I tend to forgot that we have these types of museums available to us for free in the area! It's always a lovely experience to go to the National Portrait Gallery and such a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon! read more

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One of the most underrated Smithsonian's for many reasons. More centrally located near Gallery Place and Metro Center and across from the Capital One Arena, it offers access to a lot of great restaurants and activities. While staring at Portraits doesn't initially sound intriguing, the Portrait Gallery is a history museum by housing presidential portraits with information of their terms, has sections (currently under renovation) for athletes , artists, and popular culture figures, and has a wing broken down by important periods in American History. As an added bonus, the museum also houses the American Art Museum and the Kogod Atrium is a fantastic place to get lunch, lounge, or host events. The building is beautiful and elegant inside. As with the Smithsonian's, this is also a free museum. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Kogod Atrium - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Experienced a wonderful tour with McGuinness as our guide. She was engaging, thorough, enthusiastic, and so very knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to tour as a group, and I was very glad to take in a variety of work across the galleries read more

I loved it!! This is free and the best part is that it's open through 7:30pm whereas other museums are closed by 5pm. Official portraits of the US presidents are here. There is another museum adjacent to it where I saw more modern art and photography. Lovely art museum. I'll be back. read more

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One of my favorite places to bring my laptop and work is the atrium at the portrait gallery. Tons of natural light and white noise, a nice view with lots of greenery, solid WiFi, lots of places to plugin, and a nearby cafe but not one where you feel obligated to buy something in order to hangout. For the museum itself, their exhibits are a great mix where you can find something that appeals to everyone. And seeing all the presidential portraits is fun too read more

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The stated mission of the National Portrait Gallery is "to tell the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation's history, development and culture." I think there may be no higher calling than that for a national museum. I've been here numerous times and never tire of it. It's a special place. A jewel of the Smithsonian. read more

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Lovely museum with an amazing enclosed courtyard. I recommend starting on the top floor and work your way down. The crowds might be better this way and the first floor you enter on can be confusing to navigate (might need a map). It's definitely not as overwhelming as the National Art Gallery. The gift shop is small but good. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Inner courtyard enclosed - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun my family and I had at the National Portrait Gallery! This underrated museum is a hidden gem, and I can't believe it's free to enter. The space is clean and well-maintained, making for a great visit. While finding parking in the DC area can be a bit of a challenge, it's definitely worth the effort. Overall, we had a fantastic time exploring the exhibits together! read more

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ABSOLUTLEY BEAUTIFUL. A MUST VISIT. There is too much stuff to mention. Visit the Smithsonian website and know that the building hosts both the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum. Spans the lifetime of the USA. Beautiful courtyard. Great cafe. Free wifi. Metro stop just outside. read more

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An artistic person and a non-artistic person (like me) would greatly appreciate this gallery. This is not only a gallery of portraits, it has many art pieces with informative descriptions on each piece of beauty. The gallery is beautifully curated. The layout and organization are immaculate. The rich history in this gallery is definitely worth the hours of exploration. There are 3 levels and they are easily accessible via stairs or elevator. read more

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I had a day off and I decided that I would take advantage of that and get out and attempt to explore more of the city. It has been a couple of years since I moved here and I need to spread out and take more of it in. Unfortunately for me, I just happened to do so on a federal holiday. Which holiday you ask? President's Day. I think you know where I am going with this. I am kind of glad that I explored this spot right as it opened for the day. I am also glad that I discovered the hours of this place. I can visit this place after my day is done and if I wanted to avoid the evening rush hour. This place stays open until 7 p.m. Which I am glad, there is so much to discover here and I would like to take more time viewing the pieces. When I came I went directly to the America's President exhibit area and tried to get this section in before it got busy for the day. I went directly to the end of the exhibit and moved forward. I know, but with just opening, everyone was at the beginning and I would go where there was currently no one. I walked about and took pictures as I went. I did have one question and I asked an employee...must of not been a morning person as it looked like I was annoying them. After I finished with this exhibit I continued on in the direction right outside the president section. I did the whole of second floor and I then went up to the third floor and attempted to take in the mezzanine on the third floor. However, other people here decided that it was time for their own personal photoshoot and I had to backtrack. By this time I had had my fill of this place and did a real quick walkthrough of the first level. I hit the gift shop before heading out. I purposedly left things unseen so that I would have a reason to come back at a later date. It should be known too that this place is a two for one. It may be labeled as the National Portrait Gallery, but don't overlook the fact that this place also houses the Smithsonian American Art Museum as well. Tired of the portraits, go over and check out the other types of art and exhibits. It is truly a great place to expand your culture. read more

