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Top Art museums in Washington, United States
Top Rated Art museums in Washington
Smithsonian American Art Museum
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - Washington DC
Smithsonian American Art Museum
National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Rubell Museum DC
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
National Museum of Asian Art
National Museum of Asian Art
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
Top Reviewed Art museums in Washington
National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art
National Portrait Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
National Museum of the American Indian
Hirshhorn Museum
Hirshhorn Museum
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience - Washington DC
ARTECHOUSE DC
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Dumbarton Oaks Museum
Hirshhorn Museum
Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
National Museum of the American Indian
National Portrait Gallery
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Rubell Museum DC
Art Museum of the Americas
The Kreeger Museum
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of Asian Art
Reviews
When I visited Washington with my family, we also visited the National Gallery of Art. Of course, only a part, because it is not possible to capture everything that can be seen in a few hours. A few days of intensive sightseeing and study would definitely be necessary. Magnificent.
Excellent exhibit for those that love Ancient Asian Art History (Asian Art History Before the Renesaince).
I especially loved the Neolithic exhibit room. The Jade craftsmanship was amazing. I good exhibit for art during the peak of the Silk Road with a room to my favorite dynasty, which was also one of the few Epoch Dynasties, which is the Song or Tong Dynasty. I only wish they had more Southern Song pieces. The Northern Song Dynasty was the epoch dynasty as it is the dynasty that united China. The Southern Song Dynasty was when enough neighboring Mongolian nations got together and defeated the Song Dynasty, causing them to flee and make a new capital in southern China, thus beginning the Southern Song Dynasty. This reflects in the art of the artist difference between the northern and southern Song or Tong Dynasties.
I especially loved the Neolithic exhibit room. The Jade craftsmanship was amazing. I good exhibit for art during the peak of the Silk Road with a room to my favorite dynasty, which was also one of the few Epoch Dynasties, which is the Song or Tong Dynasty. I only wish they had more Southern Song pieces. The Northern Song Dynasty was the epoch dynasty as it is the dynasty that united China. The Southern Song Dynasty was when enough neighboring Mongolian nations got together and defeated the Song Dynasty, causing them to flee and make a new capital in southern China, thus beginning the Southern Song Dynasty. This reflects in the art of the artist difference between the northern and southern Song or Tong Dynasties.
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.
This was a beautiful art museum! The place is free and wasn’t super crowded. The artwork had interesting descriptions and the staff was cool too.
Beautiful museum. My kids enjoyed it very much and didn't complain throughout the whole time. The gift shop had prices not too expensive unlike some museums I've come across. I recommend taking your family with you.
This should be required viewing. Excellent exhibits both older and new. Does not sugar coat the stories inside. Some positive, some heartbreaking. Beautifully displayed in a gorgeous modern building that pays homage to Native American cultures. Modern museum designs showcase exhibits in a new way, refreshing museum designs. You can be done in an hour or you can spend the whole day. And it’s free to the public. GO HERE.
Like all Smithsonians, it is excellent and free. They feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary African art. The collections are a bit smaller than many other Smithsonians, so it may take you only a few hours to go through. The museum shop is excellent. I particularly liked the beadwork. One annoyance was that some of their exhibits asked you to scan a QR code to get the explanation. Fortunately, most of the exhibits still had signs. Hopefully, this isn't where the Smithsonians are headed. I don't want to have to break out my phone while exploring the museum.
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.
The National Museum of the American Indian is a great place to learn about the rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts, from ancient pottery to contemporary art, and its exhibits are well-curated and informative.
One of the things I appreciated most about the museum is its focus on telling the stories of Native Americans from their own perspective. The exhibits are not afraid to address difficult topics, such as the history of colonialism and forced assimilation. However, the museum also celebrates the resilience and strength of Native American cultures.
I would recommend spending at least 1-2 hours at the museum, depending on how much time you want to spend in each exhibit. There are also a number of special events and programs that are offered throughout the year, so be sure to check the museum's website for upcoming events.
Overall, I thought the National Museum of the American Indian was a great experience. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Native Americans. One thing I always love checking out is the movie 🎥 you see on the 4th floor. Right now it's being renovated as of Aug 7, 2023.
