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Corcoran Gallery of Art
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
500 17th St NW(between N State Pl & N E St)
Washington, DC 20006
Neighborhood: Foggy Bottom
(202) 639-1700
- Nearest Transit:
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Farragut West Metro Station (Blue, Orange)
- Hours:
Wed, Fri-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
Thu 10 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
45 reviews for Corcoran Gallery of Art
Review Highlights
"...art and all of the special exhibits I've seen have been..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...here to see the "Portraits of Power" exhibit a month ago..."
(in 3 reviews)
"i remember the annie liebovitz exhibit."
(in 3 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Darren A.
Baltimore, MD
11/29/2011
One Sunday I was bored to tears and I received a call from a buddy asking if I wanted to come to DC for brunch. That sounded GREAT, so I got myself ready and headed into the nation's capitol. After a stellar, yet rather expensive brunch ($90+ for two people = DAYUM YOU, never ending stream of various champagne concoctions!), we wandered over to the Corcoran Gallery bc my buddy wanted to show me this artist he's been following (Wiley). Once we arrived at the Corcoran, there was an 'Occupy Wall Street Washington' movement going on outside, which truly fascinated me.
In any event, we entered and I just have to say ... The '30 Americans Exhibit' - jaw dropping! In the exhibit, I saw some wonderful pieces - to the extent that I have to go back and have another walk-thru. Finaly - the artist's work he wanted me to see ... an artist by the name of 'Kehinde Wiley'. Yo! Are you SERIOUS!!!!!!!! His pieces were so detailed, captured light at just the right places, SOOOOO VIBRANT and ornate that I couldn't stop admiring his work. My favorite piece is a piece called, 'Sleep 2008' ... WOW! You really have no idea how amazing this portrait is in person. Then when I googled the inspiration of this portraiture and how he transformed the simple image into what I saw on the wall in front of me ... one word = AMAZING! ... This man's mind is so out there that it's genius. 1st - It took up an entire (long) wall. 2nd - The details, the details, the details ... are unreal! He faded this guys tattoo to the point of actual 'aging' it. He gave him an 'imperfect' goatee shape-up, under his chin (which I happen to do all the time ... lol) and even razor bumps showing the beautiful imperfections of man - all for vanity. Yet, the subject's body was absolutely amazing (using great lighting accents) ... as if Michelangelo created 'David', first and then this human. This piece truly rocked my world! This man (Wiley) is a wunderkind!
Oh! There is this one piece in entirely different section that is done completely in marble. The piece is entitled, 'The Veiled Nun' (Giuseppe Croff) ... oh my G**. This was one of the most beautiful pieces I have had the pleasure of witnessing in a very long time. I am absolutely dumbfounded as to how that was done with a stone ... ABSOLUTE GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!
That said, if you get the chance to go, RUN don't walk to check out these exhibits. -
Review from Danny V.
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Free summer Saturday admission is not to be missed by tourists or locals alike.
Saturdays from May 28th-Sept 3rd 2011 it's FREE, FREE, FREE!
Art is best enjoyed when it's available to the public at no additional cost. August is a wonderful time to enjoy the city and the Corcoran as the locals flee to the nearby beaches.
Into Museum Stores? This one is underwhelming. You'll have better luck at the National Gallery of Art.
"An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have."
-Andy Warhol -
Review from jane h.
Alexandria, VA
7/14/2011
Beautiful pieces of art, from renaissance paintings to contemporaries and photography. Currently featuring Chris Martin's "Painting Big". Some of his paintings really are; they're GI-normous! His other pieces of work: eclectic. Take full advantage of the Saturdays that offer my favorite price: $Free.99!
But why were all the security guards following me? They were following me room to room, inflicting guilt as I secretly snapped pictures when I was able to steal a moment. I KNOW I can take pictures in some of the galleries. I know, because I ASKED. I just couldn't tell which rooms restricted cameras because there was always someone looking at me with a watchful eye :(
Despite that, it was worth the trip. Right now, there is an interactive, light display on the third floor. Visitors can move the blocks and change the colors using pulses. Fun for kids and adults with kid hearts! But out of it all, I fell in love with the paintings of the Jacksonian era: details, details, details. The amazing realistic portrayal of some of nature's best work. I could sit in front of the Niagra Falls painting all day long.
