Smithsonian American Art Museum, National art museum in downtown Washington, D.C., United States
The Smithsonian American Art Museum displays over 7,000 artists across multiple galleries in the Greek Revival Old Patent Office Building.
The museum originated in 1829 and moved to its current location in 1968, sharing the restored historic building with the National Portrait Gallery.
The collection includes extensive works from the New Deal era, American Impressionism, contemporary multimedia installations, and significant African American artistic contributions.
Located above Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station, the museum operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM with free admission.
The Lunder Conservation Center features floor-to-ceiling glass walls allowing visitors to observe art restoration techniques and preservation processes.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Inception: 1829
Founders: John Varden
Architects: James Renwick Jr.
Official opening: 1968
Operator: Smithsonian Institution
Part of: Smithsonian Institution
Address: 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday,Holidays 11:30-19:00
Phone: +12026337970
Website: http://americanart.si.edu
GPS coordinates: 38.89787,-77.02359
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:52
Washington DC, the capital of the United States, houses the three branches of federal government and the nation's most significant political institutions. The White House serves as the presidential residence, while the Capitol building hosts Congress and the Supreme Court represents the judicial branch. The National Mall extends 2 miles (3 kilometers) and connects historic monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument, which commemorate the nation's founders. The city holds an exceptional concentration of museums, many belonging to the Smithsonian Institution and offering free admission. The National Air and Space Museum displays the history of aviation and space exploration, while the National Gallery of Art presents an extensive collection of European and American art. The Library of Congress preserves over 170 million items and ranks as the largest library in the world. Memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial honor significant events and figures in American history. Historic districts like Georgetown and Embassy Row, along with green spaces such as the Tidal Basin and Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, complement the capital's cultural and natural offerings.
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