The Corcoran Gallery of Art

IMPORTANT: The Corcoran Gallery is now closed, undergoing extensive renovation to become the Corcoran School of the Art at GWU.
Its collections of American and French Art have been transferred to the National Gallery of Arts.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art turned out to be an unexpected fun place to visit, as it was just one of those heated days where we wondered into any buildings near our path with cool air. The place was quite big with three levels of exhibits. Every room had an own theme to itself.
The art here was not paintings, as there were sculptures from traditional to the modern metals types as well. There was one room where we were not allowed to take pictures, but we accidentally did anyway, and they allow picture taking everywhere else. It was the only room with a security guard at every entrance.
It is not every day where you could learn something new after visiting a place, and they definitely taught me something new about art. I guess our luck brought us to them during one of their free days, and there might be entrance fee at another time.

Really enjoyed the Albert Paley Exhibit, it is really superb! Corcoran is free throughout the month of September (up till they close their doors for good on Oct 1) so we took the opportunity to see the collection before the trustees divide the collection between the National Gallery and others.
They had a very solid permanent collection, saw a great Hopper that stood out in my mind as well as other greats. The collection has a great 1800 – 1950 collection and some good modern art pieces as well. Artwork primarily focuses on American and French art, but some good Dutch pieces intermixed as well.
The Albert Paley exhibit was my favorite but I also enjoyed the Hopper and the Degas piece they had. Obviously, they have other great works as well, but the two of these artists I felt were among the best of their work I’ve ever seen in any museum (though Art Institute of Chicago has some great ones by them as well).
Make a visit before the Gallery closes for good! It is sad to see Corcoran’s legacy and vision go, but it was a nice opportunity for us to enjoy the collection before it gets separated and divided up.

This is worth every minute of your time. Corcoran is a wonderful treat for anyone looking to spend an hour or two in the Capitol Hill area; close to the mall and tons of other tourist spots.
Absolutely stunning and there’s a lot to see, different genres, styles and they even offer smart devices for learning more about their pieces. Just provide your ID and sign one out. How cool is that?!
They also have a cute little café in the front entrance area (to the left) which is well-​stocked with all your caffeinated treats and a few snacks as well. I loved the fact that they had some healthy snack options too.
Ps. About ½ mile from the metro and note that they do a security check upon entry — you’ll need to leave your backpack & larger items with the front desk. They give you a number :)
Highly recommend!

Tip: On Saturdays during the summer, the Corcoran Gallery is free!
I enjoyed exploring this museum. It’s not huge so a couple of hours is a perfect amount of time. I enjoyed the wide range of works in the museum, from the 15^th century paintings to the contemporary light/​shadow piece.

We’ve all been to countless art museums in this town, so the real question is what can this one offer that the others can’t? Thankfully, there is enough here to make me happy I gave them a shot.
My favorite part was the cell phone tour, which gave you detailed info on the story behind the art, the artists themselves, the historical era in which the work arose, and even some tips on what to look for to pick out what style each piece belonged to. Unfortunately, this was only offered in the first two rooms downstairs. Nevertheless, head upstairs, and there are some great and elaborate installations and video exhibits.
There was also a tiny capacity-​of-​one «ice» rink upstairs. I’m not sure what it was made of, or what makes it art, but it seemed kind of cool. Too cool for me. Though that might have been because the ornery looking security guard standing on was harshing the skating vibes.
This isn’t the type of museum I’m dying to go back to, but for a couple hours, it’s definitely worth a visit. Yes, you have to pay to get in, but they offer groupons regularly. Hook that deal up, people.

Lovely gallery — a lot of the great classics here.
The space itself is extremely humid — they need some temperature control please.
The first floor houses the museum’s permanent collection, and the second floor has special exhibits/​installations and work by students. Many of them were wonderful.
Left feeling inspired.

