Founded in 1869 by William Wilson Corcoran, the former Corcoran Gallery of Art was one of the earliest public art museums in the United States and the oldest independent art museum in Washington, D.C. Housed in a historic 1897 Beaux-Arts style building designed by Ernest Flagg on 17th Street, the gallery traditionally focused on American art while expanding its collection over the decades. Though the museum dissolved in 2014 following financial challenges, its legacy lives on through the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design, now part of George Washington University.
Today, you can visit the historic Flagg building to explore student and visiting artist exhibitions held within its grand architectural spaces. Step inside to experience the impressive two-story atrium framed by forty limestone columns and twin skylights, or walk up the sixteen-foot-wide grand staircase toward the elegant rotunda designed by Charles Platt. The building also features the unique Hemicycle auditorium and the intricate 18th-century Salon Doré French room.
While thousands of the gallery's original artworks were distributed to institutions like the National Gallery of Art, this historic landmark remains a vibrant site for artistic study, modern exhibitions, and classic Beaux-Arts architecture.
What to see at Corcoran Gallery of Art
- Beaux-Arts architecture designed by Ernest Flagg with the iconic bronze Canova Lions at the entrance
- Grand two-story atrium flanked by forty limestone columns and twin skylights
- Domed 48-foot-wide rotunda featuring an oculus skylight inspired by the Pantheon
- The Salon Doré displaying intricate French decor from the early 1700s
- Contemporary student and visiting artist exhibitions hosted by the Corcoran School
Visiting tips
Hold onto the brass-topped railing for balance as you walk up the 16-foot-wide grand staircase.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Corcoran Gallery of Art is easy to reach on Washington, D.C.’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ford's Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Washington, D.C. travel guide.
See the full Washington, D.C. travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.