One of the things I appreciated most about the museum is its focus on telling the stories of Native Americans from their own perspective. The exhibits are not afraid to address difficult topics, such as the history of colonialism and forced assimilation. However, the museum also celebrates the resilience and strength of Native American cultures.
I would recommend spending at least 1-2 hours at the museum, depending on how much time you want to spend in each exhibit. There are also a number of special events and programs that are offered throughout the year, so be sure to check the museum's website for upcoming events.
Overall, I thought the National Museum of the American Indian was a great experience. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Native Americans. One thing I always love checking out is the movie 🎥 you see on the 4th floor. Right now it's being renovated as of Aug 7, 2023.
Beautiful museum that feels like a rich person’s masion. Love the sculpture pieces that’s outdoor makes it feel super inclusive. The entrance was only $10 and there is free parking though it gets full often.
This was a great experience for my kids. It opened their eyes to a new world. They were able to distinguish between the different styles, eras and artists. I will really recommend this for any parent or anyone interested in art.
Wonderful collection of art from Asia and also a neat Egyptian exhibit. There are some pretty old works here, including some from the Neolithic period! The museum is on the smaller side but has plenty of fascinating exhibits ranging from wood-carved sculptures to ink paintings. I recommend checking it out.
Small, you'll spend ~1 hr here. You will find many genuinely incredible pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and others. There are free roaming guides you can walk up to and ask questions. Walk-in entry is $10, discounts available. Well worth visiting.
This museum itself looks like a work of art. Even though it appears quite large from the outside, I managed to finish viewing all the exhibitions in about 1 hour. The artworks on display mostly leaned towards modern styles, and as someone without much artistic background, I didn't fully understand some pieces, but overall, it was a great experience.
Initially, I wanted to check it out just to see what this museum had to offer. We ended up being there for over two hours. It was extremely interesting with beautiful art. Sam, the curator, gave us a tour about the lower area of the exhibits. I'm glad to see that some exhibits that once contained items are now empty. The pieces were rightfully returned to their people and countries in Africa.
A fun museum of modern art, smaller than the other Smithsonians. Visiting probably takes less than a day. Like all the others, it is free. Just a warning, the collection is entirely, relentlessly modern, so if that isn't an aesthetic you enjoy, you might want to consider some other destination. It probably also won't be high on the list if you're trying to do the standard dc patriotic circuit. The architecture of the building and the surrounding gardens and sculptures contribute wonderfully to the impact of a visit. Too bad the main sculpture garden has been under repair for so long.
Wonderful exhibit of Asian art. I only saw the Japanese in Chinese exhibits but there are many more to see. If you want to see the whole museum plan on several days.
Pay what you can when you enter. Beautiful work, beautiful historic school turned art gallery. I stood in front of the giant Kehinde Wiley piece for a while and just marveled at it. The building is full of Black, Native, LGBTQ artists and art that everyone should see. Maybe don't bring young kids to the basement level though, there is some... dark stuff down there. Got a nice iced coffee on my way out. Loved the experience!
We've wanted to go to this museum for a long time, but we've only just been able to go. We will go again, especially since we couldn't catch the butterfly section. other chapters human history, diversity of animals, visual effects were very good. skeletons of dinosaurs and models of animals were superb. It is necessary to come early in the morning.
Rude security officer and not much art
Dangerously low rail that you wouldn't stop you from falling over to your death. Security officer said that they were closing soon when it was 3:59pm but Google Maps says that it doesn't close until 5:00pm. I guess he just wanted to leave early.
Dangerously low rail that you wouldn't stop you from falling over to your death. Security officer said that they were closing soon when it was 3:59pm but Google Maps says that it doesn't close until 5:00pm. I guess he just wanted to leave early.
Great museum. It’s not too large so you don’t need too much time to see the whole thing. I came on a Saturday in July and it was not at all busy. Best exhibit here is the display of ancient Chinese jade. And of course it’s free time enter. 5/5.
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.
Amazing art gallery. The outside sculpture gardens are worth the visit alone. The architecture of the building is so unique and leads to interesting displays. We caught the last day of the Yayoi Kusama infinite displays for 2023 and it was so cool especially the dark one with the lights. Rest of the gallery had some cool stuff especially Laurie Anderson's Four Talks.