Spend a day immersing yourself in the colors, light, and creativity. Living in a dominantly left-brained world requiring left-brain tasks, it's necessary to engage in activities that let the right brain run free. -
Review from Vonetta Y.
Washington, DC
11/29/2010
(This review brought to you by Groupon. Thanks, Groupon!)
Why oh why did I think I would hate this museum?
Like everyone else who visited the Corcoran the Sunday after Thanksgiving, I arrived Groupon in hand.
As I say of many places in Washington, I always meant to go, but hadn't gotten around to it. So thank goodness I found time to squeeze it in before the Groupon expired.
What a pleasure! I loved the temporary exhibits more than the permanent ones, which NEVER happens for me. I think my favorite of the temporaries had to be Washington Color and Light -- very minimalistic studies of color and how they dance with light on canvas.
Next favorite was Spencer Finch: My Business, with the Cloud -- for a guy so obsessed with clouds (although they are wonders in themselves), he had such great insight. I was most intrigued by his sculpture in the rotunda, as it's supposed to "replicate" a cloud in the sky when Abraham Lincoln and Walt Whitman crossed paths one day on L Street. But what a peculiar way to commemorate that historically signficant moment, through a cloud. One might think he'd recreate Lincoln and/or Whitman, but no. A cloud. Fascinating!
The permanent collection is in no way lacking, but I do refer those of the National Gallery or the Philips Collection better (the layouts at the others are easier for me). Although I was well impressed with the recreation of a French salon. Talk about gaudy. And there's that portrait of George Washington, which made me feel extremely American just looking at it.
Overall, I loved the Corcoran! I'd consider membership, actually, since this museum gets all the cool temporary collections, but just seeing the permanent collection once was enough for me.Listed in: Where I Go to Dream
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Review from Anpan W.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2011
Not worth the entrance fee. However, the sculpture collection is wonderful.
Also, skip lunch at the cafe. The soup was underwhelming. -
Review from Megan C.
11/10/2008 1 photo
Came here to see the "Portraits of Power" exhibit a month ago, and later returned to attend their "Fall Fete," 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. -
Review from Bill B.
6/9/2008 4 photos
In Washington, DC, city of a thousand free galleries and museums, how does a COLLEGE art gallery justify charging admission?? For the Special Exhibitions, I could maybe see it, but not for the permanent collection. They have a $2 student discount off the $12 special exhibit price, but nothing off the $6 general admission. Now I'll grant that $6 is not a lot of money, but it adds up and it's really the principle of the thing. A little subsequent research also indicates that the Board of Directors apparently decided at some point to countermand the wishes of founder William Corcoran to open the gallery for free 2 days a week.
That gripe aside, I wasn't terribly impressed with the exhibits themselves anyway. The historical photography was less than gripping. The ancient Greek ceramics room was mildly interesting, particularly for the rare, bright colors still evident. A couple drab rooms of faded rugs and tapestries led on to a hall of impressionist landscapes. After being slightly perked up by the ceramics, I felt like someone had slipped me a roofie--the rugs and paintings were just blurry, dull messes. Thankfully, the last bit woke me up. The main stairs and atrium feature classical marble statuary (see photos) There's nothing quite like a beautiful, naked woman to make you stand up and pay attention!
For a college art gallery, there was a distinct shortage of student artwork, which is probably how they rationalize charging admission. The one small room where they'd shown student work was in transition when I visited, but I noted that the student exhibit had only been up for 1 month and was actually just 4 1-week rotations. Talk about doing your students a disservice...
TRIVIA: Founder William Wilson Corcoran (1798-1888) made his riches as a banker and financier. By the mid-1850s he followed the lead of other industrialists of the era by founding philanthropies, a trend now re-surging with the example of Bill Gates (http://www.gatesfounda...) and Warren Buffet (http://money.cnn.com/2...). Corcoran is considered one of the "few early patrons of contemporary American art". -
Review from nat t.
