National Portrait Gallery image

National Portrait Gallery

Tourist attraction Museum Art museum National museum

One of the Top rated Art museums in Washington


Address

8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Website

npg.si.edu

Contact

(202) 633-8300

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (11.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 7 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (33) portraits (24) great (19) beautiful (18) time (18) gallery (17) visit (15) National (14) Gallery (12) exhibits (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Carlos A. 2 years ago on Google
    This was an awesome surprise. I thought it was going to be a quick 45-60 minute visit. But NO. The place is gigantic, beautiful and filled with interesting exhibits all around. It has like 5 floors, so be prepared to spend at least 3-4 hours in it (if you like to read descriptions and take in the beautiful architecture). It has a BEAUTIFUL internal terrace with some cafeterias. Really nice to sit and recharge batteries to continue your visit.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 E B. 1 year ago on Google
    The National Portrait Gallery was a really nice experience. There are themed galleries as well as the presidential gallery. If I remember correctly there are 3 floors to explore. There are elevators for those that can't or don't want to walk. It is completely FREE and no ticket required. If you bring a bag it must be worn on the front of your body so that you don't accidentally damage an exhibit.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ReCreate A. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the best art gallery in DC in my opinion. It’s beautiful, unique and calming. There’s an atrium in the center that provides a dreamy place to sit and rest. My favorite thing about this gallery, however, is that there’s conservationists you can watch at work. When you walk into this museum it’s like being in a different world. Each space creates such a unique atmosphere and is breathtaking to say the least.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lexy M. 1 month ago on Google • 430 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 Basha �. 4 months ago on Google • 42 reviews
    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.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Assem S. 4 months ago on Google • 88 reviews
    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
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda M. 1 month ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    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.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria O. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a fantastic part of the American Art Museum and a must see in Washington D.C.! It is free to enter and includes a ton of important people and little descriptions of what they did in life which I appreciated. The rooms were all well decorated, and the portraits were cool to see. I would come back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony P. 2 months ago on Google • 266 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 B C. 6 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    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!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amin Z. 1 month ago on Google • 213 reviews New
    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.

  • 2/5 beyondTabu 1 year ago on Google
    This museum is really nice… but this review isn’t about the museum directly. It’s about the staff/security. We’ve been to several other museums and they all seem to have the same attitude. They yell/scream at you from across the room, to not do something or that you’re breaking their rules (that aren’t clearly posted anywhere). It’s very disrespectful and unprofessional. This mentality seems to be widespread in all the museums recently. It’s like they’ve had no customer service training at all. They have a little power and wield it unabated. It upsets our day really makes us not want to visit the attractions.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ukvayat H. 1 year ago on Google
    The National Portrait Gallery gets 4/5 for all the exhibit areas that are closed right now. Many renovations going on! So many varied exhibits though. A great place to host a catered event. Check em out!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Klau P. 1 year ago on Google
    The Gallery is amazing, you will probably spend 2 hours there. It has very beautiful portraits, one of my favorites was Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington and everything related to Abraham Lincoln as well as the amazing portrait of the Supreme Court Justices! Wow what a place to put on my memory box! I loved it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandor G. 5 months ago on Google • 71 reviews
    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!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samantha M. 1 month ago on Google • 31 reviews New
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yiran L. 2 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth K. 6 months ago on Google
    Had a lot of fun here! It was really cool to see all the presidents and notable people in history. A good mix of art and history and a very beautiful museum. The gift shop was “small and mighty” and was perfect for gifts for friends and family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cathy T. 7 months ago on Google
    A lot of great arts to check out. Suggest at least setting aside 3.5 hours to tour the whole thing, though you might not be able to make the whole standing. I work out a lot and took 4 or 5 sits throughout the visit. They have self-guided voice tour on their website which I personally enjoyed a lot. Make sure you bring water bottle - limited water fountain there and it’s easy to get dry.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MJG 6 months ago on Google
    This museum was one we actually stumbled upon. It's not in the museum row with all the other Smithsonian Museums but it was one of our favs. We only had 45 min to look at the museum and we were told to go right for the Presidential portraits. Which we did. On the way you go through a cool outdoorsy type area that is covered. There were some water features in there which our son loved. The gift shop here is an added bonus which carries lots of nice items. 5/5. Highly recommend. We'll go again next time in DC. ________________________________________________ Follow me for more reviews, tips and photos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shannon B. 10 months ago on Google
    This museum was a delightful surprise. The architecture was inspiring, and the mixture of portraits and other American paintings was tastefully done. There were portraits of every president. I loved the giant portrait of the Queen of Hawai’i and the landscape of Yosemite.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jose O. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, this place is amazing. So first, do not try to rush yourself thru this place. Take your time and really take in all the art it has to offer, and there is a lot of it. Getting to it is pretty easy. I always go to the museums on Sunday and get there before they open that way you can just park on the street but you have to get there early because it fills up fast. Its free so your not spending any money. and then just take your time. It's the kind of place that you can go back again and see something new or see a portrait in a new way. It can get busy so again, go early.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Georgia L. 9 months ago on Google
    The atrium in the middle is such a great place to eat lunch. They have a cafe but I brought a lunch this time. The plants are maintained by the National Botanical Garden and are beautiful. There are permanent exhibits but also rotating ones, so it’s worth a repeat visit. A large gift shop with a nice selection. Everyone that works there is always kind and welcoming.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray 1 year ago on Google
    I didn't know there is this museum until we walked by on the way to Chinatown for lunch. We visited it after lunch. It's great to see some of the arts that I have seen in books or videos in person. Kids enjoyed it as well as we got into some good discussions on some sculpture pieces.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Meenakshi R. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum has hand painted portraits right from Renaissance period. The artworks are amazing to view and the detailing is exquisite. Every portrait has a supporting detail board adjacent to it. It was interesting to have seen them. They have occasional exhibits which are pretty interesting too. If you love art and painting this would be a place one wouldn't want to miss. At a walkable distance from the gallery pl. Metro station, this place has some good joints for food and beverage. The cafe and courtyard inside the building is a pretty beautiful place to be. It is also close by to the DC central public library. Their gift shop has some pretty interesting accessories and souvenirs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua R. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of our favorite museums in DC by far. You get a wide array of art here on three floors. This is located right in Chinatown across the street from Capital One Arena with two entrances. One thing to note if you are being a bag it has to be worn in front of you at all times. We recently came here and I would say my favorite areas were the special exhibition of the dual artists and their stories. They show one piece of art from the artist and tells the story of their connection. They have a Jackson Pollock called Heading West which was really neat to his art before the drip style. Another favorite was the Hung Liu portraits, the way she did them is nothing I’ve seen before and really showed great expression. I also enjoyed the social Justice exhibition as it covered a wide variety of areas and include very moving stories. I highly recommend coming here and spending a couple hours browsing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harlin Miller J. 3 months ago on Google • 81 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 Diana P. 2 months ago on Google • 66 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 Cassandra R. 2 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    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.

