Creative Aging

Creative Aging is an exhibition and community-focused art initiative at The Phillips Collection inspired by founder Duncan Phillips’s belief in the life-enhancing power of art. Designed for older adults living with memory loss, the program has connected participants with art, conversation, and hands-on making for more than 13 years, while recent Reframing Care programming has expanded the work to include care partners and the broader community.

Each session begins in the galleries, where participants look closely at artworks, share observations and emotions, and build connections through discussion. Those conversations lead into artmaking, and the resulting works are presented in this exhibition, celebrating curiosity, creativity, resilience, and joy.

When: August 15 through November 8, 2026

Venue: The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC

Program: Creative Aging is presented in partnership with Iona Wellness & Arts Center, Iona Washington Home Center at Congress Heights, Genevieve N. Johnson Senior Day Care Center with Arts for the Aging, Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center, Capitol Hill Village Memory Studio, and Reframing Care.

Audience: Older adults living with memory loss, as well as care partners and members of the broader community through related Reframing Care programming.

Experience: Gallery-based close looking and conversation followed by hands-on artmaking.

Tickets: Price not available.

Support: The Phillips Collection’s Creative Aging initiatives, including Reframing Care, are supported by Paul and Terri Balaran and the Dosal Family Foundation.