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One of the lesser known art museums, the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery was larger than I thought with a beautiful atrium that connected to the two walkways allowing a transition from streets F and G. I saw the Grandma Moses exhibit comfortably! It was such a pleasant and whimsical exhibition that helped erased the grueling office work earlier! They open later from 11:30 - 7:00pm. I for one was glad for the later hours allowing me to enjoy this museum when most are closed at 5:00 pm. There were people but the museum was big enough that you can walk and view the exhibits without being on top of others! Most people are respectful! The presidential portraits were also fun to see! The license plates pieced together was such a clever piece of work! One of the best! There are also other exhibits including photos of Hollywood stars and an area that included many more art pieces and busts that I didn't get a chance to look at due to a special event closing off this section of the museum on the second evening I came back. Oh no! I didn't have enough for a press penny so I will definitely come back here! read more

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The concierge at my hotel steered me in the right direction when I mentioned I was headed to the National Art Gallery. He indicated that in addition to that visit, the National Portrait Gallery was a treat, not just the contents, but also the building itself. Like many other Smithsonian museums, the collection is housed in an ornate building, and admission is free. As I roamed from room to room and floor to floor, I was impressed by the courageous Americans who shaped our country through battle and thought leadership. I loved the portraits from 1600-1900 and, of course, the American Presidents. I learned more than I expected of each President across the different eras. I also eavesdropped on a tour where a guide provided more information about the various presidential portraits, including the placement of each picture. The building, as my concierge mentioned, included a now-enclosed courtyard. There, I noticed students with laptops enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, people meeting up, and those (me!) needing a break after walking over 10,000 steps in one afternoon. I was in DC for only a few short days, and I considered this visit to be the highlight of my trip. read more

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To be really honest with you a lot of this gallery is boring, but it's a lot more interesting if you take a tour and you get the background and history. We had a tour guide that was really really great and she created stories to help us really understand what was going on in some of these photos. But a lot of it was boring without context And it is a lot of photos. I wish that I had more time to go through and properly walk through every single image and read the plaques, but I didn't. Overall, I do think they have a nice mix of history throughout the years and some really cool modern stuff. The modern exhibits were one of my favorites and there was an exhibit with candy that was actually an exhibit you could participate in and take candy away. Its a really interesting thing to participate in and also see how it impacted the art too. I think overall you should absolutely go to this museum for the experience, but also note that some parts of the museum are gonna be more riveting than others, but that is true for every museum out there. The cost is completely free, which is great. And when I went, there was not long lines so it was really easy to get into the building too. read more

National Portrait Gallery - President Obama painting - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I had an incredible time visiting the museum. I started on the first floor, where I admired portraits of classic Hollywood stars. I was so intrigued that I decided to have a movie marathon featuring the stars I learned about during the gallery visit. The museum was quite large, and I managed to explore it in under two hours, as it stays open later than most museums--until 7 PM. I saw portraits of historic figures, including presidents, as well as beautiful art pieces and sculptures. I encourage visitors to allocate enough time to sit, read, and truly appreciate the portraits and art. There is a lovely courtyard in the middle of the museum where people can relax. It was such a wonderful experience that I would love to return and spend more time there. read more

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This is yet another great free museum in DC. The presidents portraits exhibit is a very cool abbreviated American history lesson with insightful placards reminding you of the times, accomplishments and challenges of every president dating back to George Washington. The Hollywood portraits exhibit was a fun add on after the gravity of presidential power and responsibility. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Obama! - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I was touched by my visit to the Portrait Gallery. I went with my mom during our stay in DC and I wish I lived closer because I could see myself coming in multiple times a week. The building was beautiful and the collection of pieces was nothing less than impressive. There was a particular portrait that stood out to me. It was an oil painting I believe of the late actress Tallulah Bankhead. She reminded me so much of myself with the style of her hair, the expression in her eyes, and the wise, delicate, and melancholy vibe. This painting encouraged me to look her up. She was a tough woman who braved through Hollywood and a difficult life through grit, perseverance, and courage. Traits I also see in myself. This is a valuable piece in the collection, though I feel it is also underrated. I believe they need to have merchandise with this painting on it. I would buy it! I loved all of the other galleries in the museum as well including the presidential portraits and even the indoor flower garden. The reason why we needed to leave was to catch a train back to New York. I wouldn't have left until closing otherwise. One thing I noticed that needed to change was that they were charging money for sanitary products in the bathroom. If men had periods they would be free. What if someone doesn't have change? Would they just have to suffer through it? Other than that it was a great trip and I enjoyed myself. read more

