National Gallery of Art

The Basics

The National Gallery of Art’s permanent collection is comprised of mostly American and European art from the Renaissance period to today. Loan collections and temporary exhibitions bring a variety of styles and cultural representation to the museum. Extensive educational programs, lecture series, and guided tours offer visitors in-depth context to accompany the works of art on display.

Guided tours—including private and small-group options—can make seeing the vast collection more manageable. Many DC sightseeing tours pass by the gallery, and some hop-on hop-off bus tours stop here.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The National Gallery of Art is a must-see for art aficionados.

• Entrance to the museum is free.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the gallery.

• There are a number of dining options within the museum, including outdoor and indoor cafés.

• The gallery’s sculpture garden is a beautifully landscaped space with fountains and an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures.

• The entire complex is accessible to wheelchair users; courtesy wheelchairs are available at the east and west entrances. Services and resources for visitors with vision and hearing impairments are available as well.

How to Get There

The National Gallery of Art and its sculpture garden are located on the north side of the National Mall, between 3rd and 9th streets along Constitution Avenue. It is easily reached by metro—the nearest stop is Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter—and the Washington DC Circulator Bus on the National Mall route. Driving is not recommended, as parking in the area is extremely limited.

When to Go

The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm Sunday, with some holiday closures. It offers a variety of concert and lecture series throughout the year; check the website for a schedule. Washington DC can have extreme weather conditions, so aim to visit in spring or autumn for pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage.

National Gallery of Art Family and Children’s Programs

The National Gallery of Art offers seasonal interactive, educational programs for families, kids, and teens. From Art Investigations, which help kids to use observations to analyze specific works of art, to hands-on studio workshops led by museum educators, there are programs suited to all ages. Check the website for registration details and timing.

Ways to explore

The National Gallery of Art is free for all to visit. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection—whose highlights feature works by Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Alexander Calder—visitors can enjoy a recurring series of temporary exhibitions, talks, tours, and other events throughout the year. Guided tours, including private and small-group options, can make seeing the vast collection more manageable. Many DC sightseeing tours also pass by the gallery, and some hop-on hop-off bus tours stop outside.

Accessibility

All public spaces in the museum are wheelchair accessible, and service dogs are permitted. Assistive listening devices, color-enhancing glasses, and large print and Braille transcripts of the East Building and West Building audio tours are also available.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sketchpad and pencil, handheld bag, picnic supplies for the Sculpture Garden, sun or rain protection

What to wear

Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate layers and good walking shoes—you may spend several hours on your feet.

Not allowed

Touching the artworks, pets, skating or biking in the Sculpture Garden

Amenities

Restaurants and cafés, restrooms, free public Wi-Fi, cloakroom

Address 

The National Gallery of Art is located on the National Mall. Driving there is best avoided if possible; instead, you can take public transportation, opt for taxis or rideshare services, or book a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

The museum recommends avoiding driving, as there is no dedicated parking garage on-site and traffic in the area can be congested. However, there are a limited number of parking spaces for visitors with disabilities on 4th Street Plaza.

Public transportation

By metro, take the Blue, Orange, or Silver Lines to Smithsonian station or Federal Triangle station; the Yellow or Green Lines to Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter station; or the Red Line to Judiciary Square station.

Best times to visit

The National Gallery of Art is open daily from mid-morning until early evening. Plan to arrive early in the day to beat the crowds.

Best days to visit

If you can, avoid visiting the National Gallery of Art on weekends and holidays, which are likely to be especially busy.

Best months to visit

Summer is Washington DC’s tourist high season, and when attractions are likely to be crowded—aim for another time of year instead.

Special events

Visit from late November to early March, when the Sculpture Garden’s ice rink is open for skaters.