Centreville, VA
5/17/2007
This museum gave me a whole new appreciation for the Modernism movement and the impact it's had on our entire society as we know it today. Even if you're not a fan of modern art, if you can get to their Modernism expo, you will definitely gain a new appreciation for art and the influence it has had on our culture.
Getting in is pricey (in comparison to the rest of the museums in the area) - it's $14 for adults. But if you figure that every other museum is free, then average that out... it's not too bad right?
Their standard gallery pieces seem to be predominantly 14th-17th century art.
Oh, and I totally loved the girls bathrooms - they're very unique :-) -
Review from Katie F.
Arlington, VA
6/21/2009
Yay for free Saturdays this summer!
Boo for Family day which made the whole museum feel like a baby rock concert==but I am sure it was fun for the kiddos and hot dads they had in tow.
The Wiliam Eggleston and Maya Lin exhibits were great. -
Review from Anna P.
Denver, CO
6/17/2011
The Corcoran is a great gallery, usually awesome photography and art exhibits (Andy Warhol, Annie Liebovitz). Don't go just to go, check out to see the featured artists. The 1869 society (for young adults) is one of the best social clubs in the area with a ton of well-attended events.
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Review from Audra K.
Washington, DC
9/18/2007
ANSEL ADAMS EXHIBIT: Unbelievable opportunity to check out a lot of actual prints from Ansel Adams portfolio. Stuff that he printed from his own negatives. How often does that happen? Like NEVER! Not even at the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY have I seen a more impressive photography exhibit.
Several rooms are filled with some of his earliest photos from 1919, taken with his Kodak Brownie, until his later stuff when he revisited Yosemite portraying his well-developed heroic style. It was amazing to stand directly in front of his prints and check out the tonal range that you just don't see in poster prints. This was the first time I'd really studied his work and gotten a feel for his artistic progression over a 60-year span... his Early Works, Group f/64: Exploring Straight Photography, The National Parks, The American Southwest, etc. There was a bit of everything, including his most famous pieces.
Though you're not allowed to take pictures inside the gallery, I found it amusing how many people lugged their big SLRs and camera bags into the gallery with them. It was as though they brought their gear to share the pilgrimage!
I consider this exhibit to be a once in a life-time opportunity, especially if you're a photography buff, like myself. If you're looking for an outstanding way to spend a day... check out this exhibit before January 27, 2008. You won't regret it!Listed in: DC: Random Assortment
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Review from PC W.
New York, NY
11/11/2007
If you're planning on visiting the Corcoran anytime between now and January 13, I would plan on spending the better part of a day here, if you want to see all of the special exhibits and the permanent collections. We made it there at 3 on Saturday afternoon and the line for tickets was never-ending. I think we waited 30 minutes and we were so happy not to be waiting anymore....that is until we got up to the Annie Leibovitz exhibit where we were greeted with another long line that progressed at a snail's pace throughout each room. The Leibovitz exhibit was excellent - it showcased many of her personal pictures as well her famous and not-so-famous celebrity photos.
Our main reason for going was the Leibovitz exhibit so anything else was icing on the cake. We flew through Ansel Adams' work since it was approaching closing time. I didn't have time to see any of the permanent collection but now I know to get there earlier for my next visit. -
Review from Laila L.
Washington, DC
8/8/2007
Overall, I really think this is a hidden gem, which you can see by the difference in the number of reviews from other museums.
I saw the Societe Anonyme the best way one can go to an exhibit -- alone. It was very reviving to my artsy but not in a pretentious way soul. Seeing a few Kandinskys releases the "in love" endorphins for me. Not to be dramatic, but it breaks my heart when someone has never heard of him, or worse, just doesn't get it. Sigh. The exhibit was well organized and executed. I was very surprised by how large the gallery was, like it unfolded as you were walking through. Magic! Yeaaaaaa.
And yes, I'm taking off a star for the entry free. Call me Queen Stingy. -
Review from Christi D.