The National Gallery of Art is certainly a must-see on any trip to DC. It took us about 3 - 4 hours or so to see both the east and west buildings. We went on a weekend and it wasn't incredibly busy -- it was comfortable enough to stop and see everything without it being crowded. The pieces of art were absolutely stunning! I specifically enjoyed the Dutch 17th Century paintings -- interesting to see the detail that went into this work, even being several hundreds of years old. It says a lot about humanity and what has been accomplished. Overall, I would absolutely recommend a visit to anyone in the DC area.
My husband and I were hanging out in downtown DC for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which unfortunately ended early due to weather; so we decided to visit this museum since it was one we had not visited yet. I was really taken in by the waterfall display as we approached the building entrance. Looking back, I should have taken a photo or video of it as we entered because it was raining hard when we left a few hours later. Next time. The museum is easy to enter, the staff are friendly and helpful. We looked at the exhibits on every floor, walking our way to the top via the large stairwell overlooking the first floor atrium. There are also elevators. The exhibits ranged from modern art work to historical items. The experience is as immersive as I have come to expect from the Smithsonian Institute. Very well thought out flow to the exhibits. I was very moved by some of the exhibits and definitely left more educated. My husband and I had great conversations on our way home about this aspect of US history and I look forward to learning more about how I can do my part to strengthen the voice of Native Americans. The museum store on the second floor has a lot of great products to choose from as well. I appreciated the inclusion of native artist merchandise. Thank you again for a great experience!
An extraordinary museum. Carefully curated and set in a stunning building. The galleries mix art from the Native Peoples with a profound telling of the relationship between the United States and the Native Nations. While I knew the general shape of the story, seeing the details of the treaties and how they were repeatedly broken is a deeply moving experience. To see the explicit policy of extermination of the native people undertaken by the first governor of California is shocking. This museum is a must-visit when you are in Washington.
Visiting the Buddha Room provided a serene and calming experience which alone is worth the visit. For those who appreciate ancient sculptures (dating back to 2000+ BCE), there are abundant beautiful pieces to admire. The whole place exudes a wonderful and positive energy.
Incredible museum with traditional pieces to contemporary vibrant artwork, sculptures, and interactive exhibits. We liked how spacious the facility is, and we can't believe it was not busy, a museum of this caliber would be packed in other major cities. The basement level has an underground connecting tunnel to the Asian museum, we liked the convenience, and it's an easy way to see 2 impressive museums.
This is truly one of the must-see museums in all of Washington. I visited this past 4th of July holiday, and I was blown away by all the fantastic exhibits that they have on display. A person would need two visits in order to see everything. This museum, which is under construction, is very large and well maintained. Security can be very strict, which is understandable. This place has a lot of pieces from well-known artists. They also have several cafes and gift shops to check out during your visit. Overall, if you are an art lover, then I recommend checking this place out. It is absolutely spectacular and the price of admission is even better.....free.
Make sure you check out the incredible current exhibit "From The Deep" and the African Movement class happening the first 3 Saturdays of July, August and September - such a great way to start the weekend. A bit of dance, a bit of art and then we headed out for brunch!!
The Rubell Museum DC is a hidden gem in the city's art scene. Housed in a beautifully renovated former school building, it offers free admission for DC residents, making it accessible to all. The eclectic collection of works is a testament to the curators' vision, featuring a diverse range of modern art. From paintings to sculptures and installations, each piece captivates and sparks contemplation. The museum's layout is thoughtful, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The staff is knowledgeable and passionate, providing valuable insights into the artwork. Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply curious, the Rubell Museum DC is a must-visit destination, offering a unique and enriching cultural experience.
I always love popping in here for a quick visit whenever they get a new gallery. This one was so gorgeous with a lot of different meaningful exhibits of a wide variety of mediums. Entrance is free and they also have bathrooms and a gift shop. Came here on a Sunday and it was not too crowded
There was obviously some great art here, but I was fascinated with the building as well. It’s beautiful and there is history with President Lincoln, his second inaugural ball was held here.
Great place to enjoy some quality time if you're an Art lover. There's a nice Cafe and relaxing area inside as well.
To be honest I expected a better experience. You don’t know where to start, is there a permanent exhibition or only temporary ones? You can’t get a map except online. Lots of exhibitions implying reading rather than just watching. I guess it’s not easy with so many tribes and groups spread from Canada to South America.
The introductory speech is great, I wish I had asked more questions on what there is to see.