Let’s get this out of the way first, to visit the Corcoran Gallery of Art you will have to drop a Hamilton. In DC, this is pretty much blasphemy but will you believe me when I say it’s worth it?
The Corcoran Gallery of Art houses three floors of 19^th and 20^th century art that includes everything from a beautifully in tact Parisian salon to video exhibits on what it is like to be a Black Man in America today.
For those looking to unleash their inner Michelle Kwan or Brian Boitano, they also have an indoor ice rink exhibit meant to evoke childhood emotions of skating in the Canadian tundra (Spoiler Alert: It seems really black and cold). For those worried they will get Nancy Kerrigan-​ed, don’t worry this is a solo ice rink.
I have been here twice, once on a self guided tour and the other for their monthly Uncorked events. Since I do not have an art background, I found the Uncorked event to be much more interactive and accessible.
There were paper crafts (Eric N found this boring but as a super crafty female I was all over this activity), Crossfit demonstrations (the theme of the event was New Year’s Resolutions), ice breakers, and specialty cocktails from Muse Café (this month, blood orange sparklers and boozy smoothies… both delicious). We were also able to attend a small guided tour which was a really fun and interactive way to get background on some of the current exhibits.
I also have to give big props to the DJ, he was totally killing it. I mean Bone Thugs at an art gallery… who would have thunk?
I highly recommend visiting if you are looking for a low key and cultured night out with your friends.
PS: If you are a male looking to troll on single females… THIS IS SO YOUR PLACE. Chic city.
PPS: They also have an AYCE vegan brunch at the café on Sundays!

It is a lovely building to start with. Also the restaurant downstairs does Sunday brunch with live music. I did not eat there, so I cannot comment on the food. The War Photo Exhibition is great, a bit sombre for a Sunday, but I had a great time and seen lovely pieces on the day. Check out the photos I sent linked to this review, they speak for itself.
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Corcoran Gallery of Art is one of my go-​to sanctuaries in the District. As an Arlington County native, and a current DC resident (4+ years), I’d highly recommend visiting.
Last Friday, I popped into the gallery to check out Mia Feuer’s An Unkindness. It’s a must see. Her execution is bold and mesmerizing. Viewers are enchanted to *ice skate below an enormous, haunting sculpture in the gallery’s rotunda. The *ice rink only allows one skater at a time, which solicits a more pure, personal experience.
The work on the third floor conjured nostalgia for a time period I’ve only heard in family folklore, and effortlessly transported me.
Don’t think twice and get over to the Corcoran, between now and February 23, 2014, to see for yourself. Also while you’re there, check out Alex Prager’s Face in the Crowd.
More information on An Unkindness:
*ice: synthetic black skating rink

After years of wanting to visit the Corcoran, I finally did in late October for a special event. I really enjoyed the grand foyer area and it made for a classy venue for a reception. We enjoyed the cool white wine that was served and the hors d’oevres that were catered here. We also enjoyed a brief tour of the museum itself. Our docent was quite knowledgeable and helpful about explaining the art and answering questions from the tour group. I would be interested in visiting the Corcoran for future events or separately as well. Don’t be dissuaded by the price (amid the numerous free museums in DC) — the Corcoran is still well worth the visit.

As much as I wanted to really like this gallery, the exhibits and the activities didn’t really stand out much for me.
I came here for their Uncorked event yesterday (Nov 20). Admission online was $ 12, which isn’t much, but apparently the Corcoran used to charge $ 10, a bit less. I guess times are tough now that they have to charge $ 2 extra. IIRC, students used to get a discount too. Oh well.
Upon arriving, I didn’t realize how small the Corcoran was. There was probably only 3 exhibits throughout the museum. What I thought was cool was the small ice rink on the second floor and the fact they serve drinks if you attend their Uncorked events. Domestic beers were only $ 3, their specialty cocktail $ 4, wine $ 5, and premium beer $ 7. Not too bad, however the cocktail pour was extremely small.
The activities were kind of boring too. There was jenga, some drawing, and «design» inspired decorating, but it was more like gluing magazine cutouts on construction paper.
It was a fun few hours to spend, however I would probably come back for the supposed AYCE vegan brunch on Sundays at the café side. I don’t get how the Corcoran can charge admission for the small number of exhibits they offer when you can go to any other of the Smithsonian exhibits for free. I’d also consider coming back for a future Uncorked event if it sounds appealing.