  • 5/5 Natalie K. 5 months ago on Google
    Could spend a whole day here, but we cruised through just the presidential portrait gallery and a few other locations. We wanted to eat lunch in the beautiful central corridor and so glad we did! The little cafe isn't huge, but has a decent selection. I'll go back to try and take in more of it. Lots of interesting things to see and themes observed along with special exhibits to always have something new.

  • 5/5 Kyle G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, this is an incredible place. The building is stunning. The best part about DC is that places like this are free. You have to enter on G Street and there is security, but no metal detector, just someone there to keep an eye on things. The gallery to the right of the entrance showcases artists who shared intimate connections with one another that was then reflected in their art. Read at least one of the pairings and see how beautiful human connections can be. On our way to the Presidential portraits, we came across the Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nation's Millennium General Assembly by James Hampton. A stunning creation that appears ornate and luxuriant at first, before seeing the creative construction using cardboard and aluminum foil. All the signage in the museum does a great job framing the work and adding historical context to help understand the work even more. They get into the true and brutal nature of American history while displaying the imagery of our nation.

  • 5/5 Michael Snyder (. 2 years ago on Google
    The Portrait Gallery is amazing!! Please make time to visit this free museum in between all the other great things to see in DC. Visually stunning exhibits of American Landscape Art and portraits of all the Presidents. The rotunda is stunning, with beautiful orchids displayed.

  • 5/5 The M. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a wonderful time. Come with spare time because if you are like us, readers. You could spend the entire day here. The President portraits are just amazing and well short redacted. Bathrooms on the opposite side of the building entrances.

  • 5/5 Brian J. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite a bit better than I would have ever expected. The interior courtyard is particularly nice on a cold day, with lovely orchids and other flowering plants. While you can do the entire gallery in one day, I would suggest spreading it out into two half days if you have the time.

  • 5/5 Steve 2 years ago on Google
    A great place to see some of the most interesting pieces of art in the country. It has a diverse amount of historic art work from many parts of history such as native American, modern, recent, and of course the boring old white people portraits. Overall it's a great museum, especially because you have the hallways that allow you to see into the different rooms with art. Highly recommend everyone check this out when in DC.

  • 5/5 Alex R. 4 months ago on Google
    One of my favorite museums. So many amazing artists, so much to see. Plan several hours to visit if you appreciate the art. This place will take your breath away.

  • 5/5 Kathy W. 2 years ago on Google
    Museum is really big and has so much to see. We spent a good amount of time at kogot courtyard which happens to have orchids displays. Beautiful and fun place for people of all ages. Parking was somewhat challenging but really worth the trip.

  • 5/5 Salsabil Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a beautiful museum. They have free entrance but I would suggest to make a donation even if it's just a dollar or some change. They have worked hard to keep the museum safe, clean and organized. The artwork represents what America is about and our diversity. I simply loved the experience in there.

