Smithsonian American Art Museum

I went early primarily to visit the Future of Orchids exhibit which was smaller than I expected but was colorful and beautifully displayed. I enjoyed the rest of the museum and a self tour can easily fill a 3-4 hour time slot.

The American Art Museum is connected to the Portrait Museum which houses portraits and paintings of historic figures along with pop culture icons.

I went solo on a Sunday Morning around 11:30am. I found free parking immediately and near the building. Once inside the museum was bustling but not too busy with plenty of space to admire the art and take pics without crowding. The museum is split into two wings and each side has 3 levels.

Restrooms, elevators and stairs are throughout the museum and are clearly marked and easily accessible. There are also comfortable cushioned seating all around the museum if you need to sit and rest (or admire).

I enjoyed the split and themed rooms which allowed me to pick and choose which displays I wanted to see. There are so much different varieties of art for everyone to enjoy no matter your style.

I definitely would go again. It's a great recommendation for a day out or early evening date (closes at 7pm).

An amazing experience. The magnificence of the artwork is complimented by the beauty of the building. You are up close and personal with the works of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Monet and countless other Master artisans. The photo of the painted table setting w the plate of oysters was created in the 1600s. The furniture gallery was a great surprise and full of treasures.

Absolutely amazing! Went with a teen and he enjoyed the art as much as we did. His favourite was the section about the American presidents and the Champions. We spent several hours at the museum and still hadn’t seen all the rooms/art.

There is a kids education center for the younger kids on the first level. They can make art/do crafts and play with blocks.

Highly recommended!

Amazing collection of portraits. I enjoyed seeing the faces of so many important people, that are part of our history.
The president’s exhibition is also impressive. I enjoyed the different styles of painting according to the time when they were painted.
I particularly enjoyed the information provided next to each portrait.
The building is so inviting, the patio beautiful! Orchid exhibition is colorful, joyful and relaxing.
It is easy to get to the museum, next to the Metro line. I am going back today. Free museums are awesome!

Visited for a day trip, on a Friday, in late December, with adult family, and 3 teens. Everyone had a nice experience. Big, beautiful museum and a lot of walking. No crowds on the day that we were there. Easy, safe parking located at a garage across the street, from main entrance that only cost us $22. We all felt safe and enjoyed our visit. Looking forward to going again one day in the Spring.

Always have a great time visiting here. Center court yard is such a good experience. Just walk in, go past the help desk and through doors, and enjoy. I just wish I could be closer to visit every day

I'm glad that I made time to see this wonderful gallery in the evening after the other museums had closed. Albert Bierstadt's "Among the Sierra Nevada Mountains" was the number one painting in my opinion, it just has to be seen (it's posted in this review). The electronic superhighway is an incredible example of intricate modern art, with the neon tubing delineating the state shapes and positions and the TV screens filling each state; it's something to marvel at for several minutes. On the portrait gallery side, I'd have to say my favourite was the Presidents Hall.

It is one of the best museums in the mall. I could spend hours in here. I talked with an art student who helped me understand what I was looking at. Art is amazing. Please visit this place. You won’t regret it.

This place if filled with rich, diverse American history. I love seeing and learning about the accomplishments of so many people who paid a heavy price to add a little light to this work during their lifespan.

This museum was beautiful. I didn’t anticipate it being so big. I recommend planning for at least 3 hours. Art was breath taking.

I really enjoyed this museum, it had such an awesome variety of art and representation. from traditional American art to modern. It had artists from the black, Latino and LGBTQ communities. It's really worth visiting multiple times or take a few hours to really appreciate each gallery on every floor. I love that it was free! I found the president portrait gallery way more fun and interesting than I thought I would. I would love to come back again.

It's free entry and a good place to see art of all kind and pass time. Loved it!!

This is a must visit museum for any art enthusiast. The collection is vast and the galleries absolutely stunning! 🤩

They house within them some of the favourite art pieces and portraits of our time. My favourites were the Obama portraits.

A must see location within the museum is their courtyard in the center with the cafe nearby. A beautiful location to chill and enjoy the beautiful roof and stone walls.

Would definitely recommend to anyone in DC. Time to see the museum would be around 3-4 hours.

It was an amazing experience visiting the museum. We explored three floors of exhibits, paintings, sculptures, and more. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Some of the elevators were too small for me and my power wheelchair, but the main ones were large enough.

Open until 7pm on weekdays. Beautiful courtyard between the two museums with live foliage, impressive architecture, and a coffee shop.

I cannot find the right words...it is a wonderful, wonderful museum with s great staff, security and helpful people. I could live inside! Thank you from Mainz, Germany.
25.03.2024

The American Art Museum was great and deceptively large! I ended up liking the museum a lot more than I thought. Make sure you visit the presidential portrait gallery, and modern art exhibits on the 3rd floor.

Stunning. The indoor courtyard with natural light is heavenly. Beautiful place with friendly workers. Only compliant is the printed map is a bit confusing, floors seem to be rotated and not line up from 1st to 2nd floor.

Great art museum in the former Old Patent Office Building, designed by architect Robert Mills. Wonderful paintings by the likes of Edward Hopper, Ralston Crawford, William H. Johnson, Stuart Davis, Thomas Hart Benton, and many others.

Nice and big museum. Can get the map at the front desk, total 4 floors.