Great cafeteria and shop.
The introductory speech is great, I wish I had asked more questions on what there is to see.
Great cafeteria and shop.
A surprisingly well-curated museum that has rotating exhibits that are so interesting and interactive. All the art pieces are well-explained and well-documented. Since it is a Smithsonian Museum, it is free to enter.
It is a smaller museum with two levels. It is air-conditioned, has bathrooms, and there is a bag check at the door.
Recommend stopping on the second level to lie on one's back and marvel at the sculpture overhead.
It is a smaller museum with two levels. It is air-conditioned, has bathrooms, and there is a bag check at the door.
Recommend stopping on the second level to lie on one's back and marvel at the sculpture overhead.
One of the best art museums in the nation- with so many beautiful pieces of art from statues, to drawings, and paintings. The entire day was spent here admiring the beautiful pieces of art and there was such a wonderful variety of styles. Would 100% recommend if you are in the DC area.
Fantastic art museum. I didn’t expect it, but they a wonderful exhibit on northern renaissance painters. The highlight of the museum is easily Thomas Cole’s The Voyage of Life set. I came on a Saturday before the Fourth of July and it had some people inside, but to my surprise it was not overly busy. 5/5.
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.
Wonderful and magical place where you can enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful paintings and pieces of art, by the biggest artists throughout the history. So worth visiting. They also have nice museum shop and restaurant. Free admission, which is really nice. You don’t have an excuse not to visit! Enjoy :-)
As an Asian going to this museum, not impressed and disappointed… underrepresentation of Asian culture. Most of the exhibits here are Chinese art and I only saw a very small section for other countries as Japan and Thailand. I would like to see more diverse countries such as Indian, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and others’ art and artifacts here in the future. Not worth visiting and a waste of time. The item in the gift shop aren’t very unique either. You should see the African Art Museum instead and let me tell you it is way better.
This museum is filled with tons of colourful and unique art involving recycling old items. The free admission here is very nice. There are three different sublevels with each one having a different theme you can check out. Personally, my favourite art piece here was the ring made out of gasoline cans. The gift shop also had a huge variety of souvenirs made in Africa at a good price. I am glad I checked this place out and you definitely should too! Highly recommend!
Wonderful small museum with a nice collection of Pre-Columbian and Byzantine artifacts. Friendly staff. Price is right (free).
An incredibly well curated museum with rotating exhibits. Security will THOROUGHLY check your bag so try to have all the pockets/bags ready to present. The exhibit right now focuses on indigenous people and is well worth a visit. Also they have one of the best gift shops!
Great learning experience. There are four floors, with the first main being entry and cafeteria/Cafe areas. We began the tour on the fourth floor and worked our way down.
The museum attempts to walk a fine line between presenting the sad history of abuse, maltreatment and deceit suffered by the American Indian and conveying a hope for a better future. But it is a sad history and I am glad that the curators did a great job of presenting it. Lest we forget.
One thing that made me very happy is that in several places, mainly on the first and second floor, there were artifacts and examples of Amerindian cultures rom Mexico and South America. This museum is primarily for the indigenous peoples of the United States of America, but, in my humble opinion, we need to remember that indigenous peoples from Canada, Central and South America are also American Indians.
We spent about six hours there, and it was worth it.
The food was good. Expensive, but good. We recommend the hanger steak and the bison burger.
The museum attempts to walk a fine line between presenting the sad history of abuse, maltreatment and deceit suffered by the American Indian and conveying a hope for a better future. But it is a sad history and I am glad that the curators did a great job of presenting it. Lest we forget.
One thing that made me very happy is that in several places, mainly on the first and second floor, there were artifacts and examples of Amerindian cultures rom Mexico and South America. This museum is primarily for the indigenous peoples of the United States of America, but, in my humble opinion, we need to remember that indigenous peoples from Canada, Central and South America are also American Indians.
We spent about six hours there, and it was worth it.
The food was good. Expensive, but good. We recommend the hanger steak and the bison burger.
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.
Fantastic museum that wasn’t overly busy for a Saturday. The folk art exhibit on the first floor is incredible. One of my favorite exhibits I’ve seen. 5/5.
Beautiful museum. The tapestry to share memories was a nice touch and the black and white photos…nostalgic. The gift store is a must visit.
