Magpie
5.0(22 reviews)

Smithsonian Art Museums Guided Tour

From$95.4
2 hours
Washington DC, USA

About this activity

Join a guided tour of the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum, featuring skip-the-line access and expert insights into American art and history.

Highlights

  • Explore the National Portrait Gallery
  • Discover American art at the Smithsonian
  • Skip-the-line access to top exhibits
  • Learn from an expert guide
  • Enjoy a small group experience

Full description

Dive into the rich tapestry of American art and history with our guided tour of the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Skip the lines and immerse yourself in iconic artworks, from presidential portraits to contemporary masterpieces. Led by an expert guide, you'll gain unique insights into the stories behind the art, all within a small group setting for a personalized experience. Don't miss this opportunity to explore two of Washington D.C.'s most esteemed institutions in a single, enriching tour.

Included / Excluded

  • Expert guide
  • Skip-the-line access
  • Small group experience
  • Food and beverages

Itinerary

1

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.

Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

National Portrait Gallery, 8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible; consider alternative arrangements if needed.
  • Food and beverages are not included; plan accordingly for meals or snacks.
  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing.
  • Bring a valid ID for entry into the museums.
  • Photography may be restricted in certain exhibit areas; please follow museum guidelines.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed
  • 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.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!

Traveler reviews

5.0
22 reviews
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22
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Annemarie is a superb guide!

Annemarie is incredibly knowledgeable and super professional. We highly recommend this tour.

NorthStar35820196724May 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fabulous interesting tour

Very knowledgeable and interesting guide yet responsive and open to comments.

384raphaelkMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Super impressive guide!

Annemarie is a superb guide. Her knowledge of art, history, politics and DC is impressive. She’s super professional and a wonderful storyteller.

NorthStar35820196724May 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Tour with Annmarie Voss

Annemarie Voss was an excellent tour guide. She did a private tour for us and tailored the tour to our interest. Her stories were very engaging and interactive. She answered all of our questions and continued until we simply could not absorb any more information.

K2728IQericbMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great venue

This is an excellent place to visit that may not be on the radar of many first time visitors. It should be. Beautiful art I mixed with American history. Best seen with a guide unless you have a couple of days to experience it on your own.

K4278YVstevehMay 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code) A maximum of 8 people permitted per tour allowed 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. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!
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