Have you checked the exhibits pages on the museums' websites?

Tough call on Phillips v. Corcoran. Both are small enough that you might want to squeeze in both?

The Phillips has The Boating Party which is itself is worth a visit.

The Corcoran has an excellent permanent exhibition, American Art through 1945, which you would enjoy. The Corcoran is spitting distance from the Renwick a place I love just for the architecture. If you have any interest in craft, the Renwick is running a 40 under 40: Craft Futures show which is wonderful.

If you're a impressionism fan, hope you will make a visit or a return visit to the National Gallery which has a world class collection.

Have a super trip!

Based upon your post, I'd choose the Phillips. Renoir's "Boating Party" a huge draw (no pun intended). As jvpblosesitaly, do check online for what's current.

obxgirl posted while I was writing this so beat me to Renoir!

the exhibit at the Renwick is excellent. I agree that you could fit both the Phillips and the Corcoran in. Both are great musuems and is really is subjective as to which is better.

Tough choice, but I'd vote for the Phillips, too; it's one of my very favorite art museums that I've seen. But I assume you've seen The National Gallery? Your list is a worthy one, but you didn't mention it, and it's a must.

Thanks to all for your responses. I completely missed The National Gallery and that will definitely be added to the list. Given our time limits we're going to have to make some tough choices.

The fate of the Corcoran Museum has been in the news lately here in D.C. The museum is struggling financially and it appears that they are considering a move. If you want to be sure to see the Corcoran's collection in its current location, perhaps you'll want to go there on this trip.

For more info on a possible move: http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/corcoran-gallery-began-exploring-options-in-july-2011/2012/10/17/5422418c-185b-11e2-8bfd-12e2ee90dcf2_story.html

longhorn55 said what I was thinking. I love the Phillips but, on this trip, I'd take the opportunity to visit the Corcoran.

Oh, good point about the Corcoran, longhorn. What on earth will happen to the building if the collection moves?

The National Gallery could take a full day alone, so I recommend visiting the website and kind of sketching out a game plan if you won't actually have a full day.

I was going to cast my vote for the Phillips, but knowing about the impending move of the Corcoran changes things - that's where I would go this trip.