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.
The gallery was simply beautiful. There were so many creative and diverse works of art. The main room with the flowing net drapes and lights were the best part! Spent several hours here.
Realistically, if you're going to be in Washington D.C. it is an absolute to visit the Smithsonian Museums, particularly the American Art Museum. With the museum’s educational enrichment, it is an experience for the whole family to engage with history and ignite imaginations of all ages. Though the collections vary from American artists to World Class Masters, the artwork captures the vast cultural influences from around the world. This obviously is the collections of the finest order America has accumulated. From Von Gogh, to Monet to a vast arrange of time periods and stylizations to explore. The Smithsonian American Art Museum is well worth your time.
An incredible museum - the MesoAmerican collection is fantastic. Highly recommend. Wish we had more time to spend in the garden. Lookin forward to coming back!
Small quaint and tucked away beautifully !! Some Monets and Van Goghs were on display. Totally recommend going !!!
Most museums with serious collections all seem to suffer from overcrowding, and the inability to get a close up look at the art. The Kreeger museum is the exact opposite. There were no crowds, and the majority of the paintings and sculptures have no ropes around them. I was allowed to get within inches of works by Picasso, Chagall, Monet, just to name a few. Once you step outside, the architecture is amazing, and the sculptures by Noguchi, Arp, Brzezinski are scattered thoughtfully around the property, inviting you to wander and explore both the manicured and wooded grounds. DC is a city awash in museums, but none of them will give you the personal experience of the Kreeger.
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.
A museum might not be the first place you think of when it comes to wedding venues, but a great location like Kreeger Museum is well worth checking out. The main indoor ceremony space is a perfect spot for an intimate wedding ceremony. The hardwood floors are lovely and give the room a warm feel, the huge windows on both ends of the space let in lots of light but the curtains ensure that it's soft and even, and the artwork hanging on the walls adds a touch of class and elegance. Perhaps the best part of a wedding at Kreeger Museum, though, is the chance to do your wedding portraits near the installations outside. Though you and your wedding photographers need to be careful not to touch any of the art, they can be used to create some really unique, one-of-a-kind portraits!
Learning about our past contributes to a better future. I'm glad the museum does not downplay the native people's horrible treatment. There are lots of cool artifacts. Lots of information on treaties and the different tribes. There are some statues and a war memorial outside. Another DC must visit. I went on a Friday at 10 am. It wasn't too crowded but had a decent amount of people.
The From the Deep: In the Wake of Drexciya with Ayana V. Jackson exhibit is so interactive and amazing. The Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits are so vibrant and beautiful. This museum is a must from the top to the bottom. The gift ship has lots if made in Africa products. I went on a Friday around 1pm. Was not too busy. Was easily enjoyed.
The best museum we saw all week! It’s a much smaller, quieter little spot to spend an hour or so. So many works of art from across the country with great descriptions and stories. We were blown away with the variety and the storytelling. Definitely a good addition to your trip itinerary.
Interesting spot to walk around. Definitely enjoyed the exhibits. Took about an hour to walk around, not including the one exhibit that required timed passes. Was disappointed that timed passes weren’t advertised well, because that exhibit was my main point of interest. That’s on me though, I should have looked more closely. I just don’t understand how you only have one exhibit require timed advanced day tickets but not the rest of the museum. Some spots of the museum felt sparse, but overall, it was a lovely visit.
Relatively small and lightly attended museum just a block off Constitution Ave. Interesting Mayan inspired courtyard.
This is a small museum but wow, it had some amazing exhibitions. Highly recommended.
The National Museum of the American Indian is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Native American culture and history. Located in Washington D.C., the museum's stunning architecture, featuring curving limestone walls and a sweeping, copper-clad roof, is a testament to the artistry of Native American design.
Inside, visitors will find an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of Native American people from across the Americas. From intricately woven baskets and textiles to ancient stone tools and weapons, the museum's exhibits are both educational and awe-inspiring.
One of the museum's most impressive features is the emphasis on Native American voices and perspectives. Visitors can engage with videos and interactive exhibits that explore the stories, traditions, and contemporary experiences of Native American people, providing a nuanced and multifaceted view of their history and culture.
Overall, the National Museum of the American Indian is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about the rich and diverse cultures of Native American peoples. Its stunning architecture, extensive collections, and commitment to Native American perspectives make it a standout institution in the world of museums.
