National Gallery of Art

Activity Overview

The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. was conceived and established in 1937, since then the Art gallery and its Sculpture Garden have been attracting crowds of locals and tourists. The Art gallery houses Art collection that was donated by Andrew W. Mellon, the collection includes drawings, paintings, photographs, sculptures and decorative arts. Prominent collections include classic, modern and contemporary American Art, and European Art. Modern and contemporary Art collections from the now dissolved Corcoran Gallery will be displayed soon on the second floor of the National Gallery of Art. The Art gallery displays permanent and special exhibitions in its East and West buildings, the gallery is open to public tours and free of charge from Monday through Sunday, and open year-round.

Things to Do

• Tour the museum at your own pace and discover artistic collections by Leonardo, Picasso, Monet, Cassatt and other iconic artists. See sculptures, paintings, drawings and decorative art.
• Guided tours of the gallery are offered everyday, learn more about the historic collection with the help of free of charge audio tours.
• Families with kids aged 6 and above should get the family guides that kids can fill in with crayons and colored pencils, these guides are available free of charge.
• Family guides help you discover all about American Art, Dutch Art, French Art and Italian Art, learn many stories linked to the art collection of the museum.
• Free family workshops help you learn the art of sculpture making and painting, parents and their children can work on art projects together.
• The Ice rink in the sculpture garden is open for ice skating November through March.
• Families can have a lunch at the Cascade Cafe, or the Garden cafe and the Pavilion cafe.
• The museum's shops include a Children's shop, Concourse that offers toys, games, books and puzzles. Other shops have jewelry, home decor items, apparel, art books and other items.

National Gallery of Art Insider Tips

• Free public WIFI is available.
• Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum.
• Wheelchairs and strollers are available.