For a great museum that’s off the beaten path of Washington, D.C.’s mall, look no further than the Phillips Collection, the oldest museum of modern art in the U.S. (opened in 1921).

Housed in founder Duncan Phillips’s 1897 home in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, the setting is intimate; the venue is outstanding for viewing the American and European impressionist and modern art on display. On the walls you’ll find Klee, Renoir, Rothko, and Whistler, among many esteemed others. With more than 2,500 artifacts in the collection, the museum expanded in 2006 to accommodate its impressive holdings and offer more on-view to the visitor. The expansion includes a new gallery designated for post-1950s works, a large auditorium for public programs, and an outdoor courtyard.

Programming is rich and popular with locals and visitors. Ongoing programs include the Sunday concerts, held weekly from October through May and featuring intimate performances from solo pianists to chamber ensembles. Phillips was known for collecting extensive compilations from artists he especially favored. These compilations are known by the museum as “collection units” and offer the visitor a unique experience unlike at any other modern art museum; you can peruse the Rothko room, which houses Rothko’s work exclusively, and is designed in accordance with both the artist’s and Phillips’ original aesthetic preference and intention for the work.