Inside, visitors will find an extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits that showcase the diverse cultures and traditions of Native American people from across the Americas. From intricately woven baskets and textiles to ancient stone tools and weapons, the museum's exhibits are both educational and awe-inspiring.
One of the museum's most impressive features is the emphasis on Native American voices and perspectives. Visitors can engage with videos and interactive exhibits that explore the stories, traditions, and contemporary experiences of Native American people, providing a nuanced and multifaceted view of their history and culture.
Overall, the National Museum of the American Indian is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about the rich and diverse cultures of Native American peoples. Its stunning architecture, extensive collections, and commitment to Native American perspectives make it a standout institution in the world of museums.
950 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20560
Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
Washington, D.C. 20560
Open every day 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission is free.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the nation's largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.
The Washington DC-based Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art (NMAfA) removed 18 Benin Bronzes from display because they were looted by the British colonialists from the now lost Kingdom of Benin.
This was such a waste of time. We saw the reviews and pics of what others saw, but none of that was in the museum this time. We love art museums and have visited most of the others in the city, both big and small museums. Sadly, this one was a huge let down and it only took us 5-10 mins to walk the gallery. My husband was very let down and we even heard another guest say it was the worst one they've been in. They make you sign in, which no other museum in the area does, very odd. They also make you hang your small backpacks on a hook at the front door and the only thing keeping someone from stealing it is the security guy who may or may not remember that it was your bag should someone decide to grab it 🤷♀️. At least offer secure lockers or a coat/bag check if you'll require it to not be in the gallery. I guess they don't have enough visitors for that to be an issue.
Super nice art museum! Great for a date spot. Small enough you’ll want to go slow, not large enough that there is plenty to see. The front door is a bit hard to locate with no sign. Would recommend!
Bonus: if you are a DC resident, the museum is free with ID!
Bonus: if you are a DC resident, the museum is free with ID!
A stunning museum. The collection of pre-Colombian artefacts is beautifully displayed in a modern and imaginative space. The Music Room is a sensation of design and decoration - my jaw literally dropped when I walked in. And it is free! Definitely worth the little trip to Georgetown (bus 33 from Foggy Bottom drops you 5 minutes away)
An interesting little art museum featuring Latin American art in a building with very nice architecture. The museum is obviously smaller than the surrounding Smithsonians, but the collection is nicely themed. It is a shame it is such a long distance from the nearest metro. I don't think I would recommend it for someone with limited time to spend in dc, given the other options, but if you live here it's definitely a nice stop.
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.
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.
Amazing experience ! The art work is incredible. I am not a geek about art nor I understand art. But it was an amazing experience. The contemporary photographer was like never seen before. The four talk room was an eye opener, there were so many messages to the new world that we live in and portrayed in such a beautiful way. A must visit museum in DC and it’s free. We missed the show because we didn’t know we had to buy the tickets - which is free though. Next time we will make sure we get the tickets and see the show.
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.
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.
Ive been trying to come to the Rubell since it opened and the wait was worth it. The museum is an adapted high school that Marvin Gaye attended, and the entire musuem is curated around his song "what's going on"
I love how the school has been lovingly restored and is just as much on display as tnt art works. Speaking of, the curators are masters of their work! Each peice is carefully exhibited and hung to best display the art. 10/10 will definitely come back and you should too.
Heads up you have to grab a timed ticket so don't just pop up at the musuem.
Three of my all time favorite artists have works here and i was pleasantly surprised! I wont post pics of the art because i don't want to spoil it for you. But I've posted pictures of the exhibition texts.
I love how the school has been lovingly restored and is just as much on display as tnt art works. Speaking of, the curators are masters of their work! Each peice is carefully exhibited and hung to best display the art. 10/10 will definitely come back and you should too.
Heads up you have to grab a timed ticket so don't just pop up at the musuem.
Three of my all time favorite artists have works here and i was pleasantly surprised! I wont post pics of the art because i don't want to spoil it for you. But I've posted pictures of the exhibition texts.
Nice collection of variety of pieces, Van Gogh, Arshil Gorky, Monet, Picaso, Paul Cezaane and etc.
