the entrance 🏠🔥. Many beloved collections, like the Rothko Room, were initially housed here on the first floor of the Annex. Between 1987 and 1989, the Annex was renovated 🛠️. In gratitude to major benefactor Yasuhiro Goh and his wife, the building was renamed "The Goh Annex." The renovation also moved away from the modern style, incorporating red bricks similar to those of the original mansion, creating a harmonious exterior between the two structures 🧱🤝. From 2001 to 2004, a third renovation added an oval colonnade entrance and square pillars, echoing the porch design of the Phillips mansion 🏛️💫. This expansion also enlarged the first floor, adding a shop and a café (highly recommend both—more on that later! ☕🛍️). In 2002, TPC acquired the adjacent apartment building, The Sant Building 🏢. From 2002 to 2006, it was transformed into part of the museum. Unlike the original mansion, this building was internally connected to The Goh Annex, making it seamless to move between them during a visit 🚶♀️✨. Today, its first floor serves as the museum’s largest gallery space, with high ceilings perfect for large contemporary artworks 🖼️🌟. The second and third floors connect to The Goh Annex, significantly expanding the exhibition area and providing office spaces (my internship office was here! 💼😊). The expansion also included two underground levels—the first underground floor houses the Phillips Library and Archives 📚🔍, while the second underground level features a 180-seat auditorium, classrooms, and event spaces for public education programs 🎤🏫. Okay, that’s enough history for now—hope it wasn’t too boring! What’s your favorite museum expansion or hidden detail? Share below! 👇🤗 #ThePhillipsCollection #DMV #DMVWeekendFun #Museum #ArtLovers #ArtHistory #WashingtonDCMuseums #MuseumExpansion #ArtAndArchitecture #CulturalGem