  • 5/5 A M. 5 months ago on Google
    The art collection is eclectic. In every room, there is something unique and unexpected. I started with the portraits of "The America's Presidents" and from there wondered from room to room. It was an awesome learning time.

  • 5/5 NerdsMakeMedia 10 months ago on Google
    The 1898 exhibit is not to be missed. It is great to see the Smithsonian address our imperialism. Each country we invaded in 1898 gets it's own little gallery, and there is some exhibits on our crimes against the First Nations. The two museums are always worth a visit. The courtyard instantly relaxes the soul.

  • 5/5 Shannon S. 5 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Highly recommend! Visited on a Monday morning just after they opened, 11:30–1:30+. Very friendly staff, informative and helpful information desk assistant, and clean, bright, and beautiful inside. Exceptional and thought-provoking exhibits throughout. Definitely needed more time to see everything. They have a beautiful atrium with café between the two halves of the building, which but didn’t have time to visit it. So much art to experience between this and the American Art half. Third floor was beautifully renovated and recently re-opened! Easy to get to by metro using the nearby Gallery Place stop.

  • 5/5 Andi R. 5 months ago on Google
    I was here for a closed event and it was awesome. The atrium area was perfect for our gathering and we had access to a good portion of the gallery. There was so much to see. It is hard to imagine so many great pieces of American artwork in the same place. It is a lot more than just the presidential portraits.

  • 5/5 Emily Y. 7 months ago on Google
    Stopped by about 1.5 hrs before closing. If I knew the top floor had such neat design I would've started from the top and worked my way down! I really enjoyed all the landscape paintings.

  • 4/5 M J. 1 year ago on Google
    I really enjoyed the National Portrait Gallery which shares buildings with the American Art Museum (they each have a side on both buildings). The Hall of Presidents was excellent. I really enjoyed seeing the 2022 Potrait Contest and enjoyed voting for my favorite Portrait. There is a 50 year Anniversary exhibit for the Watergate Scandal and we almost visited on the actual anniversary so that was cool. There are a lot of different portraits of Americans on display and they are pretty randomly spread out between the rooms. All in all, expect to spend 1 1/2-2 hours at this part of the museum. I will say, some teens and kids who are not the most intellectually driven may find it boring as there are not interactive exhibits.

  • 5/5 Walter S. 7 months ago on Google
    This is a gem of a museum not far off the mall area, maybe a 10 - 15 minute walk from the Archives building. The National Portrait Gallery is only half the museum. The other half is the American Art Museum. Plan on spending at least 4 hours. Better yet take two days and spend 4 hours each. I always go here when in town. Besides all the great art, I love spending time in the middle courtyard with its large atrium. It is bright, relaxing, has food, and a great place to rest your body before seeing more art. If you stay till they close, walk two blocks and eat in Chinatown. I always do.

  • 4/5 Dee T. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a very nice gallery. Parking was confusing though and no one could help. I had a handicapped family member. The side on g Street was supposed to be an entrance for handicapped individuals, but parking was so bad we could not get her in there. We ended up just going in and getting a souvenir for the handicapped party on our trip because the only place we could park was in an area that was not the area for handicapped and they couldn't get up those steps. From the glances we were able to get, it was beautiful. I knew what the pictures looked like because I saw them online before we arrived. Shop is lacking in good assortment of souvenirs. I collect enamel pins and the only ones they had were of the Obamas. People would like more options that just those two pins. Only 2 keychains that did not directly say you were at the National portrait gallery. One was a paint pallet with a few colors on the pallet. Pretty but generic. The other was an impressionist painting. Pretty but would like more options. Overall, on okay visit. Not sure if I recommend for parties with disabled or handicapped parties.

  • 5/5 Raffaella De P. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful museum with classic but also modern art. We enjoyed the most beautiful paintings, sculptures and photos. The explanations of the art are extensive and interesting. We had lunch in the brightl atrium on the ground floor. There are 4 floors, and multiple elevators or stairs to easily reach them.

  • 5/5 EV U. 11 months ago on Google
    This is another museum in Washington I keep returning to after the National gallery of art and being free is an added bonus: 1. Plan in advance, check their website or maps here of what you want to see 2. The map is not as detailed of National Gallery of art museum for example but there are some great sections: the American artists of the early 20th century have some great paintings here with amazing details for example 3. The presidents section is also great and Clinton has a very interesting painting 4. Relax in their green area surrounded by plants and hopefully not having kids splashing water while parents only watched and filmed!!!!! Most surely we will return here.

  • 5/5 Drew M. 9 months ago on Google
    The presidential portraits were really cool to see, especially the early ones when they painted huge portraits with fancy gold frames. Each picture also has a short description about what the president accomplished and is known for, and about the painting itself. I really liked the one of Kennedy standing at his desk in the dark.


Call (202) 633-8300 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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