by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: September 24, 2010

The Corcoran is an art gallery in Washington DC that is not located on the Mall with the Smithsonian Museums.  It is located in a lovely Beaux Arts building quite close to the White House.

This is not one of the free Washington Museums. There is an $10 entrance fee for adults. Before you go, make sure if you intend on taking notes that you have a pencil, pens are not allowed. Photography, however, is in all the permanent galleries.  It is possible that any pictures that you may want to see may be traveling at any given time. The good news is that there were some very interesting traveling exhibits. Check their website for updated information about what is happening at the museum.

One very  good reason to visit the Corcoran is the Viger LeBrun portrait of Madam DuBarry. It is on exhibit and it is a very lovely rendition of this mistress of Louis XV. The soft pastel colors give her an innocence I doubt she possessed in life.   Also in the same room are two Gainsborough portraits of Lord and Lady Dunstanville. Flanking the fireplace are a Corot and a Latour. Not a shabby room by any means. It looks more like the room in a house than a gallery in a museum. There is another section that looks as if it is a chapel with stained glass windows, and the stairway to the next floor looks positively Gothic.

The Clark Gallery is stunning. It has very high ceilings and an amazing glass chandelier. The walls are covered with French Impressionist paintings, dark wood paneling, and 14th century Loire Tapestries. A varied but gorgeous collection  of art that is sure to be of interest to most visitors.

As you climb the stairs you are greeted by a monumental painting of George Washington. It comes as rather a surprise after the Impressionists and the tapestries. Also at the top of the stairs is a sculpture by Hiram Powers called the Greek Slave, it is lovely.

There is a very nice gift shop with a large selection of books and other items. Allow at least an hour to tour the museum.  If you have a deeper interest, there are docent led tours offered daily at noon, at 7pm of Thursdays and at 3pm on the weekend.

As you walk out the front door look across the street at the park. This is where the presidential helicopter lands. If you look closely you can see the spot.

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