Washington, DC
8/28/2010
Smaller than Smithsonian museums, but what places can compare? But even still, it's spacious and not as crowded. The exhibits change regularly and free family fun Saturdays are the best!
It's one of the most overlooked museums for the amount of its quality displays. So go check it out! -
Review from Amy V.
Washington, DC
5/17/2007
The Corcoran is a lovely museum which is perhaps not visited as often because you actually have to pay for it. But wait, not always... on Thursday evenings the gallery is open until 9 and it is a pay-what-you-can after 5 pm! This gallery has a pretty decent collection of contemporary art and all of the special exhibits I've seen have been very well curated.
Another fun thing about the Corcoran is the Sunday Gospel Brunch. It's exactly what it sounds like. In the atrium area, they set up tables and a champagne brunch buffet, while a full choir sings Gospel music. It is really quite fun and a great thing to do when you have visitors in town. It was someone's birthday so they gathered round their table to sing, and made the man get up and sing and dance with them. It was quite amusing and provided great brunch entertainment and conversation! -
Review from Kori K.
Washington, DC
11/12/2007
People, please stop complaining about the price of this museum. Seriously, it's only $6 for general admission, with a little extra for the special exhibits. I know you're spoiled from all the free museums, but it's still cheap compared to the museums in most cities, such as, yeah, you know it was coming, Chicago.
I spent a good three hours walking around here with my friend on Sunday, and even though there was a long line to get in, which worried me that the exhibits would be packed, but it was surprisingly easy to move from piece to piece without shoving into anybody.
My only complaint is that it's VERY warm, and I saw many people turning their pamphlets into make-shift fans. -
Review from Dana L.
11/26/2007
Where else do you get to see George Bush's cabinet and Michael Moore standing next to each other?
What about life-sized Demi Moore naked and pregnant?
Ok, this is really sounding like the intro for an ad. But I had to pay $14 to get into the Corcoran to see these marvels and many more.
The Annie Leibovitz and Ansel Adams exhibits were really neat - we came all the way from Baltimore just to seen them. It is an interesting contrast to compare the two - Adams is all about photographing interesting things, while Leibovitz covers more people and interactions. I didn't think much of the photos of her family, but they are supposedly marvelous as well.
If you can somehow manage to get there on a quiet day, all the better. This exhibit is pretty crowded during the weekends, and you need to view these photos from both way back and up close to really appreciate them (which is hard when there are too many people).
Overall, a photography lover's wet dream (ok, maybe that came across a bit strangely, but not far from the truth). -
Review from Kari S.
Sunnyvale, CA
3/31/2008
Last fall I was in town for a conference presentation and took the opportunity to visit the Ansel Adams and Annie Leibowitz -paired exhibits at the Corcoran.
I was first taken aback by the admission prices at the gallery. DC is renowned for its free museums, so the $6 admission and $6 (student!) special exhibit fees were hard pills to swallow. In hindsight, that $12 is cheaper than therapy and so, I might end up owing the Corcoran some change.
Although I viewed the regular collection, I spent significant time at the Adams-Leibowitz corridor. Ansel Adams' landscapes were evocative and the ability to see a progression in his work was quite powerful. However, viewing Leibowitz' work was cathartic.
Having done little upfront research, I had envisioned a simple series of Leibowitz celebrity pix - a smattering of naked, pregnant Demi Moore, Iggy Pop in all his skintastic glory, or Keith Haring in Haringesque body paint. I hadn't expected the small, intimate portraiture of her family and her friend, author Susan Sontag as she suffered from cancer.
The timing of this exhibit and of events in my own life was impeccable. The month before, I had lost my aunt to cancer. Through these photographs, I was able to experience the same loss conveyed by Annie Leibowitz. I couldn't help it -- tears welled up in my eyes. It was the first time I had cried over my aunt, and truly mourned, since her funeral. So there I stood, shoulders shaking softly and my face red and stained with tears. Several other visitors gave me concerned looks and a few asked if I was OK. In truth, in the end, I was. -
Review from Carsten S.
Washington, DC
8/28/2007
While one of the few museums in the District you have to pay for, it also is one of the few that has constantly interesting exhibitions. the modernism exhibition earlier this year was something easily on par with what you can expect from cities like new york or london. at the same time the place is small and extremely easy to get to.