Sometimes you get enough of the staid Smithsonian and their collections, which are ensured to please all. The collections and the shows at the Corcoran are a welcome diversion. All tastes can find something to please them, and challenge them. That is the beauty of this DC gem.
Nice café and the gift shop has just the right mix of high vs. souvenirs. I really enjoy going to the Corcoran. Food’s decent too.
Give it a try if you’re visiting DC. Look at the website to see what’s going on (Saturday yoga!) and enjoy.
The current exhibition has a skating rink. Check it out.

If you’re a local concerned about paying for a museum (the horrors!), check out the Corcoran on Saturdays during the summer. From May 25-​August 31, admission is free. I assume they do it every summer, and we took advantage of it to check out «War/​Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and its Aftermath,» David Levinthal’s «War Games,» and Ellen Harvey’s «The Alien’s Guide to the Ruins of Washington, D.C.»
I feel the museum is well-​curated as a whole and is a nice size – large museums like the National Gallery, while they house an enormous wealth of art, are daunting and you never feel like you have seen the whole thing. This museum is a two-​to-​three hour journey. The works are beautiful and varied, and I enjoyed the range of classical French works in addition to modern pieces.
War/​Photography was a fantastic exhibit. It was a collection of photographs (some famous, most not) that examines pretty much all aspects of war. It can be pretty graphic, I wouldn’t take young children to see it. But it was interesting and definitely forced reflection. My only comment about the exhibit was that I feel it failed to ask Americans to consider how our own actions contribute to the problems associated with war – very negative images were of other nation’s behavior.
Levinthal’s «War Games» was a bit of levity after this heart-​wrenching exhibit. Levinthal takes action figures and toys and re-​enacts war scenes. While still themed, it provided some distance from a very serious and thought-​provoking subject. His work is phenomenal and it is amazing to see the reality one can create with toy soldiers.
Finally, Harvey’s work was interesting, but not worth much comment. The primary exhibit is on the main floor, separated from the other piece in the atrium, and I felt it would have been better had they been closer together.
The best part? No school groups.

Located near the White House.
It’s paid admission but worth it, with two huge floors of art in this grand building. Don’t forget to check out art by students of the Corcoran College of Art and Design, that is exhibited in adjacent galleries on the upper floor.
Probably my favorite gallery was the Salon Doré. This gallery was reconstructed from a room in the hôtel de Clermont in Paris and is a stunning nineteenth century example of French neoclassical style. I loved all the gilded bronze!
I also very much liked the silhouette art of Kara Walker. Many of the black images on a white background represent the abuse of the powerless by the powerful. Many of the pieces depict shocking raw sex.
Allowing two hours seems about right to visit the exhibits and not feel rushed.

The most (and maybe the only) disappointing part of 9 days in DC.
Corcoran gallery is probably the most overpriced museum I’ve ever been to in my life.
If you’re into paintings, they have a decent, small collection, but it may not not worth the price of admission.
Curated shows can be complete duds. Saw the «Shooting Stars», the Warhol + 20’s & 30’s Hollywood exhibit last month. It was probably the most disappointing professionally curated show I’ve ever viewed. The connection between the two halves of this show is pretty tenuous. The shows execution was very half-​hearted. I almost hope it was curated by a student. The «Hollywood» half of this show consisted of very low quality reproductions of prints from the 20’s-30’s. I don’t think any of these were original prints. Or even original copies. The old Hollywood prints appeared to be created by shooting a copy of a copy on a copystand with a 35 mm camera and making a print from the that negative. Just so the gallery can say they were «silver gelatin». Meh.
A large portion of the second floor galleries was taken up by a student show. Fine for a free gallery, otherwise, again, meh.
The highlight of the visit was seeing an Edward Burtynsky diptych.
If like me, you’re planning on visiting the Corcoran because you heard they have a lot of photography exhibits, don’t get your hopes up. And I recommend moving the Corcoran from the top to the bottom of your DC to do list.

