Stepping into the Phillips Collection Library feels like entering a quiet corner of Dupont Circle’s history. Housed in a historic residence, the museum displays European and American art from the past two centuries. Within this space, the library and archival collections quietly support research and curation. Among its holdings is a small but focused collection of artists’ books, with particular attention to the works of Bea Nettles. Each book seems to carry its own presence, inviting careful attention and discovery.
How to Find Artists’ Books
Finding artists’ books here is straightforward if you use the library’s catalog. By selecting the “Advanced” search option, changing the pull-down menu to “Subject,” and typing “artists’ books,” you’ll see both the collection’s artists’ books and a few secondary or reference materials related to them. Even in a small collection, every title hints at creativity and stories waiting to be explored.
Getting to the Phillips Collection
The library is located at 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, D.C. If you take the Red line to Dupont Circle station, exit at Q Street, walk left for a block, then turn right on 21st Street. The museum is composed of several connected buildings, with the library tucked into the Sant Building on Lower Level 1, just beneath the main entrance. The walk along these quiet streets adds a sense of anticipation before entering the calm of the library.
Planning Your Visit
Researchers are encouraged to make an appointment with the librarian by calling 202-387-2151, extension 212. Research appointments are available Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library is also open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Inside, the space invites focus and reflection, where every book encourages curiosity and a slow, attentive reading experience.
A Quiet Space for Discovery
Visiting the Phillips Collection Library offers more than access to books; it’s a moment to connect with the creative process itself. The artists’ books, small but significant, leave a lingering sense of inspiration, as if each page holds a whisper from the artist to the reader.