The museum is free (except for paid tickets to special exhibits, which we did not venture into). They had a wide variety of modern art. It was very interesting, and we spent several hours taking it all in- it is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside! Not all the exhibits are the most family-friendly because they deal with some adult themes/serious themes.
Free museum with relics from ancient America's and Egyt, plan 30min - 1 hour. The real highlight though is the gardens (separate entrance with a fee (must prepurchase tickets online) from Spring - Fall)
It’s my top top best place to be and visit. I love how much variety of plants and flowers they have. The staff are super welcoming and it’s just a really spectacular place to visit.
The place were amazing. I could learn American history by seeing portraits. I really enjoy American Impressionism. I really love. Enter is free so I saw few student was writing dessin there. People love staying place. Amazing.
I had a pleasant visit to the Rubell Museum in DC. The exhibition spaces were well-designed, and it's a bonus that admission is free for DC residents. Keep in mind that if you bring a backpack, you'll need to use one of their free lockers. Overall, it's a great experience that I'd recommend to both locals and visitors alike!
Our guide was so knowledgeable and his appreciation of the gardens was obvious. The progression of the garden rooms goes from formal English to Italianate palazzo. The mastery of Farrand to trick the eye with vanishing points makes the gardens appear larger. Since I visited in March, the magnolias, hellebores, cherry blossoms, forsythia, snowdrops and daffodils were in bloom. I can only imagine the visual and auditory effects when the multiple fountains are in operation.
Great museum in 2 buildings. Was thankfully not overly crowded and very spacious. We spent a good 2 hours seeing the exhibits including the Peacock Room. It's got a lovely formal Moon Gate garden behind it as well. Go through the bushes or you'll miss it
My favorite museum in DC (and visited all of them when I lived there 2016/17). I love it because it is perfectly curated, not crowded, and both space and art feel authentic. Innovative art and crafts focusing on American artists. It is small. If you are a reader like me, budget 1.5 to 2 hours. If not, you can probably see everything in 30 min. Make sure to budget some time to lay on the carpet and enjoy the installation on the upper floor; it is transcendent. While much of the museum peices displayed changed in the last 5 years, a few, including the top floor installation, have not.
I can't believe I lived in the area for years and haven't been here before.
This is an incredible museum with so many interesting pieces, from furniture, to pottery, to modern art and so much more. And, it's free?!
There are so many pieces that I would initially find visually interesting. Then, I'd read the context and story behind the artist's intention, and the piece got a million times more interesting.
I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy but not too crowded or noisy. I noticed a lot of younger folks there and everyone there was super stylish and seemed super hip. So, it seemed like a great place for a date! A lot of talking points and interesting pieces.
This is an incredible museum with so many interesting pieces, from furniture, to pottery, to modern art and so much more. And, it's free?!
There are so many pieces that I would initially find visually interesting. Then, I'd read the context and story behind the artist's intention, and the piece got a million times more interesting.
I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy but not too crowded or noisy. I noticed a lot of younger folks there and everyone there was super stylish and seemed super hip. So, it seemed like a great place for a date! A lot of talking points and interesting pieces.
An amazing art museum that really made you *feel* the art and the emotions they bring up. I recommend the 12.30 free tour as you learn a lot more than just personally viewing. The special exhibits require free tickets do to space. They are released the day before at 12pm online. So plan in advance or you'll have to come another day foe the special exhibit, like me. There's a simple cafe and great gift shop and some kids activities as well.
We went during the winter season, so many of the buildings were closed and aquatic features off. It was still spectacularly beautiful. There are spring flowers popping up all over the perfectly manicured gardens. Bring your walking shoes and a bottle of water so you can fully enjoy the large estate.
Kreeger Museum is a pretty small, but decent private museum, very pretty nice collection of Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Moro, etc.
The outdoor sculpture garden is a bit tiny, but is also a good walk. Overall, it’s a cozy, casual museum that will take <1hr to visit, making it a pretty nice weekend visit location.
They also have monthly jazz event, which is really nice!
The outdoor sculpture garden is a bit tiny, but is also a good walk. Overall, it’s a cozy, casual museum that will take <1hr to visit, making it a pretty nice weekend visit location.
They also have monthly jazz event, which is really nice!