But one of the key attractions of the place I find are the events they organize. artist talks, movie screenings (I can't wait to see the Helvetica documentary), and concerts. -
Review from Liz P.
Washington, DC
11/20/2008
Yes, this place was pretty expensive and the permanent collection was fairly dull... However the current Richard Avedon "Portraits of Power" exhibit was WONDERFUL!!! It's very large and dense, so it didn't seem like such a rip-off since I spent a couple hours in the Avedon alone. More importantly, his work is exquisite. A few of the photographs were so moving they actually made me tear up a little (and believe me, I don't usually cry at art.) There is one in particular of a gay couple and their child...all absolutely beaming and it just breaks your heart especially right after Prop 8.
Sorry to go political on this review... but seriously, the exhibit is amazing and you should go see it before it closes. -
Review from angela n.
12/2/2007 1 Check-in Here
When there are so many free museums in town, it's hard to justify paying the hefty admission fee to come here ($14 for special exhibits).
But those special exhibits have been impressive. Past shows include Warhol, John Singer Sargent, Modernism... Currently, the photography double-bill of Annie Leibovitz and Ansel Adams can't be beat. (Well, except by the Turner-Hopper double-bill across town).
The Leibovitz show had lots of family snapshots, but my favorites were the fancy celebrity portraits. You see Jon Bon Jovi tanning in his briefs, Brad Pitt laying on a bed in leopard skin pants, and Leonardo DiCaprio with a swan around his neck!! (It's like Bjork, except the swan's real). There's also a giant portrait of the Bush war cabinet (Bush, Cheney, Rice, Powell, Tenet, Rumsfeld) soon after 9/11. Their expressions had such confidence and certainty; it's striking to look back at it now. Next to it, the curator had placed an equally giant pic of Michael Moore and his film crew, also posing in serious 'combat' mode.
Ansel Adams never did much for me before, but this show made me appreciate how hard the guy worked to get his shots: lugging equipment up the mountains, working through all kinds of storms and bad weather, trying to keep his camera steady in high winds (at one point he'd use two tripods, one for the camera and one for the lens) ... -
Review from John B.
Washington, DC
11/27/2006 1 photo
Well, being the first to review the Corcoran, I hate to give it a bad rating...so I am going to be nice...but the last time I was there was one the lousiest exhibition i've ever seen in DC. Blown-up characters from impressionistic paintings, rendered into gigantic sculptures, reminiscent of the sets on a Disney-land ride. I'm not sure what sort of statement on Art they were trying to make, but it was lost on me...and I know i'm not the only one.
Anyway, I'm sure they have changed the main exhibit by now, and let's hope it is something current and aesthetically pleasing. Even if it isn't, The price of admission is still worth it at least one time (the permanent collection of American impressionist paintings is the best they have to offer)...the building itself has good aesthetic value...my favorite touch is the Lion's out front -- especially the Lion to the right of the entrance, who appears to be bored with being King of the Beasts. -
Review from Jim U.
3/15/2009 1 photo
The Corcoran is always a tough sell! The Smithsonian has some great art museums on the mall with free admission and comparable viewing hours. But the Corcoran does get its share of really interesting exhibitions. I will never forget J. Seward Johnson's exhibit there a few years ago that actually let you step inside some of the most famous paintings ever painted. That was a hit.
Currently, they have a Maya Lin exhibition going on. All I knew about her was that she had submitted the winning design for the Vietnam War memorial when she was an undergraduate. Her being Asian and unestablished generated some buzz at the time. But I never knew what happened to her since, so I always amounted her contribution to a trivia question that might net me a $1000 on Jeopardy some day. But she is actually up to good work, and some of it is currently on display. It is worth seeing. Her projects are primarily large-scale, intensely detailed, and have a fair amount of scientific underpinning. The scientist in me was abeam with giddiness in this exhibit.
The museum is considered to be pricey given the free competition, but they are currently offering 2 for 1 adult admission ($5 each) -- so it is a steal. Go now, before the offer ends at the end of the month! -
Review from Chelsea M.
