WASHINGTON — After closing for more than a year, The Phillips Collection historic house galleries will officially open to the public on Thursday, June 21.
The galleries were closed for a yearlong renovation project.
A housewarming for the original home of The Phillips Collection founder Duncan Phillips will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
Since May 2017, the original 1897 building of The Phillips Collection has been undergoing renovations designed to preserve and enhance the building’s historic character and migrate the house gallery spaces to a fully digitized temperature and humidity control system.
“We are approaching an exciting milestone in 2021 when we will commemorate our centennial,” said The Phillips Collection director Dorothy Kosinski. “These upgrades to the essential control systems governing the temperature and humidity within the museum will ensure the protection of our collection and the enjoyment of our visitors for years to come.”
A penthouse level with a mansard roof which mirrors that of the original building was added to house the new HVAC equipment.
The architectural design for the project was developed by Bowie Gridley Architects and Mueller Associates served as mechanical engineers. The general contractor was Consigli Construction Co. Inc., the firm which also renovated portions of the Renwick Gallery.
Modernist design elements were incorporated throughout the gallery spaces along with light-filtering window systems designed to heighten the protection of the works on view.
Farrow & Ball donated paint and consultation advice about historically appropriate wall papers and paint colors throughout the house.
In the Phillips Music Room, new features include upgraded wall paneling to improve sound quality for music events in the space, including the renowned Sunday Concert series.