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A beautiful museum to walk around with many different portraits to admire. Open later than most museums so it's easier to spend some time at later in the day. read more

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We visited the National Portrait Gallery on Day of the Dead. The celebration itself seemed catered to young children, with lots of activities. The gallery itself has a variety of art. Paintings, sculptures and photographs from different time periods. It's one of my favorite places to visit in DC. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Painting and sculpture - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have visited the National Portrait Gallery many times, and it is one of my favorite museums in Washington, DC. It is deceptively big, but it is exciting seeing the works of so many talented people, and there really is something for everyone in one building. The Kogod Courtyard with the glass roof is a great place to pause for a few minutes before walking through the galleries. I recommend downloading the museum's online app to help curate your visit and add context to the portraits, just do not forget your AirPods or headphones so you can listen along. One thing to keep in mind before going is that it is not located on the National Mall, it sits in the Chinatown area, which can be especially exciting to visit when the holiday market is happening nearby. read more

Stunning. Do yourself a favor and start at the top and work yourself down. The mezzanine was an experience I'll never forget. Each floor felt like an entirely different museum it was amazing. Not to mention the atrium patio that is fully enclosed with the most stunning garden beds. Stunning. No notes. read more

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My family or art enthusiasts were visiting DC for a few days, and when looking for things to do while they were here - I knew the National Portrait Gallery would be a definite 'must see' for them while they were here! The National Portrait Gallery did not disappoint. We spent over 3hrs walking through the various sections of the gallery, admiring works from painters, sculptors and artists from various other mediums. You could easily spend the entire day here - and likely, to see the entire gallery, you will need several visits. We were all super impressed and influenced by all of the beautiful paintings on display; and this has become one of my favourite galleries in the DMV area. Parking can be a little tricky, so you may want to take the metro in. Alternatively there is limited street parking and a bunch of parking garages nearby to choose from. read more

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I have visited Washington DC many times but never this museum. "The mission of the National Portrait Gallery is to tell the story of America by portraying the people who shape the nation's history, development and culture." This museum accomplishes its goal magnificiently. The space is so perfectly planned. I did not expect to to enjoy this museum as much as I did. Ever wonder why the Smithsonian Institute exists? You would find that answer on the walls of The National Portrait Gallery! Who knew?! The Presidential Portraits area was especially nice. There is a huge beautiful glass domed courtyard where you can reflect on your visit, enjoy a lunch, relax or read a book. Another note, we saw only a few families with very young children enjoying this spot, so if you are looking for a quiet, peaceful spot to visit, this is it. read more

The National Portrait Gallery is exactly what it sounds like . . . a HUGE collection of portraits. The thing that makes this great is that it's directly connected to the Smithsonian American Art Museum . . . so you can go up and down, across, and back . . . and break up your viewing. See some portraits here, check out some American art there . . . some realism, some creative pieces. Black and white photography, mixed with brilliant colors. I enjoyed the performing arts section, which included everyone from jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie to hiphop legend LL Cool J. From John Wayne to Elvis. Folk legends, opera singers. There is also a "champions" section, which covers athletic stars over the years. There are various galleries on war heroes, authors, choreographers, scientific pioneers, woman leaders, Black leaders/heroes, indigenous people, and a whole gallery on presidents. It's free, easy to enter . . . again, you get two museums in one place . . . and a nice cafe/outdoor area between the two. read more

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Beautiful museum with fantastic portraits! The building itself is really incredible and worth wandering on its own. The third and fourth floors are especially cool and unique! There's also a lovely atrium area with a cafe that serves some tasty coffee and snacks! There are many unique exhibits. It's a fun place to wander and rest! read more

