The best art museums and galleries in Washington and what to see in them

Journey into Washington’s artistic soul, where a years of American history unfurls through its eclectic art scene. The best art museums in Washington house various American masterpieces and contemporary installations. Set against the backdrop of the city’s iconic monuments, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and ARTECHOUSE offer exciting explorations for families, while the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden provide an opportunity to experience the seamless blend of art and nature on a summer evening in Washington.

Best art museums in Washington

1. Smithsonian American Art Museum

An epicenter of American talent, the Smithsonian American Art Museum houses a collection of works from over 7,000 artists. One of the best museums in Washington, it presents a vibrant dialogue between artists and the public.

Highlights:

Discover George Catlin's original Indian Gallery, with its 400 paintings providing a fascinating snapshot of 1930s Plains Indian tribes.

Address and opening hours:

G Street Northwest and 8th St NW, Washington, DC 20004, United States. Open daily 11:30 AM-7:00 PM.

2. National Portrait Gallery

A testament to the individuals who have shaped the United States, the National Portrait Gallery reflects history on a personal level. It's an intimate encounter with those who have written the American story, from political leaders to cultural icons.

Highlights:

View the detailed portraits of renowned Civil War military leaders like Grant and Sherman.

Address and opening hours:

8th St NW and G St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States. Open daily 11:30 AM-7:00 PM.

3. National Gallery of Art

One of the most exquisite destinations for art in Washington, the National Gallery of Art is a treasure trove of masterpieces. Housing an impressive collection of works from around the world, this museum offers a visual feast for art lovers.

Highlights:

See masterpieces like Vincent Van Gogh’s haunting "Self Portrait” and Claude Monet’s serene "Woman with a Parasol.” If you’re in Washington in spring or fall, try to get tickets for National Gallery Nights, special late openings on the second Thursday of the month. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Washington at night.

Address and opening hours:

Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20565, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. The Phillips Collection

Home to an esteemed collection of Impressionist and modern art masterworks, The Phillips Collection is a cornerstone of art in Washington. The intimate setting provides an ideal backdrop for exploring the evolution of modern art.

Highlights:

A major attraction is Jacob Lawrence’s "The Migration Series," a sequence of 60 paintings narrating the migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North in the early 20th century.

Address and opening hours:

1600 21st St NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

5. National Museum of African American History and Culture

Boasting impressive collections by artists like Charles Alston, Elizabeth Catlett, and Henry O. Tanner, the National Museum of African American History and Culture is a beacon of African American art, history, and culture. Permanent exhibits showcase how art encapsulates and reflects the Black experience, from the Civil Rights Movement through African diasporic influences.

Highlights:

Marvel at Robert S. Duncanson’s masterful oil painting, “The Garden of Eden.”

Address and opening hours:

1400 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

6. National Museum of Women in the Arts

The world’s first museum dedicated solely to women in art was first opened in 1987. Located in a beautiful Renaissance-style Masonic Temple, the collections span generations and continents to celebrate artists like Lavinia Fontana and Frida Kahlo. Come on Wednesdays for the soothing tones of chamber orchestras.

Highlights:

With such a vast collection of artworks, you can jump genres and epochs in the space of one room. Favorites include Gabriele Münter's expressionist “Breakfast of the Birds” and Sarah Bernhardt’s classically composed sculpture “After the Storm.”

Address and opening hours:

1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Best design museums in Washington

7. ARTECHOUSE

ARTECHOUSE, an innovative art space, pushes the boundaries of visual and experiential arts by leveraging technology. It’s one of the trendiest art galleries in Washington, showcasing a new generation of artists who challenge norms to explore the relationship between art, science, and technology.

Highlights:

Every ARTECHOUSE ticket offers an in-depth encounter with groundbreaking art and artists using an extended reality app.

Address and opening hours:

1238 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

8. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

A central hub of contemporary and modern art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is also a testament to creative expression. Its cylindrical building houses an extensive collection of the best art from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Highlights:

Experience the captivating beauty of "One with Eternity," an installation by Yayoi Kusama.

Address and opening hours:

Independence Ave SW and 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20560, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

Alternative museums in Washington

9. Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible brings Christianity’s bedrock text to life through visual culture. The museum’s second floor showcases the Bible’s influence on creativity through film, music, art, and fashion. At the same time, the Grand Hall’s ornate ceiling illuminates famous artworks and tapestries from the Vatican to Jerusalem.

Highlights:

Remember to save time for an in-depth exploration of the “History of the Bible” exhibit, a family-friendly activity featuring more than 600 fascinating artifacts.

Address and opening hours:

400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

10. Marvel at fresh contemporary creations at the Renwick Gallery

Set within a stately mansion completed in 1874, the Renwick Gallery was designed as the “American Louvre” and Washington’s first art museum. The Civil War thwarted those plans, but the Smithsonian reclaimed it in 1965 as a museum of crafts. Today, it boasts exhilarating exhibitions of contemporary art that immerse visitors through space, light, and sculpture.

Highlights:

The Renwick Gallery is always free to enter. While the museum’s concept is based around refreshing temporary exhibitions, more permanent highlights include Janet Echelman’s “1.8 Renwick,” a soft sculpture that dazzles with fiery color.

Address and opening hours:

1661 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #1, Washington, DC 20006, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Washington?

Many art museums in Washington, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and National Gallery of Art, offer free entry year-round.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Washington?

ARTECHOUSE, a digital art gallery, provides an immersive art experience. The Dumbarton Oaks Museum houses a unique collection of Byzantine and Pre-Columbian art.

Which art museums in Washington have works by famous artists?

The National Gallery of Art boasts works by renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet. The Hirshhorn Museum displays contemporary pieces by famous artists like Yayoi Kusama.

Are the art museums in Washington wheelchair accessible?

Most of Washington’s art museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art, are wheelchair accessible. Some museums provide wheelchairs at the entrance.

Are any art museums in Washington suitable for children and families?

Many art museums in Washington are family-friendly. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Portrait Gallery have interactive exhibits designed for children.