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DC Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Exclusive Guided Tour

5 (19)
Washington, US
5 (19)
Washington, US
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Experience the best of American art and history with the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum private guided tour. Step into the historical Old Patent Office Building, where two iconic museums reside, and embark on a 2.5 hour journey. Immerse yourself in the National Portrait Gallery, where you'll discover captivating portraits of influential figures who shaped the United States, from presidents to suffragettes. As you explore the American Art Museum, admire the works of renowned artists like Mary Cassatt and Georgia O'Keeffe, and delve into the intriguing history of American art during the Great Depression. From traditional to experimental and contemporary art, this tour will unveil the unique story of America through its diverse artistic heritage. Join this exclusive tour and witness the intersection of history and art in a truly unforgettable experience.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Suitable for 1-8 Participants
  • Private Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • 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
  • Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
  • Wheelchair Friendly (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option)
  • Guided Museum Tour
  • Duration 2.5 Hours
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the rich history and vibrant art scene of Washington, D.C. with the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Private Guided Tour. This captivating tour takes you on a journey through the National Portrait Gallery and the American Art Museum, both housed in the historic Old Patent Office Building. Immerse yourself in American culture and gain a deeper understanding of the country's artistic heritage.

What to expect?

During this 2.5-hour exclusive tour, you can expect to explore a diverse range of American-made works of art. Starting at the National Portrait Gallery, you'll delve into the history of the building and its transformation into a prestigious museum. Discover captivating portraits that pay homage to influential figures who have shaped the United States. From presidential portraits to images of Civil War figures, these artworks offer a glimpse into the nation's significant moments. Continuing to the American Art Museum, you will admire stunning scenes by American artists from different eras. Marvel at the Impressionist artworks of Mary Cassatt and the evocative flowers of Georgia O'Keeffe. Take a closer look at the thought-provoking photographs commissioned during the Great Depression, and don't miss the intriguing portrait of former President Obama. The museum guides will help you navigate through a variety of contemporary and experimental art, providing insights into America's unique story.

Who is this for?

This private guided tour is perfect for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with American culture. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to Washington, D.C., this tour offers a captivating experience for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Discover the stories behind the portraits and artworks, and gain a greater appreciation for the artistry that has shaped the United States.

Why book this?

Embark on this exclusive tour to gain a unique perspective on American art and history. With an expert guide by your side, you'll dive into the narratives woven into each artwork, making the entire experience come alive. Explore the National Portrait Gallery, once a Civil War-era hospital, and learn about the significant individuals who have left their mark on the United States. At the American Art Museum, you'll encounter masterpieces from renowned artists, such as Mary Cassatt and Edward Hopper, and discover how their work contributed to the evolution of American art.

Good to know

It is important to note that the total duration of the tour is 150 minutes. The meeting point is the stairs outside of the G street entrance, where you'll find a sign reading "National Portrait Gallery." The same location serves as the endpoint for the tour. Be prepared for an immersive experience that combines historical context with artistic appreciation. Engage in thought-provoking conversations and ask your guide any questions you may have along the way. At the end of the tour, you'll leave with a new understanding of American art and a deeper connection to the rich cultural heritage of Washington, D.C.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on this private guided tour have praised the expertise and knowledge of the guides. They were impressed by the vast collection of portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, as well as the diverse range of artworks at the American Art Museum. Travelers have expressed their satisfaction with the well-paced tour, providing ample time for exploration and reflection. Overall, past attendees have found this experience to be enriching, educational, and a must-see for both locals and visitors to Washington, D.C. Don't miss your chance to uncover the hidden gems of American art with the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum - Private Guided Tour.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

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.

Reviews

(19)

5 (19)

343mickeyp

Annemarie was the perfect guide! She was super easy to ask questions of, was very knowledgeable, and told great stories and information that we never would’ve never known had we gone on our own. We highly recommend Ann-Marie for any tour! So glad we got to enjoy the afternoon with her.

Z4773YNkimt

Annemarie Voss gave us a fabulous, informative, educational tour of the National Potrait Gallery & American Museum. We were thrilled with the facts she gave us during our time together. 10 Stars!!!!

402ellenq

Annemarie was amazing! She knew so much about both history and art and tailored the tour to our interests. Such a great storyteller and conversationalist.

amandahV8382EI

Ann Marie was fabulous! We loved our tour very much. She pointed out things we never would have seen on our own! A five star private tour!

debra_g

Annemarie gave us a spectacular, informative tour of the portrait gallery and the American art museum . She was personable, full of interesting stories, and we learned so much !

438emilya

Annemarie was amazing with both the adults and the kids in our group! She was highly knowledgeable, not only informing us about aspects/context of the art we were viewing, but also asked compelling questions to make us think about what we were perceiving too. She made sure to show us the highlights we were looking forward to AND the interesting/important pieces we would’ve have missed without her expertise and guidance.

monicalX7093ME

We had a wonderful private tour of the portrait Gallery and American Art Museum. Our tour guide was Annmarie and she was fantastic. We had a wonderful afternoon and learned a lot.

rodericka428

Annemarie was a great tour guide. She is super friendly and knowledgeable. We highly recommend her!

G9210NHcarolw

Annemarie was great. She was very nice, flexible, and going with our interests. She knows the history of the building , of Washington, of the country & of the presidents. I especially liked the portraits of the presidents, & learning more US history. (PS- Your TripAdvisor categories for this questionnaire are lacking; there’s no category for family (adults), so I used friends!!)

749cherylr

Rebecca, WOW what a great tour guide. The Portrait Gallery and SAAM is, like all the Smithsonians, HUGE. Rebecca covered it all with informative information but made the history fun, exciting, and amusing. We moved at a steady pace so we could see it all but the pace was just right for the 2 hour tour. We could not have seen a tenth of the museums on our own or come away educated and happy. Thank you, Rebecca!
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-17 17:17