At 500 17th St NW in Washington, DC, the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at GW occupies a historic gallery building with a striking facade. Look for the lion statues and detailed door knockers, then check whether student work or an exhibition is on view inside. Displays have included Lone Prairie, Breaking Cultural Boundaries, and Cartoons and Color. The school also hosts events and exhibitions after hours, so its website is the best place to check what is happening during your visit.
The Corcoran’s gallery and school
Washington philanthropist William Wilson Corcoran founded the Corcoran Gallery of Art in 1869 to house his collection. The gallery first occupied a site at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. As it grew, it moved to a larger building, which opened in 1897.
A school operated alongside the gallery from 1890. It later became the Corcoran College of Art + Design, and the school and historic gallery building now form part of George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts & Design.
What changed in 2014
In 2014, the Corcoran reached an agreement with the National Gallery of Art and George Washington University. Almost all of the gallery’s collection of 17,000 works went into the National Gallery of Art’s care. The school remained in operation in the 17th Street building as part of GW.
Today, the building’s art life includes student work in lounge areas and exhibitions that change over time. Past shows have included Lone Prairie, Breaking Cultural Boundaries, and Cartoons and Color. The school also holds events and exhibitions after hours; check its website for current details.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design?
It is at 500 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20006.
Can you see art at the Corcoran School?
Student artworks are displayed mainly in lounge areas, and the school hosts exhibitions and arts events. Check its website for what is currently on view.
What happened to the Corcoran Gallery’s collection?
Under a 2014 agreement, almost all of the gallery’s 17,000 works went into the care of the National Gallery of Art. The school continued operating in the historic building as part of George Washington University.
