National Portrait Gallery

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!

Don't miss out on this hidden gem! Located a few blocks away from Smithsonian row, this muesum is not overwhelmed with tourists.You might expect the galleries to be full of oil canvases featuring the founding founders painted in the style of the Dutch Masters, but the gallery offers so much more than that. There are rich, vibrant portraits covering several different artistic styles. You can also find photos spanning over 150 years from the 1865 photo of Lincoln to the 2021 photo of Trump.I found the descriptions of each portrait to be very interesting. The description provides a brief summary of the subject's accomplishments and controversies.The gallery itself is a work of art.

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.

Easy entrance, FREE no crowds, plenty of restrooms and water fountains, nice large covered patio with lots of seating. Of course all the presidential portraits (Obama is finally back in residence).... but so much more.... some great traditional paintings (ex. Edward Hopper), castings of Lincoln, photography, and some modern art installations. Definitely easy to spend 3 4 hours here. If you can, leave your bags and drinks at home it makes security so much easier (all the DC museums have water fountains).

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.