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This is a must see when in DC. Though they have other exhibits within the museum seeing the portraits of the presidents is always worth a visit.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I went all the way downtown in the 96 degree weather only to find that the two Edmonia Lewis pieces were not on display. Thank God I did not come from out of town. National Portrait Gallery should be well aware that Lewis's work and life's story have regained motion and interest from a new community of art enthusiasts. Mary Edmonia Lewis, also called "Wildfire", was an American sculptor. Born in Upstate New York of mixed African American and Native American heritage. Born a free woman, she still had a very challenging but rewarding life. Her brother struck gold and was able to provide for her. Edmonia's art secured her a place at Oberlin University, where she faced a lot of mistreatment and discrimination. They accused her of poisoning two female students, never proven, however, she was dragged into the woods by a group of men and brutally assaulted. She was tough, hanging in there at Oberlin for one additional year only to be accused of stealing art supplies. After this final accusation she finally left without finishing her degree. She is known for her Neoclassical marble sculptures and the two that were supposed to be on site at the National Portrait Gallery were "Young Octavian" and "Poor Cupid". No one believed that Edomonia was making these amazing pieces, so often times she would sculpt in public to prove nay-sayers wrong. One of her most striking pieces, "The Death of Cleopatra" created in 1876, a massive work that portrayed the Egyptian Queen dead, slouched down with her mouth open on her throne. No one could deny that this work wasn't conversation worthy. Many of her contemporaries had created Cleopatra, but not like this! As a great artist never truly getting her just due, somehow, "Blind John" Condon, a gambler purchased this piece from a saloon to mark the grave of a racehorse named "Cleopatra". Located in the Chicago suburb of Forest Park, found muddy and smeared with graffiti, the piece remained there unknown for nearly a century. She lived and sculpted in Rome, Paris, and finished the last of her days in London. She died of chronic kidney failure (Bright's disease) in 1907. It's only in recent years that Edmonia has been given her flowers many years after her death, Oberlin College made the decision to award the trailblazing sculptor a posthumous diploma instead of an honorary degree. National Portrait Gallery,like many others, I just want to see the pieces. I saw empty spaces on the 3rd floor of row section 20a, my heart sank, because I knew this is where Edmonia's works should have been. Highly disappointed; until then I'll be waiting. read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
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
3 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
7 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
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
5 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
2 years ago
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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National Portrait Gallery - artmuseums - Updated August 2026
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