DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour

US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (22 reviews)

Highlights

  • Exclusive guided tour of National Portrait Gallery
  • Explore the American Art Museum's impressive collection
  • Learn about the history of the Old Patent Office Building
  • View iconic presidential portraits and Civil War figures
  • Discover contemporary and experimental art in America

Meeting Point

Meet on the stairs outside of the G street entrance in front of the the sign reading "National Portrait Gallery"

Meeting point

8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001 , United States

End point

End Point

Meet on the stairs outside of the G street entrance in front of the the sign reading "National Portrait Gallery"

Meeting point

8th St NW & G St NW, Washington, DC 20001 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

National Portrait Gallery

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 150 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Additional information
    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.
Provided by Babylon Tours DC

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Old Ebbitt Grill for lunch.
  • icon
    Check museum's website for closures.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
  • icon
    Take photos outside, it's stunning!
  • icon
    Arrive early to explore the lobby.

Select Currency