They're VERY specific here about closing at 7pm. Even if you've just finished the first floor and are getting to the second floor where the good stuff is, they won't let you look at anything else. So we were told to leave without being able to finish the museum. So be prepared to be done by closing time. Update: After going the next night to finish the museum out, we walked by a guard who was talking to another guard and as we walked between them to enter a new exhibit, the male was talking about a previous job and said "s***" in his sentence as we walked by. Very unprofessional and there are kids around as well. Didn't like that at all. And at 6:50, the staff kept saying "5 minutes to closure". Just trying to get people out the door. Maybe that's what they're supposed to do, but since we weren't asked to leave until 7pm the night before, just seemed like the staff this night wanted us all gone and didn't care if they did it early or not. Not a fan of the staff here, but the museum is fine. The only part we liked though was the President wing. read more

I love art! I love art displayed in great spaces. My favorite is street art like graffiti, but this gallery is amazingly fitting for what it houses. As a Smithsonian gallery, of course it is free! The huge building (multiple connected buildings) is the perfect place for displaying art. The various nooks, rooms, and spaces allows for enough space to ponder, reflect, and enjoy without being overly crowded. I would guess that the majority of people come to see the portraits of U.S. Presidents. Of course that wing of the gallery was the most crowded. Still, patrons were respectful enough to take turns enjoying the portraits without crowding or rushing you. The Kehinde Wiley portrait of Obama is more than phenomenal and iconoclastic. Black artist's rendition of the first Black President all in a style that is unlike all that preceded it, speaks volumes. Even though I have seen it many times in pictures or media, seeing it in person is just grand! Also, I was struck by two unlikely Presidential portraits for this ultra liberal Democrat. The Richard Milhous Nixon and the Dwight Eisenhower portraits were outstanding. The Nixon portrait is by Norman Rockwell so it makes sense because I leave an affinity for his work ("The Problem we all live with." Of Ruby Bridges being escorted into a segregated school flanked by U.S. Marshals is one of my favorites by him). The Norman Rockwell signature on the portrait is the most iconic part for me; check it out. The gallery's curators do a wonderful job of mixing artists and mediums. Of note, too, is that space and importance is also reserved for underrepresented perspectives of women, African Americans, and other underrepresented groups. The Henry O. Tanner room houses several of his works. On my most recent visit there was a James Baldwin photo exhibition that was remarkably moving. Perhaps my favorite pieces were two sculptures and one painting. The first sculpture is named "The Death of Cleopatra." She is seated on a marble throne that has two Sphinx men carved into the chair's arms. Against a. Lack background and intensely lit, it moves me. The other sculpture is of a black man and it is striking in its detail. The piece is called "Portrait bust of an African man" by May Howard Johnson. He just is stirring into your soul. It is made of bronze so the skin tone is perfect! Look into the eyes and become mesmerized! The other piece is a 1936 oil painting by the Black artist Allan Rohan Crite titled "School's Out." The color and composition will amaze you and looking at it closely you will see that every subject is a woman teacher or school girl. I have seen other works by Crite, but this one is my favorite and he is climbing up my favorite 20th century artist list! Whether you are an art connoisseur or novice, you will be at home here. Not stuffy, free, and photographs are encouraged!!! The gallery is beautiful and filled with GREAT art. Restrooms are plentiful and in the middle of the gallery is a covered courtyard where you can enjoy food and drinks. I could spend a whole weekend just exploring and enjoying the art. Five stars. read more

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Gorgeous museum with amazing portraits (and other art). Free admission like the rest of the Smithsonian. Conveniently located right on top of a metro stop. An awesome stop if you're a tourist or a local! read more

It is the National Portrait Gallery and is nicely done. I loved the Presidents exhibit it was like going back to school. This is a wonderful way to burn some free time and learn. read more

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So impressed by the study areas here and the space itself had a lot to offer. We enjoyed the art differences on each floor, especially since the co-working areas vary. Will for sure stop by again. read more