When I saw 30 Americans at the Corcoran last year, I was literally blown away. It was the best exhibit I saw in any museum all year. I had heard a lot about the Pump Me Up: D.C. Subculture of the 1980s exhibit and was excited to see what the Corcoran had put together.
This show was an utter disappointment — truth be told, it isn’t much of a show (When we walked in, we assumed what was on the main floor was merely extra stuff, not the show itself, and we kept asking «Where is the Pump Me Up exhibit?») What there is here is a tiny round gallery on the second floor where a bunch of go-​go posters are hanging (and if you know nothing about go-​go, seeing a bunch of very similar posters hanging up isn’t going to be all that illuminating) and a very amateur-​ish exhibit on the main floor (which continues by the bathroom). What the Corcoran didn’t figure out, I think, is that if an exhibit is going to be at least partially about sound, one has to think outside of the conventional museum box. Instead, the Corcoran has mapped out years from the late 1960s through the 1980s by hanging up a picture of an object or by displaying a video clip (i.e. a public television clip about PCP) — since they don’t actually have many artifacts from this period, much of what you will see are pictures of artifacts (i.e. a framed copy of a cover of Newsweek with Marion Barry on the cover). I went to this exhibit eager to learn more about DC in this period and came away knowing little more.

Went to check out the Pump Me Up: D.C. Subculture of the 1980s exhibit over the weekend. Cost of admission to the Corcoran is $ 10 per person. I don’t know much about the DC subculture of the 1980s besides the Go-​Go music. I definitely was «doin’ da butt» back in the day after seeing Spike Lee’s School Daze. I was curious to learn more. The exhibit starts by the restaurant in the atrium and just goes around the entire first floor. It kicks off with photos and displays from the late 1960’s after the riots and ends in 1990 with the arrest of DC’s most notorious Mayor Marion Barry’s arrest. I really liked the exhibition, but was disappointed that even though it was listed as having more stuff in Gallery 31, that was actually closed. I was confused about where everything even started. They had a few more posters of Go-​Go music shows up on the 1^st floor area as well.
We also took the opportunity to check out some of the other exhibits that were mostly paintings and portraits. Overall, I think it’s worth a visit even without the Pump Me Up exhibition that I came to see. I liked it, but I can’t claim I know anything more about the subculture it was trying to portray than I came in with. You definitely need some background on it or you’ll be sort of bored just looking at posters of local DC Go-​Go groups you’ve never heard of.
The museum itself was fine although, I’d probably not go back.

It’s hard to believe that in a city full of free museums of very high quality, how this gallery still stays in business while charging $ 10 a head.
I visited the gallery this weekend because I had received a free guest pass from a friend a few weeks back. With a shop and café on the first floor, the gallery extended up two more floors — including a large rotunda area on the second floor.
While the diversity of art was good (modern, photography, painting, sculpture etc), the spacing was disappointing. For a building that size, you’d think there would be tons more pieces to look at. A lot of walls were barren and it took a while to get from exhibit to exhibit. On a good note, however, the staff were very welcoming and easy to find. Not sure if I’d return when so many other DC museums are free, but it was worth it for a first-​time visitor.

OMG! I love art… and if you do too, you’ll love this place. I went with friends to check out the «30 Americans Exhibit» that was in town and it blew my mind. Definitely a stop for all art-​heads. Can’t remember how much I paid (maybe $ 6?), but that was general admission and discounts are offered to students and military. You can take your kids for exposure, but eh, more of an adult exhibit… the kiddos may get bored after a while. Check it out… NOW! Hank Willis Thomas’ art is amazing!

Came here to see the «Portraits of Power» exhibit a month ago, and later returned to attend their «Fall Fête,» had a great time both visits and will definitely go back when I am in DC again. I love photography and the exhibitions here aren’t big enough to exhaust me.
Date Rating: 7
Pick up Scale: 2
Strong Suggestion: Check their website before heading in for interesting events /​exhibits.