The Corcoran Gallery of Art in the District’s monument core might not be in its downtown location for long, the organization confirmed Monday. The museum board is considering whether to sell its historic Beaux-Arts building across from the White House’s Ellipse at New York Avenue and 17th Street Northwest. A move from the District would be a big loss for the city as it has been in Washington for its entire 143-year history and at its current spot since 1897.

“Just as the Corcoran moved in 1897 to accommodate its growing collection, one of the clear options now is to consider relocating to a purpose-built, technologically advanced facility that is cost-effective to maintain,” said Fred Bollerer, Corcoran chief executive officer and president, and Harry Hopper, chairman of the board of trustees in a statement.