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Lovely Gallery with some great portraits and information on each individual. Free to enter. No advanced reservations required. Conveniently located in the Penn Quarter area...only a 15 minute walk to the White House and a 15 minute walk to the National Mall. There is a large center area where the Orchid show currently is. Huge space with lots of tables and seating. There is also a small cafe selling Starbucks-like items there. The Gallery is separated into a few areas including American Presidents, 20th Century Americans, Champions (Sports) and Portraits from 1600-1900. Lots to see and learn...and of course, some awesome portaits. I loved the variety is art styles they covered throughout the Gallery. They realy did try to mix it up...which made it interesting. Great experience...highly recommended. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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The National Portrait Gallery is by far one of my top places to visit when I'm in DC. This museum houses photographs of America's most influential figures all in one place--and it's completely free! The building itself is gorgeous, set in the historic Patent Office Building. As part of the Smithsonian family, it's truly a treasure trove of American history. Here I am again, taking a break from a conference on Saturday morning, drawn back to this amazing space. The gallery brings back memories from my childhood, learning about various famous people in these United States of America, right through to adulthood. I love the portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama--seeing these up close was really something special and unforgettable. Bill Clinton's photograph is another standout, though these are just a few of my personal favorites among so many others. Beyond just photographs, you'll find beautiful sculptures and paintings that you can enjoy at your own pace, without feeling rushed. The curators have done an outstanding job creating an experience where each visit reveals something new. I was particularly moved by the collection showing all the women who've served on the Supreme Court. Susan B. Anthony's portrait was fascinating as she played a major role in the women's suffrage movement. However, it's important to note that she did not prioritize Black women's voting rights. This is where organizations like the Divine 9 sororities, particularly Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. stepped in--ensuring that Black women had a voice in the fight for equality. Love it. The portraits of some of my favorite people--George Washington Carver, Frederick Douglass, and the opera singer Marian Anderson--were equally powerful. Don't forget to appreciate the photographers, their team, and the artists behind these images. Their skill and vision often don't get the recognition they deserve. Pro tips: The museum is quieter on weekday mornings. Wear comfortable shoes--you'll be walking a lot! DC is a walking town in general. Their smartphone app has great audio tours if you want to learn more about specific pieces. Getting here is easy. Uber, Lyft, or the Metro (Gallery Place-Chinatown station) will get you there. I'd recommend checking their website before visiting for current hours and any special exhibits. Just be ready for the usual DC traffic--patience helps, smile. You'll find plenty of places to eat in the area when you're done, from quick snacks to sit-down meals. If you're in DC, put the National Portrait Gallery on your must-see list. Whether you go with family or solo, it's time well spent! For those who appreciate beauty, history, and authenticity, this one is for you! My gorgeous photogenic people...smile for the camera! read more

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If you are interested in the Presidents, American art, or portrait art then you will find something here. If you're not interested in those things, it's still a pretty neat place and being absolutely free, what do you have to lose? The Presidential portraits are the big draw for most of us and they are pretty great to see. There are many other things here, including other famous people. The entire central courtyard is a lovely enclosed space with seating and access to a small cafe that has coffee, drinks, and some light snacks. This is an excellent place to have a break from your day if you are a tourist, and a great place to sit for a bit for anyone in my opinion. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Hadn't been here in years. The G street entrance has a ramp! Stepped inside and checked out the President's Gallery focusing primarily on the cast of characters from Hamilton the musical. Visited a few of the other galleries and saw some other inspiring figures from US history before heading to the Washington Monument. Great experience! read more

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Endless art that is as inspiring as it is beautiful. It's a pleasure to come to such a magnificent Smithsonian, it never gets old & I keep finding something new! read more

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This is one of my favorite museums in DC. I love the permanent exhibits and the new exhibits. I love to enjoy the peaceful nature of the atrium. Sit, relax and enjoy a snack between walking the museum. Love it. read more

National Portrait Gallery - Atrium - Art Museums Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The National Portrait Gallery is a national treasure and may be my favorite place in DC. Like the other museums, this one is free with a set of static exhibits (don't miss the presidents' portraits) and rotating ones. On this trip I peeked in on the Environmentalist portraits on display. I love that the galleries come with Spanish language, large print, and braille materials. read more

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This is a must see museum! All the original official portraits of president's are displayed with some really interesting stories. Be sure to visit, it's free! read more

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Free, short and sweet, beautiful atrium with a modern unique fountain system that basically comes out to several shallow puddles that little kids will spend hours playing in. No tickets needed and fully free. I happened upon the docent led tour and that was a nice 1 hour (or optional extended) knowledge builder with some key highlight portraits. Highlights included Beyonce and the Obamas' portraits. read more

Vey big museum with many interesting and beautiful paintings. Make sure you have enough time when visiting. read more

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