A thought-provoking and well laid out gallery in the heart of Southwest DC. They're exhibits ranging from grandiose and spectacular to disturbing and somber, and all points in between. The art is staged throughout the gallery on three floors including a below ground level. For the less agile there are elevators to take you throughout the building. We really enjoyed our time spent here!
Awesome if you have family , black white brown Asian, please go it's very educational . It was MARVIN GAYE OLD school. I really enjoyed my self touring WITH THE HOUSE WIVES OF BETHESDA .
Really fun modern art museum for adults (wouldn’t bring kids to see some of the installations). It is free for DC residents and you’re ticket is good for anytime on the day you pick, which makes it very easy to plan around. The whole museum took us about an hour to an hour and a half to walk though. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something fun and free to do on a weekend!
Beautiful. A lot to see, little confusing, did not flow well for route, many areas created a jam up of people. Map was provided, route not suggested, lots of staff, but many did not convey a feeling of being approachable - more like guards. Loved the landscape art and statues. Glad we were able to spend time there, will be back when not as crowded. They encourage photos, which is fantastic. Love that there is NO FEE!
The Kreeger Museum in Washington, D.C. is a hidden gem, a stunning and unique venue that is perfect for a wedding. Located in the heart of the city, the museum boasts a grand mansion with sweeping lawns and beautiful gardens.
The mansion itself is a true architectural masterpiece, with modernist lines and grand, spacious rooms. It's the perfect setting for a ceremony, or reception, with space for up to 300 guests. The museum's lush gardens are also the perfect place for an intimate ceremony, with their winding paths and charming gazebos.
But the Kreeger Museum is more than just a venue – it's also a place of art and culture. The mansion was once the home of David and Carmen Kreeger, two art collectors who filled their home with works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Today, the museum's collection includes works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall. ig @iamthesam
The mansion itself is a true architectural masterpiece, with modernist lines and grand, spacious rooms. It's the perfect setting for a ceremony, or reception, with space for up to 300 guests. The museum's lush gardens are also the perfect place for an intimate ceremony, with their winding paths and charming gazebos.
But the Kreeger Museum is more than just a venue – it's also a place of art and culture. The mansion was once the home of David and Carmen Kreeger, two art collectors who filled their home with works by some of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Today, the museum's collection includes works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marc Chagall. ig @iamthesam
Great museum and stunning garden! The museum, which has an amazing collection of Byzantine art, is free to enter. You have to reserve tickets for the garden ahead of time, but it’s a must-see! I’ve been several times in the Fall, Winter, and Spring and it was beautiful in all seasons!
Must visit museum! It's a smaller galley but that happens to be a benefit. Visited this weekend and had the entire space to myself. Features art from north, south, and central Americas all nestled in a beautiful older building.
What an oasis! This is a very small museum. It feels more like a gallery space. There is $5 donation if you want, but it is free. The building is charming and I am guessing it was once a beautiful home.
We truly loved Geandy Pavon's work. She is truly a talented artist. I especially enjoyed the tiled enclosed patio with the wall of windows looking out towards the garden.
If you want a experience a small museum and don't have a lot of time, the Art Museum of the Americas is a perfect escape from the city and for one to enjoy art.
We truly loved Geandy Pavon's work. She is truly a talented artist. I especially enjoyed the tiled enclosed patio with the wall of windows looking out towards the garden.
If you want a experience a small museum and don't have a lot of time, the Art Museum of the Americas is a perfect escape from the city and for one to enjoy art.
The museum's exterior is currently under renovation but it is open to visitors and the exhibits, especially Laurie Anderson's "The Weather" & Mark Bradford's "Pickett's Charge" are awesome!
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.
I love a good museum, but this one is one that's safe to miss in DC:
1) It's VERY small. There are only two floors to it and the art isn't the best in DC.
2) They take suggested donations, so it does cost unless you want to feel guilty as the museum workers stare you down if you don't pay.
Pluses:
1) One of the rooms is beautiful with its blue walls and cool architecture.
2) The back of the museum is great with a beautiful fountain. It would be a great place to rent for an event!
1) It's VERY small. There are only two floors to it and the art isn't the best in DC.
2) They take suggested donations, so it does cost unless you want to feel guilty as the museum workers stare you down if you don't pay.
Pluses:
1) One of the rooms is beautiful with its blue walls and cool architecture.
2) The back of the museum is great with a beautiful fountain. It would be a great place to rent for an event!