Washington, DC
4/6/2009
I've always been a big fan of the Corcoran.
Prior to this weekend, I had enjoyed all three exhibits I've seen here, the first being the Warhol show they had a few years ago. The Ansel Adams exhibit last year was worth seeing, but Annie Leibovitz's definitely took the cake. Mixing Leibotivz's personal photographs with her well-known work made a winning combination and I still look back on that exhibit as one of my favorites of all time.
I'm still not over missing "Portraits of Power," but this past Saturday, I checked out Maya Lin's "Systematic Landscapes" and was seriously impressed. The sheer scale of her work is mind-blowing and since Lin's first came to fame is an easy walk from the museum, I sauntered down to the Vietnam Memorial afterwards to take in the artist's most famous work once more.
On a significantly less cultural note, I attended a benefit at the Corcoran in February, and the space is pretty amazing for entertaining. It can get a bad rap for not having free admission like most of the museums in town, but the extra-special exhibits make the wallet hit worth it to me. -
Review from Kim S.
Vienna, VA
3/27/2011
Always enjoyed the different daytime exhibits at the Corcoran but attended for the first time their after hour event. Love the layout, cozyness, feel (blue) of the concert hall - acoustics and Austrian Quarttet on Friday were excellent. Price was reasonable ($50 for non members, $40 members, $25 students for this particular event). Crowd mostly in the 50s, 60s, or more.
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Review from Anna R.
1/12/2008
Dropped by yesterday with my husband for the noon entrance to see the Adams/Leibowitz exhibits and it was pure mayhem. I guess that's what you get when you see it close to the end of one of the shows. I was a little surprised that the Corcoran didn't do more crowd control, but I guess they are trying to get the most out of that $14 price. Not that that's expensive, but it's a great chance to get as many people in as possible.
I sometimes find it difficult to visit the Corcoran because the NGA is so much more expansive. In any case, it looks like the Corcoran is still doing well, but little reason to go if there's nothing special on hand. -
Review from Mel B.
Washington, DC
2/3/2008
As we finished eating, we understood that the caf gives you coupons for $2 off admission so we asked for them- finding it odd that the waitress didn't just give them to us- and the waitress said she didn't think we'd want them because "the exhibits are closed." So we got our stupid coupon and went to go pay admission and asked what the waitress meant by "the exhibits are closed." The woman at the desk said, " she was referring to the Annie Leibowitz and Ansel Adams exhibits which are closed and she probably didn't know that. In fact, just today I wasn't sure if they were closed either so I had to ask myself." The following two thoughts subsequently ran through my head:
A. The waitress having no idea what's going on around her is one thing. But the admission person ALSO HAD TO ASK to see if the exhibits had ended? Again, that's like me attending the upcoming inaugural ball for President Barack Obama and asking if George Bush is still president. Do none of the staff know what's going on here? The Corcoran is not the size of any Smithsonian Museum or anything.....
B. The banners for these exhibits were still up everywhere- Annie Liebowitz/Ansel Adams through January 27, 2007. First of all, take those down. What are you trying to still impress visitors who were unaware of these exhibits that you managed to secure these two artists simultaneously? Second, what is WRONG with the staff here that they didn't walk into work that morning and think, " Gee. today is February 3,2008 and these exhibits ended January 27,2007. I wonder if they are still going on....."
The bottom line is don't go here unless these is a main exhibit because apparently even the STAFF is confused about why people are there when the "exhibits are closed." In fact, they don't know how to function unless there is an exhibit so stay away unless they have a big name to showcase and sneak in all the smaller exhibits in the same visit. Apparently the discount coupon from the caf applies to the traveling exhibits (Ansel and Annie, for example) and no one understands why visitors would want the coupon otherwise. I'm done with this place..... -
Review from Shawn A.
Astoria, NY
12/28/2010
Continuing the photo ogling tour began earlier in the day at the National Geographic Society, we found ourselves at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Their lobby was all decked out in pictures by up and coming photographers selected in a nation-wide competition. Some good, some great, some... clearly chosen only because of sexual favors offered. But all free and in the lobby, so again - you can't complain at all. Apparently you need to pay to get into the rest of the museum, which seems like a travesty in DC.
