National Portrait Gallery

This. Museum. Is. AMAZING!!! I wish I had more time to explore! It looks smaller from the outside but once you head in it’s 3 floors of a maze of amazing paintings, sculptures, and more. Take your time walking around each floor and exploring, they have special exhibits as well as their main features. The orchid spot is warm and nice to sit and take a break! I want to go back, such a cool place!

We spent a drizzly January Sunday morning exploring the wonderful eclectic mix of art. It's such a great place to wander around and admire all the artwork, especially the collection on the third floor.
Also, make sure you take the time to just sit and enjoy the space within the atrium. We were lucky enough to visit during a collaboration with the National Botanical Gardens, where they were displaying hundreds of stunning orchids! It took some effort to peel ourselves away as we sat with our deliciously smooth coffee from the cafe in the atrium to continue exploring.
I highly recommend visiting.

So. Much. To. See! Do not underestimate this museum & think you can get through it in an hour or two. To truly appreciate it, give yourself half the day, at least. Or all day, if you want to leisurely stroll or read about each piece. It is PACKED with interesting portraits & art & sculptures from many different eras & genres. Truly magnificent! And so thoughtfully organized too! Staff is friendly & helpful. A must see.

It's great that places like this are free to visit because they contain so much that enriches the lives of anyone that visits.
Three floors of amazing art spanning different periods, styles and cultures.
Beautiful galleries that display stunning and vibrant paintings and sculptures.
I would have posted more photos but I didn't want to spoil your visit, a must see if you're in Washington.

As I strolled through the meticulously curated exhibits, each portrait seemed to tell a story frozen in time. The diversity of subjects, ranging from iconic figures to lesser-known individuals, provided a nuanced reflection of the nation's history. The juxtaposition of different eras and artistic styles created a captivating tapestry that left me in awe of the gallery's depth.
What struck me most was the careful curation, seamlessly guiding visitors through the narrative of each exhibit. The interplay of light and shadow enhanced the visual impact of the portraits, lending an almost ethereal quality to the viewing experience. The gallery staff, equipped with a wealth of knowledge, added a layer of depth to my visit. Their passion for the artworks and willingness to share insights enriched my understanding and appreciation. Navigating through the gallery was a breeze, thanks to well-placed signage and an intuitive layout. The atmosphere exuded a blend of tranquility and intellectual stimulation, making it a perfect escape into the world of portraiture.

Big fan of this place. Variety of portraits, obviously. Love to see the Obama portrait every time I go. We went to see the exhibit in the courtyard. It was very beautiful! They also had a really cool kids event for Presidents’ Day weekend.

With a collection of over 23000 works of art, this is one of those places you can go to regularly and always see something new. Admission is free and it’s open 1130AM to 7PM daily with the exception of Christmas. There are multiple tours that occur daily, the website detailing those, a free audio tour, as well as regular events. There is a shop and a cafe. I love the large open area near the cafe - sunny and just a great place to hang out.

The National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC, is an absolute treasure, a sentiment echoed by those fortunate enough to visit frequently, such as a former resident of nearby Chinatown. With its majestic architecture that beautifully complements the awe-inspiring art within, the museum offers an ever-evolving experience that captivates and educates. Its art curations are thoughtfully assembled, showcasing a diverse range of portraits that tell the rich story of America's past and present. The accessibility of the gallery, being a stone's throw from the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown, allows for regular visits, turning an ordinary week into one filled with cultural enrichment and inspiration. For many, including this former local, the National Portrait Gallery isn't just a museum; it's a haven of art and history that stands out as a favorite spot in the bustling capital, offering a serene escape into the world of artistic genius and historical significance.

Celebrated women’s history month last weekend and it was an incredible turnout plus performances from the Washington Ballet and other speakers. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the recent acquisitions and you’ll find a number of gems. Museum aside, I was so inspired by the young ballerinas that I’m returning to ballet and will take my first class in nearly 2 decades.

Great location right next to the Gallery Pl Chinatown metro station. Very friendly and helpful staff at the entrance lobby. Great to stop by if dining in the area or before a game at Capitol One Arena. We have come here a few times to explore half a floor at a time, and still a lot left to see. There is also always something different with the special exhibitions. My favorite so far is the presidential portrait gallery.

Joyful orchid exhibit in the courtyard! And an astonishing selection of works by self taught artists that could nudge your inner creator to come alive. Plus a fascinating display on the theme of justice.

By far, this is my favorite museum in Washington DC. I love when history of the United States is told through various portraits of key figures who played roles in shaping the history of the country. But the most interesting section is the section of US presidents portraits are displayed. I love to visit this section every year and invite friends to come join me in ranking the US Presidents from top to bottom.
The museum has plenty of rest rooms. It also has a nice resing area under a wonderful skylight. The store is also worth visiting

The National Patriot Museum in DC offers a captivating experience with its proximity to great restaurants and the Capital Arena. It is hands down my favorite museum in the city and it’s free!
Ample parking makes it convenient for visitors. The museum features striking portraits of Presidents Obama and Trump. The standout attraction, "The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations' Millennium General Assembly" by James Hampton, is a complex masterpiece developed over fourteen years. The open indoor garden provides a serene setting for lunches and meditation. The friendly staff, coupled with displays honoring music and sports icons, enhances the overall appeal of this beautiful venue.

The National Portrait Gallery in DC is an absolute must-visit! We were captivated by the incredible art collection that beautifully captures the essence of American history and culture. From iconic portraits to contemporary masterpieces, the gallery's diverse range of exhibits is a visual feast for art enthusiasts. The rich narratives behind each portrait add depth to the experience, making it both educational and emotionally resonant. Whether you're a history buff or simply appreciate art's power to tell stories, this gallery will leave you thoroughly inspired and entertained. Come explore and immerse yourself in the captivating world of portraiture!

There is a lot to see, but I raced over after my meeting. Straight for the butterfly pavilion which does cost money to enter, but since it was the last showing I got the exhibit to myself. Definitely could have spent the whole day here.

Great orchid display in the courtyard. Finally got to see the Obama portraits and the Oprah portrait is there too. The Toni Morrison portrait looks like a photo....but it's an oil. Unbelievable!

This is one of my favorite galleries in DC. The Kogod Courtyard is currently featuring a fun “Orchids of the Future” exhibit that’s definitely worth checking out. Entry is free & there’s a nice cafe inside so you can enjoy some coffee or snacks while you’re there.

Probably one of the best if not the most underrated museum in DC as it's not on the National Mall like the others. Also one of our family favorites since it's open later than all of the other museums (closes at 7pm). The interior architecture to be admired as much as its art displays, make sure to take your time and explore the entire museum. The atrium with glass cieling in the middle of the museum is breathtaking. This is a world class museum and definitely worth the visit. Don't leave DC without checking this out!

So many beautiful portraits! We saw Oprah Winfrey's and it was lovely!

This museum is free. Also, there are lots of seats for those weary travelers, so you can take this museum at your own pace. It is connected to SAAM, so if you get tired of looking at faces, you can head over to the other side to look at other types of art. You can spend the whole day here.

There's a courtyard in the middle, with a cafe with wine, coffee, tea, and some light snacks. No need to smuggle in food and drinks in your bag. You can have a bottle of water with you as you tour both museums.

Visited the portrait museum with my kids and it was a hit! Interactive exhibits and a kid-friendly atmosphere made it a perfect family outing. The staff were welcoming and informative, enhancing our experience. It's a rare gem that entertains both adults and kids alike. We loved it so much, we're already planning our next visit!