Smithsonian Art Museums Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the National Portrait Gallery
- Discover American Art Museum's masterpieces
- Skip-the-line access to exhibits
- Engage with expert art historians
- Personalized tour experience
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Expert guide
- Skip-the-line access
- Personalized tour experience
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Once a Civil War Era hospital, this building has featured art exhibits as early as 1829. Poet Walt Whitman tended to wounded soldiers here, commemorated by a portrait hanging here today in the National Portrait Gallery. Other portraits recall the great women and men who shaped the United States. Presidential portraits, as well as those of the first ladies, trace a long lineage of famous leaders. Civil War figures, like Grant and Sherman, recall a more turbulent time in the nation’s history. An eclectic mix of paintings and photographs, as well as 19th century daguerreotypes, recall the Robber Barons, the Suffragettes, and various other individuals throughout the US’s short but remarkable past. Within the American Art Museum, appreciate scenes by American artists like Mary Cassatt, who took part in the Impressionist movement. Fast-forward to Georgia O'Keeffe and her provocative flowers. Learn about the photographs commissioned by the government during the Great Depression as well as the curious portrait of former president Obama. Discover famous artists like Edward Hopper and David Hockney before moving on to more experimental and contemporary art that will need a bit of explaining to understand how this all fits into America’s very unique story.
Meeting point
Start Location
National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour time and meeting location upon booking.
- Inform the provider of any special interests or requests in advance.
- Be aware that the tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for museum exploration.
- Bring a camera to capture the art and architecture.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for any outdoor segments.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Notes: National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Traveler reviews
Our tour of the National...
Our tour of the National Portrait Gallery was outstanding. Annemarie had so much history to share about the architecture and the art including details of Lincoln's Inaugural Ball that was held there! We were guided through the portraits of our Presidents, including the unique qualities of each one. Annemarie has so much knowledge to share about the many works of art in the gallery. We had such a great experience that was so much more memorable than if we had just walked through on our own. We would recommend this tour to any of our friends and Annemarie was amazing!
Great information and responsive to our questions and interests Highly recommend Annemarie.
We got great information from our guide. She was responsive to our questions and interests. We received information that we had not heard or read previously. We highly recommend Annmarie.
Great Your Guide
Stephen was just great, knowledgeable and interesting, we were the only ones on the tour and it would have been nice to have an opportunity to go to some areas of greater interest. Well worth the money and just a beautiful museum, free as well.
A whirlwind of knowledge in a few short hours...
Aside from having a cold, I had a great time with my guide Annamarie. She was very knowledgeable and kept our small group engaged. And I even learned a thing or two. Thanks again.
Well worth the $
I had Rebecca and she was terrific- illuminating and enjoyable. It’s the only way to do a tour and to know what you are seeing- I really loved it!