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Review from Joseph H.
Washington, DC
7/29/2009
One of my favorite museums here in the city (of course it's a stone's throw from my office). If you are a fan of photography, there will frequently be an exhibition here that should whet your appetite.. Just went to see the Eggleston exhibition; if you do not know about Eggleston or have not seen his work go and see it now! Eggleston has had a long affiliation with the Corcoran and the exhibition has a wide swath of the early work, even early B&W prints (Eggleston is known for being the first color photographer to have had a solo exhibition at the MOMA in NY, in 1976).
The Corcoran's permanent exhibitions may be considered a bit less overwhelming, but the special exhibitions have consistently been worth the price of admission for me. And regarding the price--if you do not want to pay for each visit, become a member! It pays for itself anyway after a couple of exhibitions. Also you receive discounts at the gallery shop, special invitations, etc., and the museum has reciprocity with various other museums in DC and other cities so it is worth it. -
Review from CLARENCE J.
Arlington, VA
11/7/2010
The Corcoran is always full of interesting art and photography exhibits . . . and not-so-interesting exhibits as well (if, like me, you don't quite get most "modern art"). The highly touted exhibit of American bronzes is at once impressive (bronze sculptures are cool) and disappointing (they are few and far-between in an unadorned hall that is too big for what is displayed). Many of the rooms are filled with ever-changing exhibits so the experience nearly always encompasses something new. The bookstore's pretty good, and the café is decent. The price isn't bad, and the museum is often free during special events.
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Review from Tish S.
Cambridge, MA
11/22/2010
Spent a lovely Sunday afternoon here. It's not overly huge which is nice-- 2 hours was enough for us to see most of it. I definitely recommend going on the "highlights" tour. It starts at 3pm on weekends (not sure about weekdays). It's about 45 minutes long and as the title suggests, they show you the highlights of the museum. Then you can go back and spend more time with the ones you liked best. I had the Groupon so only paid $5 per ticket, which made it feel like great value for an afternoon. Also, it was pretty quiet when we went-- not sure if this is typical for a Sunday afternoon, but it made it much more enjoyable to walk around.
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Review from Monica R.
Andrews AFB, MD
12/21/2009
I actually enjoyed this Gallery. The interior is absolutely gorgeous. I fell in love with the Salon Dore which reminded me very much of Versailles. There were stunning sculptures and paintings about, and if I had had more time I think I could have easily spent hours here. Warning, it costs about ten bucks to get in but it is worth it. FYI, military with valid ID gets in free! Being that I'm active duty I was beyond thrilled when I went to hand over money and saw that I could get in free instead. So cool!
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Review from Jason K.
Santa Monica, CA
1/17/2008
I hate to say it, but why go here when you can go to the National Gallery of Art for free? The Corcoran is housed in a nice building, but the permanent collection felt like an appetizer, not a hearty entree. I'd only recommend going if the special exhibit is something you really want to see.
Listed in: I went to DC
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Review from Squirrel L.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2007
So what if there's an admission fee, quit being cheap. Of all the museums I visited in DC, the Corcoran did the best job of guiding you through the space in a way that guarantees that you haven't missed anything. The Modernism exhibit was really well designed and executed. It's the kind of exhibit where you leave understanding the impact that this period had on art and architecture as we know it today. Definitely a must-see!
Listed in: DC Art Museums
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Review from Diana D.
Washington, DC
1/27/2008
Finally! After living in DC for 3 years, I made my walk down from Dupont to downtown to see this gallery and the special Ansel Adams exhibit. Today was the last day for his exhibit so I was ready to see some pretty long lines. I arrived around 1pm, and surprised to find a small line for tickets and another small line to go through the special exhibit. Once inside I opted out of the lines and explored Adams' collection on my own pace and walked around the see the other exhibits. This gallery is known for its collection of historical and modern American art as well as contemporary art, photography, European painting, and sculpture. So is it worth the admission price of $14? YES!
