Corcoran College of Art and Design
Corcoran Gallery of Art
Shadows of History
Upcoming Exhibition
Shadows of History: Photographs of the Civil War
February 4–May 6, 2012
San Miguel
Travel with the Corcoran
Discover the world's treasures on art-themed trips to Havana and Trinidad, Cuba, and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

History

The Corcoran Gallery of Art stands as a major center of American art, both historic and contemporary. Founded “for the purpose of encouraging American Genius,” the Corcoran’s extensive collection of 18th, 19th, and 20th century American art represents most significant American artists. The Corcoran possesses a fine collection of European art as well. While continuing its efforts to represent historic American works, the gallery also encourages modern European and American artists by showing and purchasing their work, paying particular attention to artists in the Washington area.