Part of the Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery displays portraits of famous Americans. The gallery began with Charles Willson Peale's private collection of portraits, formerly called American Pantheon or Peale's Collection of Portraits of American Patriots. Since the gallery's inception in the 1960s, the collection has grown exponentially with acquisitions from around the world and a triennial portrait competition. Be sure to visit the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, an architectural marvel with a glass roof. Make National Portrait Gallery a part of your Washington DC vacation plans using our Washington DC trip itinerary planner.
National Portrait Gallery reviews
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I am not an avid l art lover but this place is amazing. Like all the Smithsonian's, it is free and it was not crowded at all. The place is huge and has thousands of paintings. I am not...
I am not an avid l art lover but this place is amazing. Like all the Smithsonian's, it is free and it was not crowded at all. The place is huge and has thousands of paintings. I am not... more »
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This is still one of the best places to visit in town, and very popular. Special exhibits on now include American entertainers and sports people, in addition to the great artwork and president's...
This is still one of the best places to visit in town, and very popular. Special exhibits on now include American entertainers and sports people, in addition to the great artwork and president's... more »
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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.
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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.
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