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Review from Tu-van L.
12/28/2007
Hard to pay the $14 admissions fee, but with the exhibits offered, it's well worth it. I especially liked both the Ansel Adams and Annie Leibowitz exhibits. My first visit here was when the Ansel Adams first opened and the Leibowitz exhibit was not ready. I was sad to see just one and not the other, but they were nice to give us vouchers for us to see the Leibowitz exhibit on our next visit. I really appreciated their efforts and their exhibits made up for the double trip I had to make to see both of them. Permanent exhibits are pretty good, too.
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Review from Ais A.
Arlington, VA
7/13/2010
Apparently, this is the place where you might get your umbrella (or whatever you check in with the security) stolen. I was excited about a Free Summer Saturday special, and decided to go, even it was a rainy summer saturday . The inspection guard at the entrance said we must leave our big nice expensive umbrella in the basket, where all visitors are required to put their umbrellas in. So, after asking, "Is it going to be there when we get back?" and hearing "Oh, sure, don't worry about it" in response, we went in.
But, to my suprise, my umbrella was not there and only then I noticed a small sign saying that the gallery, including their trustees and board members are not responsible for loss or damage to checked itmes... Well, my question was, "why do you require to leave my items, if you cannot provide adequate security?". It should my choice and my risk should I decide to leave my stuff, but if you require me to leave my stuff, please take good care of it. And the umbrella wasn't taken by accident, it was stolen, as it was quite distinguishable and large.
One of the inspection guards didn't care at all, another was more helpful and called security and gave me a replacement umbrella (tiny and pink!), which apparently was left by some kid, and my husband and I got wet anyway.
Well, I bought that umbrella for 60 bucks, and the free summer saturday turned out to be not so free, after all. Very dissapointing.
Another thing: I was told that I am allowed to take pictures inside the gallery, but when I was actually taking pictures, the custodian came up to me and in a very hostile tone asked me how many pictures I have already taken. He made me delete all the pictures I've shot in that hall.
I am probably not going back even though the exhibitions are quite interesting. I'd rather go to the National Gallery of Art where it's free all year round and no one makes you leave your stuff and then lose it.
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Review from Mark D.
Washington, DC
11/17/2007
Well worth the dough you have to throw down to see the Ansel Adams and Annie Liebovitz exhibitions ($14). They have almost all the famous prints from these two fantastic photographers, including panels from Liebovitz's workshop (which gave it a very personal touch) and some of Adams' raw photographs before they were touched up and blown up. There were a ton of people on a Saturday, so you basically had to follow the conga line past the photographs. But at no point did I feel rushed. Some of Liebovitz's photos were very moving.
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Review from Kimberly B.
Washington, DC
11/6/2008
I love the Corcoran. Some of the most interesting sculpture in the city and an extensive collection of American Art. Usually I go whenever there's a new exhibition. They tend to be, on average, a little edgier and focus more on photography than the other art galleries in DC. There's a fun program for young supporters that has regular happy hours and meetings.
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Review from Stephanie M.
Washington, DC
12/22/2009
I went here for the first time on the 6th, which was a lazy Sunday and it felt like a private showing. Sunday is definitely the day to go, it's so peaceful. Other than the paying part, I loved this museum. I'm not super into art but liked what I saw. They had a wider range than I expected, we first looked at some art that appeared to be all about living on the coast, can't remember the painter's name, and though I liked it by the end I ached for a new subject. We then looked at photo's which all had one thing in common "oil consumption". I would have liked to see additional works by this photographer as I liked his style, but by the end of the exhibit all I could think was "you know I need to get some gas I only have a quarter tank". I don't think that's what he was going for. The sculpture was wonderful, the toenails on the ones in the entry way made me want to touch them, but there are little warnings that if you touch things alarms will go off. I thought about it though. The sculpture to look for is one where the lady appears to have on a veil. I'm not sure how you accomplish this in marble, but this artist did. And not once did I have the thought "I could do that" during my trip, which is a sign of a good museum, nothing in it seemed within my limited capabilities.
