National Gallery of Art
About This Museum
Believe it or not, the National Gallery of Art was a gift to the nation from a single family—the Mellons—who believed great art should belong to everyone. It's not one but two massive buildings facing each other across a sprawling plaza, creating an artistic sanctuary right on the National Mall. You can easily spend a whole day wandering between them, moving from the quiet elegance of older masters to the bold statements of modern art. The expansive Sculpture Garden across the street is the perfect spot for a contemplative pause among towering works by artists like Louise Bourgeois.
Collection Highlights
You'll find yourself face-to-face with the only Leonardo da Vinci in the Americas, marvel at Van Gogh's vibrant 'Roses,' and get lost in the softness of a Vermeer. The collection is wonderfully vast, spanning from Rembrandt's penetrating portraits to Warhol's iconic pop art prints.
Visitor Information
The best part? Admission is completely free, so you can pop in for a quick look or make a full day of it without worrying about tickets. It’s conveniently located on Constitution Avenue, easily reached by Metro.
Architecture & Building
The original West Building is a neoclassical masterpiece of pink Tennessee marble, all grand arches and rotundas, while the East Building is a striking geometric fortress of modern design by I.M. Pei.
Contact & Location
Address: Constitution Avenue Northwest, Penn Quarter, Ward 2, Washington, District of Columbia, 20554, United States
Phone: +1 202-737-4215
Website: Visit Website
